Young Actors with a Cause Children's Theatre

MCT's Young Actors with a Cause presents

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

June 27th, 2020 at 7:00 pm

Directed by Skyla Bruno

Calling at 7th-12th graders (in the 2019-2020 school year)! We would love for you to participate in this exciting opportunity to perform Shakespeare virtually! All you need to do is submit an audition video to Skyla by June 6. Your video needs to be your performance of a short monologue. It is recommended that you submit a Shakespeare monologue but it is not required. Send your video to srbruno@anderson.edu. Videos are due June 6.

Show Synopsis:

A young Venetian, Bassanio, needs a loan of three thousand ducats so that he can woo Portia, a wealthy Venetian heiress. He approaches his friend Antonio, a merchant. Antonio is short of money because all his wealth is invested in his fleet, which is currently at sea. He goes to a Jewish moneylender, Shylock, who hates Antonio because of Antonio’s anti-semitic behaviour towards him. Shylock nevertheless agrees to make the short-term loan, but, in a moment of dark humour, he makes a condition – the loan must be repaid in three months or Shylock will exact a pound of flesh from Antonio. Antonio agrees, confident that his ships will return in time. Because of the terms of Portia’s father’s will, all suitors must choose from among three caskets, one of which contains a portrait of her. If he chooses that he may marry Portia, but if doesn’t he must vow never to marry or court another woman. The Princes of Morocco and Arragon fail the test and are rejected. As Bassanio prepares to travel to Belmont for the test, his friend Lorenzo elopes with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica. Bassanio chooses the lead casket, which contains her picture, and Portia happily agrees to marry him immediately. Meanwhile, two of Antonio’s ships have been wrecked and Antonio’s creditors are pressuring him for repayment. Word comes to Bassanio about Antonio’s predicament, and he hurries back to Venice, leaving Portia behind. Portia follows him, accompanied by her maid, Nerissa. They are disguised as a male lawyer and his clerk. When Bassanio arrives the date for the repayment to Shylock has passed and Shylock is demanding his pound of flesh. Even when Bassanio offers much more than the amount in repayment, Shylock, now infuriated by the loss of his daughter, is intent on seeking revenge on the Christians. The Duke refuses to intervene.

Portia arrives in her disguise to defend Antonio. Given the authority of judgment by the Duke, Portia decides that Shylock can have the pound of flesh as long as he doesn’t draw blood, as it is against the law to shed a Christian’s blood. Since it is obvious that to draw a pound of flesh would kill Antonio, Shylock is denied his suit. Moreover, for conspiring to murder a Venetian citizen, Portia orders that he should forfeit all his wealth. Half is to go to Venice, and half to Antonio. Antonio gives his half back to Shylock on the condition that Shylock bequeaths it to his disinherited daughter, Jessica. Shylock must also convert to Christianity. A broken Shylock accepts. News arrives that Antonio’s remaining ships have returned safely. With the exception of Shylock, all celebrate a happy ending to the affair.

Get your free ticket HERE

YAWAC Children's Theatre 2nd Annual Variety Show: Seasons of Love

We are excited to bring the 2nd Annual YAWAC Children's Theatre Variety Show - Seasons of Love into your homes! This show includes a selection of music, monologues, and dance from a variety of shows including "Anastasia," "Waitress", "Oliver!", "Rent", "A Little Princess" and more! The performers are all young actors ranging from 3rd to 11th grade and they have been working hard to bring you this heartfelt production.

We have gone to a new format this year and the show will be presented virtually! Please follow the instructions below to ensure access to the show!

HOW TO VIEW THE VARIETY SHOW

This year, our variety show will be presented virtually! In order to access the show, please follow these 4 easy steps:

1. "Purchase" a free ticket on our website. We ask that you give a donation to help raise funds for the YAWAC Children's Theatre program. This can be done during the check out process.

2. Be sure to enter your email address correctly when checking out. This is how you will gain access to the show.

3. You will be sent an email on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30pm with a link to access the show.

4. Gather around your device on May 16 at 7:30pm to watch these talented, hard working kids perform the 2nd annual YAWAC Variety Show - Seasons of Love! You will have access to the show for 24 hours.

"Purchase" your free ticket here!