The Lost Years of Shakespeare
As the applause from the garden fades in the distance, Tisa methodically checks each ticket, making sure every coat is in its rightful place. It is the evening of the 80th anniversary of the Shakespeare festival, and soon, the affluent guests of the evening will be returning to the coat check after their champagne and elated conversation.
*Thud
What was that? Tisa turns away from the counter to the coat rack at the back of the room. Slowly, listening carefully, she parts the coats to reveal a peculiar piece of peeling wallpaper.
*Thud
There is it again, only this time, it is clear that the mysterious thud is coming from behind the wall. Overcome with curiosity, she runs her fingers along the wallpaper, separating it from the barrier.
There it is. A square panel; lined on one side by a pair of hinges. She pushes.
Peering into the dark passageway, a shimmer on the once-hidden spiral staircase in front of her discloses the presence of a striking Shakespearean Dagger.
The elegant weapon lays heavy in her hands, but the truth beyond the blade remains beyond her grasp.
We Need Your Help
We are asking for $6,000 to support our film.
The Ashland Springs Hotel and English Garden, Allen Elizabethan Theater, Oregon coast, Rocky Butte National Monument, and the construction of our secret passageway, are all among the beautiful locations we have planned for our film. This requires funds for travel, shooting permits, and food to cover 12 shoot days. We are also using period costumes for a portion of the film, emulating the 1600s, which, though an integral part of our narrative, gets pretty expensive. With your help, the culmination of these items will bring our story to life!
Break Down:
- Location Permits/Travel $2,950
- Set Dressing $500
- Props $550
- Costumes $900
- Special Effects Makeup $100
- Food $1,000
Production Crew
Creator: Tabitha Wheeler
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I have been dreaming of becoming a director ever since I was a little girl. It all started when I was 4 or 5 years old putting on living room plays with my little sister and a few kids in the neighborhood. The living room era included a lineup of The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and "Snowbiz." When I was 11, I created my first movie, titled "Bewitched" in honor of my name sake, with a camcorder and the initial rendition of iMovie. A year later, I wrote and directed my first 45 minute mystery play, cast with 5 elementary school friends, and somehow convinced my parents to help me take it from my garage to the stage at our local library. Since these projects, my passion for directing has only grown. I couldn't be more excited to see my vision for The Lost Years of Shakespeare come to life with the help of such a talented cast and crew.
Director of Photography: Caleb Hefner
Hello! My name is Caleb Hefner and I’m a graduating senior with a degree in Digital Cinema. I’ve been following this project and script since the beginning and the wonderful story that Tabitha has created has inspired me more than any production I’ve been a part of. The film we’re going to create is going to be more breathtaking than anything any of us have worked on yet. I’ve been inspired by visuals in movies for as long as I can remember, I can’t wait to create them for the rest of my life.
Co-Producer: AJ Carter
Hello! My name is Ayla Carter, you may also know me as AJ. I am in my junior year at SOU pursuing a Digital Cinema degree and an eSport minor and a Documentary Production Certificate.I got into film my junior year of high school - I had a small group of friends who were messing around with filmmaking and I thought to give it a go. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college, and was trying to find that "thing." Thankfully I got into film, and have been creating ever since. Here at SOU I am vice president of the Production Club and am trying to help with any projects I can - while creating and making my own shorts. I love producing, sewing, world/character building, and any random creative skills I can get my hand on.
1st AD: Aidan Hunt
My name is Aidan Hunt and I have wanted to be a filmmaker since I was a young child. I'm working as an AD on this project, which is something I want to do professionally. Like so many I hope to one day direct my own projects, but I am excited to get this one off the ground.
Production Design: Alex Onkka
My name is Alex, I have a passion for production design and the art department! I’m excited to challenge myself on this project, to create this set, and work with the beautiful locations where we get to shoot this film. I’m more than excited to see the final result.
Costume Design: Ciara Cruz
Hi I’m Ciara Cruz and I am the Costume Designer for this production! Along with this position I’m assistant costume designer on another project and I’m working on my last school term for my BFA. I started my path on costume design around 2017 and have been passionate about it ever since. Working on any project my favorite part is always working together with every single person on the production and forming a little family that’s creating something beautiful to share with the world.
Sound Design: Sydnee Kizziar
I have been wanting to be involved in anything sound related since high school! Whether it be recording, editing or licensing sounds, I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. Our world is filled with sound and it plays such an important role in perception; it has the ability to reach hearts and that’s what I think attracts me to this position. I’m excited to get to work with such a talented group of people as well as the mastermind behind it all…Tabitha!
Fight Choreographer: Sawyer Jackson
Sawyer Jackson is a fight choreographer from Portland, Oregon who has spent years developing their skills under the likes of Cody Mattern, a member of the United States World Champion fencing team, and U. Jonathan Toppo, the resident fight director for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. They have been wielding a sword as a fencer from the age of six, and fell in love with fight choreography in their sophomore year of high school. After continuing their education and discovering the Society of Creative Anachronism, they have been 'sharpening' their skills over quarantine. This project is a dream come true because of its combination of period costumes, dramatic action scenes, and stunning locations. For a choreographer who hopes to work on many more sword fights in the future, there is no better place to start than here.
Photography: Abigail Coombs
I am Abigail Coombs, and I am the photographer for The Lost Years of Shakespeare. Since high school I have always loved photography and wanted to capture life through my camera lenses. I am very excited to be on this project and cannot wait to document the process.
The Impact
This film is designed to bring Shakespeare to younger audiences, and expand the community of Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Our story takes traditionally feminine characteristics often seen as "weak," such as loyalty, empathy, and kindness, and uses them as heroic tools amidst an action/adventure/mystery storyline.
Thus, between the scavenger hunt and the film in itself, this project is an opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate Shakespeare, and empower female voices in a male-dominated genre.
Challenges
With such an ambitious project come many challenges.
- There are a LOT of people involved
- This is necessary for the size of our production, but creates a many scheduling conflicts
- Many of our locations require permits/contracts and traveling
- Period Costumes
- Constructing our Secret Passageway
However, we are well equipped to overcome these challenges.
- Our crew is dedicated to the success of the project
- Connections to lawyers through SOU who will help ensure we have the correct permitting for a safe shoot
- Working with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's costume rentals
- Craftspersons with over 30 years of construction experience will be aiding in the creation of the Secret Passageway
Treasure Hunts
Not only is this an opportunity to include people in the excitement of The Lost Years of Shakespeare, but it is also a celebration of spring and making connections within our community. It is our hope that this scavenger hunt will be a fun activity for people of all ages to participate in, that will get them outside and interacting with new people, while promoting *local businesses and nonprofits.
If you would like more information, have any questions, or are interested in helping out with the scavenger hunt events, feel free to email wheelertabitha17@gmail.com with inquiries.
*stayed tuned for a list of sponsors
Other Ways You Can Help
We're so glad you are here. Even if you aren't ready to make a monetary contribution, there are other way you can help!
- Share this page with family and friends
- Volunteer at our Scavenger Hunt (email wheelertabitha17@gmail.com)
- Be on the lookout for The Lost Years of Shakespeare!