Author | Lightnews

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 1d

Shakespeare Inspired Halloween Costumes People Will Actually Recognize

#Hamlet #TheFateOfOphelia #Malvolio #TwelfthNight #RomeoAndJuliet

(The Fate of) Ophelia from Hamlet: You’ll need a long, white, flowy renaissance-inspired dress with long sleeves, hair worn down, red lipstick, and the following flowers in a bouquet: pansies, fennel flowers, daisies, rosemary, columbines, and rue. If able, consider going barefoot.

Malvolio from Twelfth Night: You’ll need a big, unnerving smile, a puritan shirt (think black buttown down shirt with a white collar), striped jester blooms, an antique-looking letter, yellow stockings, blue fishnet tights, and yellow shoes of some kind.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 2d

Thank you to Cass Opal of Western Carolina University School of Stage & Screen for having Assistant Managing Director Sarah Wilson and Assistant Artistic Director Chappell Upper zoom in for a Q&A on stage management with students! We always love the chance to connect and encourage others.

Sarah and Chappell pose together for a selfie in front of a white wall. Sarah wears a white and gray striped shirt and rainbow rimmed glasses. Her hair is dyed green. Chappell wears a denim jacket and red lipstick. They both smile.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 3d

POV: Your adhesive mustache is fighting for its life after you’ve been working up a sweat for 45 minutes.

This is from Pyramus & Thisbe, which we include in every version of ShakesCollage, our touring Shakespeare revue! If you’d like to book it, please email [email protected]

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 4d

Our BARDS learned about set design during a workshop led by Fatima Njie! Fatima walked us through the basics of design using The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Learn more by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.sharedradiance.org/education

A BARD stands to inspect a slide of a PowerPoint presentation titled “Research” containing several images evoking jazz and the 1950s. Fatima stands to the side of the presentation, turned toward the student as she speaks to him. They are in a blackbox studio.

Fatima stands over a model of a blackbox theatre set on a table. A student sits on the other side, moving miniature set pieces around.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 8d

Hamlet in black & white

Photos by Joey Upper

#Shakespeare #TouringTheater #BlackAndWhite #PerformingArts #FineArts

Hamlet, played by David Lee Jr., struggles to stay standing. He wears a tank top, necklace, cross on a necklace, and an intricate circlet crown. The photo frames him from the torso up and we can see a fine layer of sweat across his face.

Ophelia, played by Martha Merritt, passes out flowers to the audience. She wears an embroidered, ankle-length dress and earrings. Her hair flows in the wind as she walks across the lawn at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens.

The Ghost, played by Jen H. Mont, walks across the stage at Congregational United Church of Christ with his upstage hand outstretched. He wears a loose white shirt, looe white pants, and glasses. The curtain behind him is closed.

Claudius, played by George Durfee, looks suspiciously at someone offscreen to his right while holding Gertrude, played by Sherri Raeford, to his left. Claudius wears a satin metallic shirt, an ornate cloak, and an intricate circlet crown. Gertrude wears a velvet and satin gown, jeweled necklace, long earrings, and tiara. Gertrude looks down while clasping her hands in front of her. They both stand in front of the wooden stage at Ciener Gardens.

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Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 9d

Attention BARDS! Our next session will be October 18th (10/18/2025) from 2-4 in Room 413 of the Greensboro Cultural Center. We will be having a Set Design workshop led by Fatima Njie!

Email [email protected] or visit www.sharedradiance.org/education to learn more or register.

Lighting Design Workshop
November 15th (11/15/2025) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Room 413
Explore the concepts of lighting design! Learn about light, color, and lighting equipment.
No BARDS in December
Julius Caesar & Ancient Rome Workshop led by Joey Upper
Room TBD
Learn about the history behind Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar ahead of auditions for the show from a true history buff.
January 17th (1/17/2026) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Fight Choreography Workshop led by Taylor Neese
Room TBD
Learn and practice techniques for staying safe and looking cool during stage combat with an experienced fight choreographer.
February 21st (2/21/2026) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM

Sherri, a seasoned white woman with short, curly blonde hair and glasses, stands while holding her arm around Fatima, a black woman in her twenties with long, dark hair highlighted with a light blue. Fatima sits in a chair and leans into Sherri. They are in a studio at the Greensboro Cultural Center.

