The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep presents the climactic Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, as its next student production! The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet’s uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet. The play ends with a duel, during which the King, Queen, Hamlet’s opponent and Hamlet himself are all killed. 

Director Benjamin Cole is proud to share the talents of his student cast. “Especially with our outdoor summer Shakespeare production we get some exceptional teen performers,” Cole beams. “Knowing we were going to have the exciting challenge of three different outdoor venues in three different cities I wanted to offer a show that would really highlight some of the best of what we can do,” he declares. Leading actor playing the role of Hamlet, Kai Bunyak, adds, “The character of Hamlet is such a universal challenge and privilege to portray. He has been played by countless individuals, across cultures, experience levels, and backgrounds, and as a genderqueer teen I am honored to step into that legacy. In our production, I hope you can see what a group of fired up young performers can bring to this centuries-old tale.” The show runs a breathtaking 90 minutes with no intermission and hopes to rouse audience’s appreciation and understanding of live Shakespeare performance. Additional production staff includes Assistant Director, Steve Smith and Stage Manager, Paul Smith.

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep proudly delivers high-quality theatre instruction and seven student theatre productions throughout the year, offering accessible and fun training for various age groups. Check out all the upcoming options on the Theatre School website: www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org.

Featured in the cast are (Giavanna Adams, Carlsbad; Bex Balsdon, La Jolla; Bugz Baltzer, Del Mar; Kai Bunyak, Cardiff; Kiera Casey, Carlsbad; Tirzah Cisneros, Escondido; Landon Friis, Carlsbad; Caroline Grace, Carmel Valley; Tessa Haubert, Carlsbad; Charlotte Larson, Carlsbad; Alice Price, Carlsbad; Nicole Sample, Carlsbad; Steve Smith, South Park; and Genevieve Tai, Carlsbad).

Performances are July 18^th through 20^th at the Birdwing Open Air Classroom: 3201 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014; July 25^th through 27^th at La Colonia Park: 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075; and August 1^st through 3^rd at the San Diego Botanic Garden: 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024 with show times at 5:30PM. Admission is free at all three venues, but please call to reserve a spot for the August 1^st performance as space is limited that day: 760-436-3036. No advance reservations are needed for any other performances. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own outdoor seating and blankets.