For those of you visiting The Green Room for the first time, I am Jessica Bond, the Administrative Coordinator for Shakespeare Santa Cruz (as well as your blog co-host).  The staff here at SSC takes care of a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff (ie. the unglamorous part of showbiz).  I spend most of my days sitting at a desk and creating purchase orders, tracking payroll, or solving last minute problems.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget why I am really here and I wonder what it is all for.  But then. . .  (lucky me). . . I can just walk down stairs and step into a rehearsal or performance.  And then you go. . . “oh, riiight. . .”   We are here to make great theatre happen!  Watching the audience is always my favorite part.  Being there when The Lion in Winter & Love’s Labor’s Lost previewed and opened was so exciting; listening to patrons comments and watching as each show gets a standing ovation is priceless.

Othello is no exception.  Watching the show over the last few days has been really rewarding; as the show comes together, people seem to be really connecting with it!

I am excited for Othello to open in so many ways; it is one of my favorite plays of all time.  I think we can all relate to the characters and how they are feeling.  We have all been in love, experienced jealousy, and have had friends that betrayed us.  I have heard people say “Oh how can Othello be so stupid?!”  – but have you ever trusted someone that you shouldn’t have?  Sure.  (Hopefully, you didn’t kill anyone though.)  That is what is great about Shakespeare; everything is to the max.  Ultimate love, great tragedy, and epic loss.

Othello opening also means that our three main productions are OPEN!!!  No more late night notes, no more rehearsals.  But it also means that the season has really begun.  All the blood, sweat and tears will pay off as patrons come and enjoy this excellent season.

If you don’t have your tickets yet, there are plenty left (though reserved seating is scarce at many performances).  Don’t forget to bring some wine, but also be sure to bring some extra blankets, as it is a colder than normal summer.  You do not want to miss this season!

–Jessi Bond, Co-Hostess With the Mostess