In the spring, Brendan was cast in Shakespeare’s Richard III. It is the annual Commonwealth Shakespeare Company‘s Shakespeare in Park. The park being Boston Common. His role was Richard, Duke of York.

What an awesome experience. At the first rehearsal (on Bren’s birthday!), the Artistic Director of the company and the show’s director, Steve, talked about the production being a gift to the city. It is an opportunity to bring free theater, and free Shakespeare to thousands of people. It might be hot, it might be rainy, it’s live theater at it’s best.

There is also a great learning community that is part of the show. There is a core cast of equity actors. Then there are CSC2 cast members- a dozen actors who are post college working toward their equity status. And then there are apprentices who work the show in various ways while also rehearsing for their own performances as part of the professional training program (and work with CSC2 members). So many people to learn from!

Bren had a great time with Seamus, the other kid actor, who was 14. Together with Caroline, their coordinator, they made their own fun! Sometimes it was with videos and social media, sometimes with board games.

The opening night party was Bren’s opportunity to be very much himself- purple suit, sequins sneakers. He made his mark with the cast. The last night was particularly emotional as he heard from many cast members how much they valued his role and the excitement he brought to the show. It reminded a lot of people of why they got into acting. We went with Bren to a development event and he also got to learn more about what foes into the show on the fundraising side of theater. It’s such a great opportunity to learn all the different roles that go into making a production.

So many friends came to the show, we enjoyed it several times (and the taco truck and of course the Ben and Jerry’s truck). This is one none of us – especially Bren – won’t forget!