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Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 17d

Do you notice any other similarities between The Two Gentlemen of Verona and other Shakespeare plays? Let us know in the comments!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets . Touring seven different locations in the Triad through October 12th!

Confused Couples: Proteus decides he has feelings for Sylvia, his best friend’s love interest, after declaring his feelings for Julia. Characters often go after other people before ending the play with the person they marry. Also Seen In: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night

Lost in the Woods: Valentine, Sylvia, Proteus, and Julia all find themselves navigating the wilderness in pursuit of their own motives near the climax of the play. Having four or more lovers enter a forest creates drama and can be used metaphorically. Also Seen In: As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Pants Roles: Julia disguises herself as Sebastian to safely travel to Proteus in Milan. Shakespeare often has women disguise themselves as men so they can act and speak without being bound by the rules of their time or society. Also Seen In: Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Merchant of Venice, Taming of the Shrew

Forbidden & Banished: Valentine & Sylvia want to be together even though Sylvia’s father, the Duke, wants her to marry Thurio. The Duke banishes Valentine after discovering their plans to elope. Sylvia attempts to run away after him, but things don’t go according to plan. Also Seen In: Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (to a certain extent)

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 21d

Proteus only has eyes for Julia, right?

Get your tickets for The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare at www.sharedradiance.org/tickets . Touring seven different locations in the Triad through October 12th!

#TwoGents #ClassicComedy #DistractedBoyfriend #TouringTheater #RomanticComedy

Sylvia, played by Candace Hescock, Proteus, played by Dominic Pitocco, and Julia, played by Taylor Neese, recreate the Distracted Boyfriend meme format.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 22d

Shared Radiance is proud to present Michael Bradley Lamont in the role of Valentine of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TwoGents #TheaterInNC #SupportTheArts #NCTheatreMakers #TouringTheater

Michael is a white man in his early twenties with glasses and long, dark hair. He wears a black shirt and a genuine smile that scrunches up his nose.

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Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 24d

Shared Radiance is proud to present Dominic Pitocco in the role of Proteus of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TwoGents #TheaterInNC #SupportTheArts #NCTheatreMakers #TouringTheater

Dominic is a cheery looking 24 year lad with shoulder length curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and a mildly fuzzy chin. His appearance has been compared to Shaggy from Scooby Doo - zoinks!

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 24d

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO CULTURAL CENTER
- A public building housing artistic nonprofits
- Accessible elevators & ramps
- Paid parking in the Church Street Parking Deck
- Indoor show

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/...

The Two Gentlemen of Verona. October 11th at 2:00 at the Greensboro Cultural Center, Room 403, 200 N Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401. For tickets, go to www.sharedradiance.org/tickets or scan the QR codes in the image.

A group of actors perform a cold read together. From left to right, Taylor Neese, Andrew Altmann, Sarah Wilson, and David Lee Jr. point dramatically at Dominic Pitocco, who stands apart. They are in Room 413.

From left to right, Robin Gentile, Sarah Wilson, Chappell Upper, Andrew Altmann, Dominic Pitocco, and Andi Schroemer wave at Joey Upper, who drags David Lee Jr. across the front of the stage. They are in a white dance studio.

Andi Schroemer interacts with audience members during a performance of Shine. She leans over and smiles at them as a woman reaches out to her while holding a program. They are in Room 413.

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Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 25d

We wanted to share some behind-the-scenes photos before WE OPEN THIS THURSDAY! Come see this delightful little production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare at one of our seven amazing venues.

Photos by the cast, crew, andcreatives

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

Dominic Pitocco rehearses as Proteus for The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He wears a bright, boldly patterned Spongebob button-down, short-sleeved shirt, dark pink hat, and round sunglasses. He also plays a ukulele while Michale Lamont and Tori Danielik play a drum and shakers respectively behind him.

Alister Vickery rehearses a scene as Valentine’s servant, Speed. He wears a messenger bag with a blue scarf tied around the strap of the bag. The photo is tilted at a slight angle as Alister gestures with his hands to make a point.

