The Old Globe is again taking Shakespeare on the road with their annual Globe for All Tour, featuring a production of "As You Like It." According to Oceanside Public Library, the show, directed by Emil Weinstein, will kick off tomorrow and run through November 26, with performances throughout San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico. Notably, this year's tour duration has increased from three to four weeks of shows to reach more diverse communities.
This free edition of the Bard's work features a cast including Danielle Chaves as Rosalind and Carter Piggee as Orlando, among others. The aim is to bring compelling theater experiences to audiences who might not have easy access to the arts. "Audiences throughout San Diego County and Tijuana will love this raucous comedy filled with music, magic, and a thrilling story of young love," proclaimed Adena Varner, Director of Arts Engagement at The Old Globe, as mentioned in a statement noted by The Old Globe.
The tour's free public performances include a November 9 show at 2:00 p.m. at the Oceanside Civic Center Library, with light refreshments served at 1:30 p.m. As part of a commitment to encouraging community engagement and cultural inclusiveness, the library expresses pride in hosting the event. For those interested in catching the blend of classical theatre with a local twist, seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance registration is recommended but not required. Additional dates and venues are listed at the Old Globe's press room, with performances spanning a range of non-traditional venues to reach as wide an audience as possible.
Along with the public performances, the Globe for All Tour will reach out to various communities through non-public shows, including those held at correctional facilities and homeless shelters. These special engagements are part of an effort to use theatre to foster connections within the community. While not open to the general public, they represent an essential facet of The Old Globe's outreach mission. The tour begins with two low-cost performances at The Old Globe's House of Charm Rehearsal Hall in Balboa Park.
The Old Globe's commitment to arts engagement is now in its 90th year. It has been a fixture in the San Diego community, reaching approximately 16,000 community members since 2014 with the Globe for All initiative. Bringing free Shakespeare to various locales aims to break down barriers to cultural participation and introduce theatre to new audiences. This invaluable initiative is supported by lead supporters such as Sheryl and Harvey White and public funds from the City of San Diego. Those interested in hosting a performance for their group or organization can email The Old Globe.
