Shakespeare by the Sea

Watching an outdoor Shakespeare play is part of my bucket list every summer. I usually attend the ones performed at Griffith Park by Independent Shakespeare Co., but this year I got to check out a different company, Shakespeare by the Sea, for the first time. I had heard of them and always wanted to check it out. I really enjoyed to literally watch the performance BY THE SEA, and under the stars. Saw «The Tempest» right outside the Aquarium of the Pacific, it was good. However, I definitely noticed a difference. They have a much lower attendance and they cut out many scenes to bring it down to two hours, instead of the usual three required to act out all five acts. This could be a bad thing if one is a staunch Shakespeare perfectionist; however, for those of us who are just out there to have a swell time and have enough memory and imagination to fill in the missing scenes and just enjoy the summer evening at sea, it was perfect. We even discovered a new stargazing iPhone app during intermission.

Saw The Tempest in South Pasadena on Aug 7. The performance totally blew me away — top notch in every way. Great acting, costumes, innovative set and use of the outdoor space. Even sitting pretty far back, the sound was good — always a challenge for outdoor performances. And the actors were all so gracious in hanging around to pose for pictures and engage with kids (and adults!). Great way to introduce my 4 year old to theater (it was her first play). Add a picnic and great (unseasonably cool) weather and it was pretty much a perfect night!

This is a great community event! I have brought
My kids to every show for the past several years and it’s something we always look forward to. The comical spin makes Shakespeare accessible to children and the picnic setting is sweet. What a nice way to spend a summer evening!

I think this is one of the coolest things our town does. At Point Fermin Park during July or August, I forget. They put on a different Shakespeare play each year and it is free! I believe you can give a donation though.
We usually bring a lawn chair or blanket and some food. You can bring alcohol if you are sneaky and respectful AKA throw away your trash and all that. It usually brings in a pretty chill crowd and it makes for a great summer night.
It is San Pedro though so once in a while some jerks will ruin it by starting a fight in the parking lot or something. I think many parks get like this and at night when the crazies come out.

I love any organization that promotes the arts especially making it available to the masses! The acting was excellent and they were very creative with the staging and costumes and certain liberties they took with the script, I think one actor told the other to «scooch», cute!
So why only 3 stars? I have to sadly agree with an earlier reviewer regarding the fundraising pleas. I was trying to remember why I stopped bringing groups to this group’s performances and the minute I heard the first speech I remembered. Most people attend free performances usually because they can’t afford a ticket so to guilt them about the cost somewhat defeats the purpose. I understand fundraising is necessary but at other groups’ free performances we usually get a short «commercial» at intermission, usually in character and comical so people actually want to give if they can and a bucket passed around at the end for the actors, fine no problem. Last night was not as bad because it was the last performance but there was a callout that «LA did not step up this year!», was that supposed to motivate us? What is funny is that in support of the event I DID go buy a $ 25.00 blanket, but I had to stand there for several minutes trying to get someone’s attention to take my credit card, this is where I would expect people would be openly promoting their wares yet no one seemed to be promoting the logo’d items they were just chatting amongst themselves. I did buy the raffle ticket and then when I did buy the overpriced food I heard the vendor reminding people that «this is why the play is free!», is it really necessary to do this at every free moment?
They were proud of the fact that 1400 turned out so maybe I’m one of only a few that is bothered by this. I wish them luck and again kudos to the actors and all the volunteers for all they do.
One last note, and this is NOT the company’s fault, «free» does not mean you should treat it like your living room and let your children scream and play during the show, please get a sitter so your neighbors around you can enjoy the show as well.

One of the things I have looked forward to the past 17 years is the summer theater productions of Shakespeare by the Sea. This year’s production of Hamlet is the best production ever. I say that with a little knowledge since I have seen many of the greats perform from coast to coast from off Broadway to the Globe Theatre in Stamford, CT. The lead actor played Hamlet with the flare and emotion the Great Bard intended. Crazy like a fox while adeptly speaking directly to the audience as if to each individually. Brilliantly done. Other stand — out notables, Polonius, Gertrude. And the fair Ophelia.
I look forward to seeing them again when they play in Laguna Niguel in August. Bravo!

