Pictured left to right: Elliza Mollman, Emma Eileen McKinley, Charlie Vana, Monte Valenzuela, Gregg Jarrette, Hallie Harris. Below: Wendy Spurgeon. Photo Credit: Bruce BloyThe highly anticipated annual production of DitchSpeare: Shakespeare in the Big Ditch is back, and organizers are thrilled to announce this year's dynamic cast. The outdoor theater event, known for bringing bold and imaginative interpretations of Shakespeare's works to the community, will take place over 2 weekends this year April 17-April 29 with mid-week shows Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Big Ditch Park.

The show is a pastiche of speeches, poetry, music, improv, and dance from Shakespeare and his contemporaries—such as Lope de Vega and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz of Spain and Mexico, respectively. This year's production features a stellar ensemble of performers, including Hallie Harris, Gregg Jarrette, Elliza Mollman, Emma Eileen McKinley, Wendy Spurgeon, Monte Valenzuela, and Charlie Vana. The cast promises to deliver an unforgettable performance that blends classical text with a fresh and engaging approach.

"We are beyond excited to welcome this extraordinary cast to DitchSpeare this year," said Hallie Harris, director of the production. "Each performer brings their unique talent and passion for performance. They are creating beautiful and compelling art."

Celebrated for its innovative staging in the dramatic setting of the Big Ditch Park, DitchSpeare is fast becoming a beloved tradition, drawing audiences who appreciate the magic of live theater under the open sky. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and folding chair for an immersive outdoor theatre experience. Some concessions will be available, "We love to see people pack a picnic and enjoy being outside," said producer and performer Wendy Spurgeon. "The production will feature Elliza Mollman, Monte Valezuela, and Emma Eileen McKinley as live musicians as well as actors, leading the Troupe through lively rounds and dances of the period, innovative costuming curated by Kelsey Patterson, and captivating interpretations of the works of Shakespeare and contemporaries by the players."

"The show is recommended for most, however, parents should be advised there is some light staged violence, archaic swearing, and some mature themes, but no weapons or blood (aside from a couple of guitars and a viola)", says Harris..

Ditchspeare received so much support from the community when it premiered in 2023 that the director chose to draw the experiment out into an annual event. "Watch out," joked director Hallie Harris, "if you feed the actors, they'll keep showing up for more!" DitchSpeare is free to the public, although donations or "pay-what-you-will" tickets are encouraged and the actors will pass a hat. To make a donation in advance, go to https://theactrix.studio/DitchSpeare