FTE Newsletter

 

FTE and the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival

Festival Theatre Ensemble, founded in 1994 by Artistic Director Bruce W. De Les Dernier, is dedicated to the production of classical theatre and the creation of stage adaptations of classic novels, legends, and fairy tales. The initial three-show season was created largely for touring, much as in the sixteenth century, when acting troupes had no theaters of their own, but would travel from village to village, using whatever stage was available. Festival Theatre Ensemble has traveled far and wide to bring Shakespeare to various communities in northern and central California, finally settling into a permanent home in the historic town of Los Gatos with the founding of the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival performing under the stars each summer in Oak Meadow Park. FTE is actively seeking indoor venues in the area to fulfill their goal of offering high quality theatre year-round.

In addition to its main-stage festival performances, Festival Theatre Ensemble performs interactive theatre for school-aged children with their productions of The Shakespeare Connection: Monsters and Clowns, tailored for grades K-6. These performances are available throughout the South Bay and Peninsula.

Community Partnership

Festival Theatre Ensemble believes that one of the primary goals of arts organizations should be to enhance the communities in which they perform. That enhancement needs to go beyond just great theatre to improving the quality of life for the community as a whole.

With this in mind FTE is proud to partner with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Education and Recreation Department in offering Camp Shakespeare. Each summer actors and directors from FTE lead two, one-week day camps for grade school children and two Conservatory Workshops for teenagers on our set in Oak Meadow Park. This partnership continues throughout the year with additional enrichment classes for both children and adults.

What the Critics Have to Say

 “This company has the gift of Shakespearean tongue, a wonderful interactive camaraderie, significant theatrical skills and a gem of a director.”  The North Coast Journal

“…excellent...first-class…a knockout!” - San Mateo County Times

 “It's real drama with real actors on a real stage. And that's a real experience.” The Almanac

 “…an outdoor delight.” Daily News

 “The Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival is undoubtedly this year’s hot ticket.” LG Weekly

What the Audience Has to Say

 “I’ve enjoyed every second of it.” – S.G.

 “I liked the sword fights…and the costumes were awesome!” B.M. (11yr old audience member)

 “It’s very entertaining, and it’s so nice to have it right here. It’s such a great thing to do.” – S.S.

 “I was blown away…I think it’s incredible…It just shows how timeless Shakespeare is.” – K.W.

 “Excellent!” – K.H.

Not Just Entertainment

Live theatre inspires, informs and empowers. It fuels the economy and the imagination. It enriches the lives of all, without discrimination. The Arts are an essential ingredient to a full and vibrant life. With state art funding providing just 3 cents per person per year, private support is crucial. Please consider supporting FTE and the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival as part of your community giving.