Summer/Fall 2020 SafeStart Season
What should I do in Illyria?
“This summer sizzler delights!” — C-Ville
Shipwrecked Viola is in love with Orsino…who is in love with Olivia…who is in love with Cesario…who is secretly Viola disguised as a man. In a world turned upside down, what could possibly go wrong (or right?) Shakespeare’s beloved comedy of (mis)identity arrives in a fast-paced, no intermission romp starring an ASC dream team of Mia Wurgaft and Zoe Speas as Viola/Sebastian (decided by nightly coin toss!)
ASC welcomes children age 7+
Zoe Speas. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Chris Johnston and the ensemble of TWELFTH NIGHT. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Mia Wurgaft and Brandon Carter. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Constance Swain and Michael Manocchio. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Mia Wurgaft, Sarah Suzuki, and Topher Embrey. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Michael Manocchio. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Matthew Radford Davies. Photo by Ben Steinhauer.
Sarah Suzuki and John Harrell. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Danielle A. Festa and Brandon Carter. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Jessika D. Williams. Photo by Lauren Parker.
John Harrell and Topher Embrey. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Constance Swain. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Zoe Speas and Mia Wurgaft. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Cast
THIS SEASON: Viola/Sebastian in Twelfth Night; Desdemona in Othello
THIS SEASON:
Brandon Carter was the Artistic Director of the American Shakespeare Center from January 2022-March 2024.
Constance Swain is an innovative director whose bold vision and creative energy inspire captivating storytelling at ASC and beyond.
THIS SEASON: Oliver, Touchstone – As You Like It; Interesting Man, Child – Eurydice
Chris Johnston has over 20 years of theatre experience and more than 120 productions at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Balthazar, Courtesan, Jailer, Messenger in The Comedy of Errors; Dance Captain.
PREVIOUSLY WITH ASC: 27 seasons and over 200 roles including Falstaff in Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2; Brutus in Julius Caesar; Iago in Othello; Guildenstern in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern …
THIS SEASON: Director of DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS
THIS SEASON: Miranda – The Tempest, Thaliard, Cerimon, Ensemble – Pericles, Miranda – Une Tempête
Topher Embrey is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center. Explore his theater experience, education, and background.
THIS SEASON: Valentine, Officer, Swing in Twelfth Night; Swing in Othello
THIS SEASON: Curio, Officer in Twelfth Night; Understudy in Othello
Sam Saint Ours is a talented actor and music director known for his dynamic performances and musical contributions at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Soothsayer and Trebonius in Julius Caesar, Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
THIS SEASON: Understudy for Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Merry Wives of Windsor
THIS SEASON: Swing in A Christmas Carol
Artistic Team
Costume Designer
Victoria is excited to return to American Shakespeare Center. Recent ASC credits include Richard III for the…
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Jess Casanova is a Stage Manager whose expertise and passion bring seamless productions to life at ASC and beyond.
Benjamin has been a resident company member with the American Shakespeare Center since 2014.
THIS SEASON: Vocal Coach. Nancy is an actress, vocalist, and choreographer who appeared at ASC in last season’s world premiere musical…
THIS SEASON: Dramaturg for Thrive, Or What You Will
THIS SEASON: Costume Designer for A Christmas Carol
Tracie received a BFA in Technical Theater from Longwood College in 1996 with a focus in stage management. She has worked in stage management at Georgia Shakespeare, Steppenwolf Theatre, Circle …