Julia Jech and Julia Ostmann rehearse After Juliet.

Rehearsals begin for After Juliet

There are no sets, no costumes, no props (except two pretty authentic looking swords); they’ll come later. But the young actors in SCR’s Teen Players ensemble group are fast learning lines and blocking, and soon they’ll inhabit their characters as they prepare for the spring production of After Juliet.

“This is when the work begins for them,” said Director Hisa Takakuwa, “but it’s also when the fun begins. Since they started classes back in September, they’ve been preparing for this moment. Now they get to put to use all that they’ve learned. It’s very exciting for the cast—and the director!”

Director Hisa Takakuwa, with Elizabeth Wilson and Ellis Beardsley, working on After Juliet.

After Juliet is based on an original idea by Keira Knightley and written by her mother, Sharman Macdonald. It takes place in a land saddened by the tragedy of the young lovers, at a time when the Capulets and Montagues have declared peace between their families. But the kids keep feuding. Benvolio (Romeo’s best friend) loves Rosaline (Romeo’s girlfriend before he met Juliet) but she still pines for Romeo—and she wants revenge. The play is filled with love and laughter, as well as lots of swordplay.

Akshay Sharma and Rachel Teague practice their sword fighting.

The Teen Players are chosen by audition after at least two years in the Theatre Conservatory, and in After Juliet, they portray characters their own age in a modern version—with very modern language. Performances are May 29 at 4pm and 7:30pm, May 30 at 1pm and 4pm, June 4 and 5 at 7:30 pm and June 6 at 1pm and 4pm in SCR’s Nicholas Studio. Tickets are $9.

Cast members are Ellis Beardsley (Alice), Connor Dugard (Gianni), Lauren Gardner (Livia, Angelica), Valentina Gehley (Valentine), Julia Jech (Rhona, Juliet), Julia Ostmann (Bianca), Akshay Sharma (Benvolio, Romeo), Nick Slimmer (The Drummer, Petruchio), Rachel Teague (Rosaline), Maxwell Weinberg (Lorenzo) and Elizabeth Wilson (Helena).

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