By Stephanie Peters
Two Northeastern middlers are spending their summer in the spotlight, as part of the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s (CSC) Young Company intern program, landing roles in the upcoming Tour of the Parks production of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Theatre department standout Michael Satow (“Lower Depths,” “Pippen”) will star as Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin, when the play begins its run Friday night, and is already appearing nightly in the ensemble cast of CSC’s production of “Hamlet.”
Satow is in good company in the highly competitive, 12-member intern troupe. In addition to rehearsing for their own production, during the summer-long program the interns practice with the cast of “Hamlet” and Director Steven Maler, and participate in workshops and masters classes on topics ranging from vocal technique to fight choreography, said Erin Johnson, assistant director of education at the Wang Center for Performing Arts, CSC’s partner in the program.
“The idea behind using an apprentice company in the smaller production is to create an experience where they can work alongside pro[fressional] actors and directors,” Johnson said.
Fellow Northeastern student Nathan Fowler, an American Sign Language (ASL) major, jokingly calls it a “mistake” that he’s even on stage during the production. The non-speaking role of one of Prince Esceles’ bodyguards was a last minute offer for Fowler, who was supposed to help out behind the scenes.
When Fowler learned that the Tour of the Parks production was going to be signed for a deaf audience, he contacted the Wang Theatre to check whether there was an opportunity to intern with the interpreters.
“I love theatre and I love what I do,” Fowler said. “I would definitely be interested in theatre interpreting [as a career].”
Northeastern’s presence can also be felt behind the scenes. The production is being directed by alumnus Saheem Ali, a CSC veteran and Kenya native who is currently pursuing his masters of directing from Columbia University.
The production of “Romeo and Juliet” runs from July 29 through Aug. 6. All performances, running 90 minutes in length, will be held outdoors in Boston neighborhood parks and are free and open to the public.
Performance dates are: 11 a.m. July 29 at the Boston Common Parade Grounds, 1 p.m. July 30 at the Boston Common Parade Grounds, 1 p.m. July 31 at Ronan Park in Dorchester, 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at MASS Audubon Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, 11 a.m. Aug. 5 at the patio area near Langone Ballfield in the North End and 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Franklin Park, Elma Lewis Playstead in Dorchester.
