_{Top photo: Directors Sam and Jessie Head. Photo courtesy of Sam Head.}

By Carson Andersen

REXBURG — This July, a group of Shakespeare enthusiasts is putting on a free—that’s right, FREE— production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” produced and performed by Rexburg locals. 

For the past two summers at Porter Park, the Shakespeare in the Park group has attracted bigger and bigger crowds to view this fun, family-friendly cultural performance, which has been produced both by and for the community.

Shakespeare in the Park partners with the Rexburg Community Theatre to set up a stage in the park, build their own sets and invite the community to come and be a part of or watch the production.

Having loved the theater from a young age, Sam Head, a BYU-Idaho English professor, and his wife, Jessie, proposed this fun opportunity to the Rexburg Community Theatre. Together, they have produced, directed and managed this endeavor to bring another source of entertainment to the city they both grew up in. 

“I think there needs to be more opportunities for free, high-quality cultural productions in the community … where people get to develop their talents and experience others’ talents,” said Sam.

This philosophy is the driving force for Shakespeare in the Park. All the participants—the director, actors and set builders—are volunteers.

Sam and Jessie are instrumental in getting each production off the ground. Building sets, advertising and publicity work are taxing, but the end result has been worth it for the Heads.

Every production has drawn crowds of over 300. To boost engagement even further, last year they hosted a one-day “mini-festival” with food trucks and various activities, which brought an even larger turnout and added to the excitement of the event.

“One of the things I’ve loved the most is seeing everyone come together for Shakespeare in the Park. The production crew, the cast, and the audience coming out to see it. It’s inspiring to me to see the community join together that way,” Sam said.

There are many opportunities to get involved this summer as they prepare for Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Performances will be held July 5, and 7-11 at Porter Park in Rexburg. If you are interested in acting in the play, be ready for auditions April 19 and 26!

They are also looking for volunteers to help build sets, be a part of the technical crew or help with publicity. If you are interested in volunteering your skills, visit the Rexburg Community Theatre website at rctheatre.org.

See you there!