For the past five years, I’ve looked forward to my favorite summer event — Shakespeare By The Sea coming to my local park! After only seeing one of their two shows the first year, I made it a point to see both of their productions at least once. They travel to many different communities in So Cal, so they will likely be somewhere near you this summer. But they are worth a drive to see! We always pack ourselves a picnic dinner, pack up our chairs and blankets, and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars. If you arrive early enough to get good seats, you can watch the cast serve as the set builders, putting up the stage. The cast is also available to greet following the show. They attract some serious talent!
The best part — it is free! You don’t have to pay for it. BUT, even though you can attend without spending even one penny, please be prepared to donate a bit of money. SBTS runs on grants and donations so that they can make the Shakespeare experience accessible to all. Make a purchase from their merchandise or concessions, buy a raffle ticket, or put some money in one of the donation boxes.
I’ve seen them put on Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Romeo & Juliet, All’s Well That Ends Well, and King John. Many of their actors return summer after summer. My personal favorites are Patrick Vest, Chris Aron, and Cylan Brown. Excellent performances every time I’ve seen them!
You shouldn’t let this summer pass without an evening of Shakespeare By The Sea!

Very cool play! It’s always a lot of fun. Point Fermin is a nice park and a big one. It’s great for a nice picnic and meet great people.

A friend and I went to see «All’s Well That Ends Well» up at Pt. Fermin. We took a picnic dinner and some bubbly and had dinner before the show started. While we ate we got to watch them getting the show ready. I liked that there was an established stage area and benches on which to sit. The performance was well done, and loved the use of microphones.
Getting in and out was pretty easy, and parking was a breeze. The only detractor from the show was the car alarm the kept going off. I would definitely make plans to do this again next summer… I might even try the special dinner performance that they do on occasion.
Tips: Dress warm because it gets a little chilly right there by the ocean. Bring a thermos of something warm (that way your evening can be totally on the cheap). This makes a great date night if you have someone who enjoys Shakespeare.

This is one of my favorite summer time activities in SoCal. I’ve seen several productions throughout the year and am continually impressed at the quality given the price (free). My favorite production location is Polliwog Park which has a natural amphitheater. I recommend getting to any production early to snag a good spot and bringing beverages and snacks picnic style to share with friends. Also bring some cash to buy a program or raffle ticket to help support the event. Take my word on this, after you go one time you will become a returning customer.

Was a great show, we saw «All’s Well That Ends Well» at Adventure Park in Whitter.
I was actually amazed at how much went into the production. I have been involved in theater for years. Wow, the amount of microphones and speakers, lights, the set and costumes were all amazing.
I have seen «Shakespeare in the Park» in movies and it always looks hokey, but this was definitely not a low budget production.
They do this for donations, there is no charge to see the show, just bring a chair or blanket and some eats and enjoy an evening in the park.

I’ve done this now for a couple of years and will keep doing it. Does it get better than professional acting with a professional set, for FREE, by the beach, at these fabulous venues? I usually go when they’re in Long Beach, and have yet to be disappointed.

Well, I’ve only been going to these plays for a couple of years. I’ve gone to the ones in Fred Hesse Park and also the one at Terranea. Let me say that you can’t beat this type of entertainment. You get 1. a picnic provided by you of course and 2. some culture for a pretty good price (free). Donations are very much suggested.
As others have mentioned, always bring something to cover up even if it’s a warm day. I’m a guy, and even I’ve gotten cold. Also make sure you arrive early. The good spots are usually gone quickly. Also if you arrive late, you will have to deal with parking woes, and might be so far from the stage, you might not see much.

As far as free summer acting troupes in SoCal go, Shakespeare by the Sea is the only one I notice that travels around during their run — performing in various parks in the area — sometimes playing a different park each night of the week.
In the 10 years I’ve been going to watch their productions — be they at Point Fermin Park, by the Aquarium of the Pacific, or at this tiny park in Lakewood where I saw them last — they’re quality has definitely improved in terms of acting and set pieces. Add the fact that they move these bigger set pieces almost nightly, Wednesday through Sunday, week after week, it’s pretty impressive.
Sure, they’re not a big, expensive production, but they get the job done. Excellent way to introduce someone to works by the Bard.
Anyway, heed all the warnings that it gets cold, but also don’t forget the insect repellent. We were practically eaten alive in Monte Verde Park.
You can pack a picnic, but Shakespeare by the Sea’s performances are the only ones I’ve been to where security (possibly police officers?) monitor the audience to make sure no one’s imbibing and ticket/​confiscate from those they «catch.» Last year, my little group kept getting the uncomfortable stare-​down from a uniformed man across the park while we drank root beer in brown glass bottles.
Shakespeare by the Sea has also yielded some of the most … uh, interesting… audience members. I mean, who goes to a public performance in a park to do their taxes on a TV tray while sitting in a lawn chair by the glow of a lit candelabra?

Great little presentation by the water. Not the best acting (sorry) but it’s still a lot of fun.
Bring a jacket and some food.

