greenroom [ˈgriːnˌruːm -ˌrʊm] n (Performing Arts / Theatre) (esp formerly) a backstage room in a theatre where performers await their entrance.

Hello and welcome to The Green Room — the official blog of Shakespeare Santa Cruz! We’re so excited to be able to bring you voices from backstage on The Lion in Winter, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Othello, and La Ronde (our Fringe show). We can’t wait for you to hear from some of our Actors, Stage Managers, Technicians and more. But first. . . we’ll be your hosts this season, so here’s a little bit about us (you can see our photo to the left):

Gina: Year-round I am the Assistant to the Artistic Director and Intern Coordinator for Shakespeare Santa Cruz.  This involves taking care of the Artistic Director’s Schedule, helping to arrange Casting and Intern selection, and making sure all the Interns get to the Festival as easily as possible (among many other things)!   This summer I’m also very excited to be Assistant Director on Love’s Labor’s Lost! Typically an Assistant Director is another set of eyes and ears in the rehearsal room, and will take notes or offer suggestions regarding the production when asked. It’s a dream come true to be able to work for a professional repertory theatre company in so many capacities.

Jessi: I am officially on the SSC staff year round as the Administrative Coordinator, which means I take care of many paper worky type things. I also coordinate Shakespeare to Go, our community touring program that visits area schools and community centers each spring. During the summer I take care of anything from paychecks to table cloths for the front of house. This is my 11th season with SSC and I am thrilled to help bring you these productions. I myself have not been in rehearsal yet but have been at many design meetings and production meetings. I can tell you that everyone has hit the ground running and I am seeing great ideas come out of the rehearsal room. I really hope that you enjoy reading the blog this year and I will see you at the shows!

We’ve just begun our second week of rehearsals for all 4 productions. So, watch this space to get the backstage scoop on SSC’s 2010 Summer Season!

Coming up next in The Green Room: Actor Shashona Brooks