Savannah Stage Company wants to make Shakespeare accessible to all with new 'Julius Caesar' show

This isn’t just any production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. This one act adaptation features their newly established Teen Company where all of the players are students from the Savannah community.

“The best way to make Shakespeare accessible to teens is for teens to see their peers performing it,” said artistic director, Jayme Tinti. “This is our very first cast of teen actors, and from the start, we set the expectation that they are pro actors. Just because they’re teens doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of world class acting.”

Abigail D’aguillo, a rising sophomore at Savannah Arts Academy, plays the part of Brutus. With this her second professional production — all cast members are paid — D’aguillo is no stranger to the stage. Two years ago, she won Savannah Stage Company’s Young Writer’s Night for one of her original works. Soon after, she auditioned, got in, and began attending monthly drama workshops with other adults in the company.

“Being part of the company, this experience, has changed my life,” intoned D’aguillo. “When I was understudy in 2019, I played a variety of roles, not knowing which one I would play from rehearsal to rehearsal. I learned about bravery and courage. That prepared me for this play. The role of Brutus comes with big expectations. It’s not everyday you get cast as a teenage, female Brutus.”

The cast consists of a brave and creative cohort of 14-17 year old professional actors. Joining D’aguillo are Teen Company members Haidyn Arnett, Isa Lilja-Vazquez, and newcomers Jada Banks, Nicholas Koderitz, and Jada Tyrell.

But the production wouldn’t have been possible without the adult members pitching in. David McCall steps up as Director, while Savannah voice and acting fave, Alexis Balaoing, takes on choreography and costume design. Savannah’s favorite actor, Wesley Pridgen, steps in as composer. Though the actors on stage are all teenagers, each member of the company has a role in the production.

The production is also available as a virtual field trip, a tool for educators all over the country to teach and engage students. The Julius Caesar virtual field trip comes with its own study guide and lesson plan ideas that fit with Georgia Department of Education Standards.

“I think that’s what’s most important,” said D’aguillo. “The ability to perform and film Shakespeare and send that all over the country, and maybe the world, and get students thinking and talking about Shakespeare. That’s amazing!”

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Stage Company wants to make Shakespeare accessible to all with new 'Julius Caesar' show