Tag Archive for: Theatre Department

SOU Ashland's Scott Kaiser has a new book on Shakespeare

SOU’s Kaiser releases book on Shakespeare’s canon

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Scott Kaiser, who regularly teaches and directs in Southern Oregon University’s Theatre program, has released his 24th book – “Conquering the Canon: A Life in Shakespeare.” The book chronicles his work in the production of all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays.

SOU Ashland's Scott Kaiser and his new book on ShakespeareKaiser served for 18 seasons as the head of voice and text at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, coaching actors in almost 100 productions. He served more than 10 additional years at OSF as director of company development, traveling the U.S. to recruit emerging acting talent and overseeing the festival’s Acting Company Trainee Program – which helped place SOU students in the company’s productions.

His new book draws on Kaiser’s work at OSF – “thousands of rehearsal hours, hundreds of productions and a lifetime of hard-won lessons,” says a summary on Amazon.com, where the 514-page paperback is available.

“Blending behind-the-scenes stories with scholarly insights, ‘Conquering the Canon’ is part memoir, part masterclass, capturing the devotion, skill and stamina required to bring the Bard to life onstage,” the Amazon description says.

Kaiser earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, his master of fine arts degree in the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program and an advanced diploma in voice studies from London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

SOU Ashland's Scott Kaiser has a new book on ShakespeareHis career has included work as an author, playwright, director, teacher and Shakespeare scholar. He has taught classes at SOU in acting, voice and playwriting since 2014, directing eight productions: “Arcadia,” “Hay Fever,” “Three Sisters,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Anton in Show Business,” “Ghosts,” “Twelfth Night” and his own play, “Shakespeare’s Other Women.”

Kaiser’s previous books include “Harriman’s Ghost,” a novel about a movie star and his ghostwriter; “Tales from the Vomitorium,” a collection of stories about theatre people; “Albert’s Adventures in Willy World,” a satire of the Shakespeare industry; “The Tao of Shakespeare: A Book of Meditations;” and “Notes from the Back Row: A Voice and Text Director’s Journal.”

He has also written several original plays, including “Love’s Labor’s Won” and “Falstaff in Love.”

Kaiser is currently at work on another novel.

Xanadu production by SOU Theatre Department

Xanadu: Greek Gods, scrunchies, roller skates

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What happens when you combine Mt. Olympus, 80’s outfits, and chalk murals? SOU Theatre presents “Xanadu,” a musical about art, inspiration, and ridiculousness—all on roller skates. The neon-colored-plot follows Sonny (played by Aidan Jenkins), a struggling artist whose inspiration is running low until he meets Kira (played by Corrine Maddox)—or, Kleio, a Greek muse who disguises herself as a human. Throughout the show, Kira gives Sonny more and more reason to believe in himself and his art. Most importantly: to follow his dreams.

“Xanadu” has 12 actors who are on roller skates throughout the entirety of the show. This has been one of SOU’s most difficult shows to pull off due to the athleticism needed while also focusing on music, acting, and choreography. Jenkins and Maddox both have spent hours outside of rehearsals just practicing on the skates.

“We’ve had a few people really bite it,” Maddox says. “The first rehearsal with the skates, I was really shaky. It was intimidating. But, now, I barely have to think about it at all.”

“Musical theatre is already tricky,” says Jenkins. “Roller skating kind of adds a whole other element on top of singing, dancing, and acting. It’s hard.” Both lead actors expressed their gratitude for Mary Ellen McGinnis, the assistant director for the show, who already knew some tricks in roller skating; she assisted in teaching all of the actors how to feel confident and comfortable in skates. From skating workshops to TikTok tutorials, the “Xanadu” actors put in the hours to polish their skills to put on a fantastic, colorful, and ridiculous show.

Lauren Blair, the director of “Xanadu,” insists on everyone helping each other out. During rehearsals, if someone falls, everyone pauses and checks in before moving along. This is one of the things that Jenkins takes to heart.

“I love my cast,” he says. “The community is great and everyone gets along. Lots of inside jokes going on. It’s fun. We’re all goofballs and Lauren just finds it so endearing.”

“I am always laughing,” Maddox says. “It’s such a good time, all the time.”

With roller skating being the top challenge for most of the actors, the music itself for others was the biggest challenge. For Jenkins, the show is mostly in the tenor range in regards to male voices—SOU doesn’t have many tenors in theatre. So, he’s been working with a vocal coach from the music department, learning how to sing higher than he’s used to. Maddox, however, adores the musical aspect of the rehearsal process. Having always had a passion for musical theatre, some of her favorite moments were in the music room with the music director. Both Jenkins and Maddox have worked hard and are confident in their singing and their roller skating.

Both actors are excited for the audience to come see the feel-good show. Opposed to previous productions, “Xanadu” is light-hearted and wacky, packed with music and disco, and will be giving the audience a glimpse into what it was like in the 80’s (and what it’s like when a Greek muse appears out of thin air—on roller skates!). The show opens Thursday, February 15th and runs through Sunday, February 25th with both evening and matinee performances. For a full list of performance dates go to https://oca.sou.edu/events 

Tickets are available online at https://sou.universitytickets.com or in person at the OCA Box Office Monday-Friday from noon-6pm and one hour prior to performances. SOU faculty, staff, and students get two free tickets by emailing boxoffice@sou.edu with show requests. Seating is limited and ON the SOU Main Stage Theatre. Get your tickets while they last. Talk backs after shows on Feb. 22, 23 and 24th with the actors and director will also be offered. For VIP or reserved ADA seating requests, please contact the OCA Box Office at 541-552-6348.

Story by Sierra Jameson, OCA at SOU Staff Writer