Tori Danielik, as the Duke, and Micahel Lamont, as Valentine, rehearse a scene together indoors at Studio 609. They sit on a green settee together. Tori speaks as Micahel looks away and hides something under a giant cape he wears.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 28d

ABOUT THOMASVILLE WOMAN’S CLUB
- A public nonprofit clubhouse
- Wheelchair accessible
- Thomasville, NC
- Tickets include complimentary drink
- Art exhibit by Dana Holliday
- Pre-show cocktail music by Robin Gentile

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets
www.thomasvillewomansclub.org/

The Two Gentlemen of Verona. October 10th at 7:00 at Thomasville Woman’s Club, 15 Elliott Drive, Thomasville, NC 27360. Local artist, Dana Holliday, will be showcasing her work before and after the show. All tickets include a complimentary drink. For tickets, go to www.sharedradiance.org/tickets or scan the QR codes in the image.

The exterior of the Thomasville Woman’s Club is a stately brick house with a nice, manicured lawn and hedges. Four columns support the roof extending over the shaded porch. The name of the club is displayed above the entrance in black lettering.

A large banquet hall features chandeliers, formal dining tables, a piano, a fireplace, and a mounted TV. The walls are white and gray. The accents and the ceiling are a beautiful polished wood.

A small banquet hall features similar features as the large banquet hall. In this picture, we can also see the polished, wooden floor.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · 29d

Shared Radiance is proud to present Candace Hescock in the role of Sylvia of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TwoGents #TheaterInNC #SupportTheArts #NCTheatreMakers #TouringTheater

Candace is a woman of mixed race with long, dark, straight hair and friendly, brown eyes. Slight freckles pepper her cheeks above her sweet, dusty rose smile. She wears a light, bright aqua sweater and stands against a neutral wall.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 24

Our BARDS learned about The Two Gentlemen of Verona during a workshop led by George Durfee this past weekend!

Band of Aspiring Radiant Drama Students is free to all teens & preteens. Registration is open through www.sharedradiance.org/education

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

A page from the script of The Two Gentlemen of Verona - Act 2, Scene 1

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 23

Shared Radiance is proud to present Taylor Neese in the role of Julia of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

Headshot by Steve Raeford
www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TwoGents #TheaterInNC #SupportTheArts #NCTheatreMakers #TouringTheater

Taylor Neese is a white woman with long, blonde, wavy hair and grayish-green eyes. Her full cheeks punctuate her gorgeous smile. Taylor stands sideways with her head turned towards her shoulder. She wears a floral shirt, black cardigan, and silver necklace while standing outside.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 19

ABOUT PAUL J. CIENER BOTANICAL GARDEN
- A public garden
- Accessible ramps
- Book tickets ahead, at the door maybe available
- Kernersville, NC
- Parking @ venue
- Outdoor show
- Indoor rain plan & bathroom
- Bring outdoor gear
www.sharedradiance.org/tickets
www.cienerbotanicalgarden.org/

The Two Gentlemen of Verona. October 5th at 4:00 at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284. For tickets, go to www.sharedradiance.org/tickets or scan the QR codes in the image.

Ophelia, played by Martha Merritt, flails as she causes a scene in her madness. Trees, shrubs, and bushes create a beautiful backdrop behind her.

Gertrude, played by Sherri Raeford, and Claudius, played by George Durfee, stand side by side in an embrace. They frown and look serious. They stand on a lawn in front of a gravel path and are surrounded by lush plants.

The Ghost, played by Jen H. Mont, walks across the wooden stage as Bernardo, played by Dominic Pitocco, and Horatio, played by Chappell Upper, watch in terror from the lawn. The stage is covered by a trellis drowning in greenery.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 18

Shared Radiance is proud to present Alister Vickery in the role of Speed of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TwoGents #TheaterInNC #SupportTheArts #NCTheatreMakers #TouringTheater

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 17

Cool Things We Saw In Schools While Touring ShakesCollage Last Year

If you’d like to book our 45-minute interactive, educational Shakespeare revue for your school, library, festival, or other event or organization, please email [email protected]

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 16

Shared Radiance is proud to present Andrew Altmann in the roles of Antonio, Launce, and Outlaw 3 of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare!

