May 10, 2002
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494

Student-Actors Share Stage with Pros in 'Romeo and Juliet'

College of the Canyons student-actors are sharing the spotlight in this month's production of Romeo and Juliet, but they don't mind at all. Professional theater actors from the Shakespeare and Friends Foundation will be joining them on the stage, and offering acting tips and insights off the stage.

"To be acting with people who I'd pay $50 to see is just incredible," said sophomore Eva Vander Giessen, who will play the lead role of Juliet. "I went to the Shakespeare and Friends production of Hamlet at the Mark Taper Forum and they blew my mind. I didn't know anyone could do what they do with Shakespeare."

The Shakespeare and Friends Foundation is a non-profit professional acting company that tours junior and senior high schools and teaches students about Shakespeare and the classics and how they apply to everyday life. Each member of the Foundation is a professional actor or actress with years of real, working experience.

Joining the College of the Canyons cast from the foundation will be Brett Elliott, Derek Medina and Dee Marie Nieto, all professional actors. Elliott, who will play the lead role of Romeo, is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television and was classically trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He has held numerous roles across Southern California, including most recently as Hamlet at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and has appeared on television in ABC's Brother's Keeper. Medina, who will play the role of Lord Capulet, is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, and tours Southern California with the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company.

"The experience will be invaluable for the students," said Nieto, who founded Shakespeare and Friends and is directing and starring in the production as Lady Capulet. It was also Nieto's brainstorm that brought the college and the foundation together. "The quality of the production is raised to a higher level, and the students will learn just by practicing with professionals."

Romeo and Juliet will take place at the College of the Canyons amphitheater on May 17, 18 and 19. Starting time is 6 pm. The performance is open to the public and seating is free.

For more information, call the College of the Canyons box office at (661) 362-3070.