On Attending A Performance:
1. Check out which plays they are performing this year. Brush up on a bit of their storylines (God bless you, wikipedia.)
2. Since locations change, seating availability varies. Point Fermin Park has benches. Nice, metal, *ahem* COLD benches. If you like to sit traditional style, bring some seat cushion of some sort, or fleece blankets. Snuggies — acceptable.
Picnic style is my favorite. Since I’m rarely outdoors, and this is an outdoor event, I figure, what the heck, and bring out my goodies. Bring several blankets — 1 or 2 for the ground, and 1 blanket for each of your peoples, because chances are, you’re gonna need it. It gets cold once it gets dark.
3. IT GETS COLD!!! I like to bring a hoodie and a blanket to keep me warm.
4. They sell snacks — cookies, candies. They also sell refreshments, including hot cocoa. And yes, you can bring your own munchies and bevies, just clean up afterwards. I heard that you can bring some wine to enjoy at Point Fermin Park, and last year I did see some people bust out their fancy shmancy wine glasses and get their sip on. But check again on their website just to be sure.
5. Don’t worry, you’ll get the old english lingo eventually. The first few minutes are always a bit hard for me, as I find that I have to really concentrate to decode what they’re saying. But sometime into the show, you’ll slowly and surely understand.
6. Please leave a donation. Anything. Last few times I donated 5 bucks, but I feel it’s worth so much more.
I look forward to this every summer, and every summer I bring more and more friends. I’ve seen Taming of the Shrew, Cleopatra, my fave The Twelfth Night, and a few others. With such limited budget, the end result is amazing, from the costumes to the actors who work their butt off for free. Their set is usually pretty creative as well. Thank you a million times for putting this on!!!

Shakespeare… who would have thought this demented high school implement of torture could be so much fun. Maybe it’s because there’s no book to read, essay to write, and you get to drink wine (well kinda).
So like others have said… they’re this small group of underpaid actors who set up their own stage, props, etc… and do a play out in a local park (check their website) during the summer.
What’s really cool (besides not having to write a stinkin essay) is being able to set out a picnic spread, chill out, and just freaking decompress. It’s like a cheap (ie. free) therapy session, complete with food and wine (sorta).
See…since it’s at a public park, some places have park nazi’s with Blue Blockers™ walking around spottin for VIOLATORS! OMG! VIOLATORS! So be on the DL and brown bag the grape juice. Keep the drama on the stage and all’s good.
In a nutshell… this is 2 – 3 hours of seriously fun SoCal outdoor time! You might even remember the crap you put on your essay 6 years ago!

I saw both productions in the 2009 summer season, both Loves Labours Lost and As You Like It and it was amazing. Great actors who really understood what they were doing and saying. Seriously, these actors put up and take down the set every night and don’t make any money! There’s a donation request, but it is one hundred percent worth it and still way cheaper than your average theater ticket!
I can’t wait for the 2010 season!

*** Yet another awesome free summer event. ***
The opportunities to enjoy summer are endless.
Last nite i brought a date here to chill out and
watch Shakespeare’s «Love’s Labour’s Lost».
It’s a casual, relaxed, very enjoyable affair …
there’s another Shakespearean play tonite!
First get your checklist of items for the event:
1. a picnic basket and/​or ice cooler
2. a blanket and/​or low-​rise lawn chairs
3. wine, cheese, fruit, sushi, smoked salmon
(y’know: easily manageable finger foods)
4. sweater and/​or blanket for warmth
5. an easy going ‘tude (this ain’t Broadway)
If u ask, i couldn’t tell u anything about the play.
All i recall is that the cast is extremely silly, lol.
The date: we talked, we laughed, she dug it,
I dug it, took a walk around the park during
the intermission … hey, it was all good. ;)
*** A very pleasant way to just simply chill. ***

I saw the plays at Wilson Park in Torrance. Ample parking and a scenic little spot for a theater tucked away behind the duck pond.
The concept is great… free Shakespeare in the park for the community! I was impressed by the costuming, the willingness of the actors to drive all over SoCal on their own time/​money, their ability to memorize lines from 2 different plays, and just the sense of appreciation for the arts. (They do take donations which I think they more than deserve!!)
I had never read/​seen «Merchant of Venice». It was a wonderful play highlighting strong female characters & I thought the actresses did a fantastic job.
I liked their interpretation of «Taming of the Shrew» into 1940s theme.
Overall, it felt like Hollywood Bowl on a smaller scale with everyone bringing picnics, beach towels, chairs, etc. I particularly liked the pre-​show entertainment in which a few actors demonstrated a scene from Romeo & Juliet in different styles (Western, Soap Opera, Cheerleading, etc.)
I’d definitely like to make this a summer tradition! A standing ovation for the people who put on this event!!!