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

A 5 ft 3in white man in his mid-twenties with curly brown hair and green eyes wearing glasses.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 15

Check out this first look at the cast of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare! Don’t miss your chance to see these cutie patooties in this delightful little comedy live and in person.

Photos by Steve Raeford

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

(Bottom row, left to right) Valentine, played by Michael Lamont, Proteus, played by Dominic Pitocco, (top row, left to right) Sylvia, played by Candace Hescock, and Julia, played by Taylor Neese, pose for a photo together. Valentine and Proteus lean against a log in front of them, while Sylvia and Proteus lean against the backs of their respective love interests. They all smile and lean on one of their respective arms.

Valentine points out something offscreen to Proteus. Valentine’s other hand is on Proteus’ shoulder. They both wear the troupe uniform: green short-sleeved shirts with the arms rolled up and black, loose overalls with bows on each strap. Proteus wears a straw hat with a blue ribbon around it. Valentine wears a straw hat with a pink ribbon around it.

A cheeky Sylvia takes a letter from Valentine, who looks lovestruck. Valentine’s fingers lithely linger on the letter as Sylvia holds his gaze.

Proteus and Julia stand side-by-side as they cross their arms over each other’s arm. They hold up rings and smile at each other.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 13

Attention BARDS! Our next BARDS session will be 9/20/2025 from 2-4 PM in Room 403 of the Greensboro Cultural Center. We will be having a workshop on The Two Gentlemen of Verona led by the director himself, George Durfee!

www.sharedradiance.org/education

Set Design Workshop led by Fatima Njie
October 18th (10/18/2025) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Room 413
Explore the concepts of set design! Learn about materials, aesthetic, building, and more.
Lighting Design Workshop
November 15th (11/15/2025) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Room 413
Explore the concepts of lighting design! Learn about light, color, and lighting equipment.
2026 workshop lineup coming soon!

George, a male-presenting person in his early 30s, plays Claudius in Shared Radiance’s 2025 production of Hamlet at a performance at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens. He has wavy dark brown hair, a light beige skin tone, full cheekbones, and a strong jaw. He wears a silver, breezy shirt, a black and silver vest, an intricate, gold crown, and black, circular earrings. George holds his hands together in front of his torso as he tries to discern something.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 12

ABOUT BACK TABLE
-A public coffee shop & full bar, creative co-work space, & performance venue
-Book a ticket ahead of time
-Tickets at the door may be available
-Greensboro, NC
-Free, paved parking at the venue

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

backtablegso.com

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 11

Shared Radiance is proud to present Tori Danielik in the role of the Duke of our upcoming production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona!

Tickets for The Two Gentlemen of Verona are available at www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

#TheTwoGentlemenOfVerona #TwoGents #TheDuke #WilliamShakespeare #TheatreInNC

Tori is a white person with bright red, straight, shoulder-length hair and.' green eyes. They wear a long-sleeve blue shirt and chipped green nail polish. They lean against a tall wooden fence and look into the camera thoughtfully.

Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company @sharedradiance.bsky.social · Sep 10

ABOUT CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
- Public church
- Book ahead of time, possible availability at door
- Free paved parking
- Indoor, stationary show
- Seating available at venue
- Indoor bathrooms

Photos from Hamlet by Joey Upper

www.sharedradiance.org/tickets

congregationalucc.com

The Ghost, played by Jen H. Mont, walks across the stage in front of a green curtain. He is haunting.

The Player Queen, played by Lydia Grey, has a worrying moment alone on the stage in a spotlight. She is surrounded by darkness and blue light.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona. October 3rd at 7:00 at Congregational United Church of Christ, 400 West Radiance Drive, Greensboro, NC 27403. For tickets, go to www.sharedradiance.org/tickets or scan the QR codes in the image.

Hamlet, played by David Lee Jr., leans over Ophelia, played by Martha Merritt, from behind her chair. Their chairs are in front of a set of stairs leading up to the stage.