The Acting Company
"There is nothing else like The Acting Company in America. I got to play great roles, in great plays, working with great directors. It completely shaped my sense of who I am as an actor." - Kevin Kline
2003 TONY Honoree for Excellence in Theater
Hundreds of extraordinary actors - such as Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, David Ogden Stiers, Frances Conroy, Jesse L. Martin, David Schramm, Keith David and Jeffrey Wright - began their careers on tour with The Acting Company, which has brought over 100 productions to millions of people in 48 states and nine foreign countries. The Acting Company has been honored by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, the Obies, Audelco and Tony Awards.
In collaboration with leading directors and designers, The Acting Company revitalizes the classics and introduces exciting, original theater, bringing your theatergoers the thrill of being the first to see America's finest young actors and next great stars.
Shakespeare: The 2003-04 Season features a production of "Richard III," an unflinching portrait of a bent and brutal man in his hour of discontent. One of the most alluring, yet repulsive, characters in literature, "Richard III" ends Shakespeare's epic historic cycle featuring shameless seduction, ill-gotten gains, lies and bloodshed.
New Classics for the Stage: We proudly continue our critically acclaimed series of commissioned new plays based on great American literature. "Murder by Poe" weaves together seven Edgar Allen Poe tales into a tapestry of revenge suicide, obsession and murder - the psychological and the supernatural swirl together in a brew only the father of the classic horror story could concoct. This world premiere presentation, by noted playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, follows powerful productions of Willa Cather's "O Pioneers!," Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found" and Mark Twain's "Pudd'nhead Wilson," heralded by audiences and critics alike.
2004-05 Season: "Two Gentlemen of Verona," William Shakespeare's riotous romp about the bonds of friendship and fidelity, and "The Turn of the Screw," Henry James' provocative tale of suspense, horror and psychological intrigue, as adapted by award-winning playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. A limited world premiere tour of Carson McCuller's poignant novel "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Rebecca Gilman, will feature actors from The Acting Company's prestigious Alumni roster.
Education: Literacy Through Theater weeklong artistic residencies, a wide variety of unique master classes, student matinees and the Bob Hope Student Shakespeare Series bring exhilarating programs to middle and high school students in your community.
"Anyone worried about the future of theater in America should see The Acting Company in action." - The New York Times
For more information visit www.theactingcompany.org or call 1-800-250-4908.
Photo info: Christen Simon and Spencer Aste in "Richard III," directed by Eve Shapiro. Credit: Carol Rosegg.