production of plays by Shakespeare and other playwrights
Region served
Charlotte, North Carolina
Official language
English
Executive/Artistic Director
Elise Wilkinson
Managing Director
Joe Copley
Charlotte Shakespeare was a professional, non-profit theatre company in
Charlotte, North Carolina. The company specialized in intimate and accessible performances of traditional and modern classics, with an emphasis on the plays of
William Shakespeare and with a mission of presenting plays "that reflect timeless truths about the human condition and honor Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling and language".
History
The company was founded by Elise Wilkinson and Joe Copley in 2006 under the name Collaborative Arts Theatre. It was granted status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2008. The name was changed to Charlotte Shakespeare in 2012.[1] Charlotte Shakespeare has never had a performance venue of its own. In its first two years productions took place in a tavern, in a series of apartments, and on the Green. Since that time all plays have been produced in theaters at
Spirit Square or on
The Green. The company went on hiatus in the summer of 2015 and has not reopened.[2]
Tavern Shakespeare by Jocelyn Rose and Elise Wilkinson March Ri-Ra Irish Pub, near 208 N Tryon St
Charlotte Shakespeare Festival
Each summer Charlotte Shakespeare produced the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival which began in June with a show presented outdoors on
The Green, an uptown pocket park.[3]Charlotte Magazine described the annual return of Shakespeare on the Green as, "one of the best cultural gifts Charlotte will get all year".[4] Admission was free and the company depended on voluntary donations. A second show was presented in August at
Spirit Square. Most productions were from the Shakespeare canon, but an exception was made in 2011 when the outdoor summer play was
Tartuffe by
Moliere.
Awards & reviews
Metrolina Theatre Association awards
The
Metrolina Theatre Association (MTA) is a Charlotte organization which gives awards each year to support and advocate for local theatre, and these awards are a major source of public recognition for theatres, shows, and individuals. A selected list of MTA awards won by Collaborative Arts is shown below.
2010 Outstanding Production - comedy: Incorruptible[5]
2010 Outstanding Direction - comedy: Peter Smeal - Incorruptible[5]
2010 Outstanding Supporting Actor - Male - comedy: Joe Copley (Brother Martin) - Incorruptible[5]
2010 Outstanding Costume Design - comedy: Erin Dougherty - The Comedy of Errors[6]
2010 Outstanding Cameo: Alan England (Duke/Musician) - Othello[6]
2008 Other Exemplary Performance/Element - comedy: Sitcoms Live![7]
2008 Outstanding Set Design - comedy: Chris Timmons - Much Ado About Nothing[8]
Creative Loafing's Annual Charlotte Theatre Awards
Creative Loafing (CL) is a publisher of newsweeklies and their associated websites focusing on local affairs, including arts and entertainment. A selected list of CL awards won by Collaborative Arts is shown below.