Shakespeare in the Parks continues its summer run in Helena as organizers keep indoor backup sites ready for performances affected by heat, wind and smoke.
Shakespeare in the Parks continues its summer run in Helena as organizers keep indoor backup sites ready for performances affected by heat, wind and smoke.
HELENA, Mont. — Shakespeare in the Parks continues its summer run in Helena as organizers keep indoor backup sites ready for performances affected by heat, wind and smoke.
The touring production scheduled 77 free performances across five states and 64 communities, with two-thirds of those shows in Montana. Organizers reported that some performances in late June and throughout July had moved indoors because of extreme weather.
Actor and tour manager Sam Cheeseman said the changing conditions have become part of the job.
“It’s the name of the game in a certain way. So, you get used to the weather being different everyday. We’re in a couple of days where it’s really windy and then it’s smoky so you get used to it, but it’s definitely warm,” Cheeseman said.
Cheeseman said performing outdoors in the heat can make an already demanding job tougher for actors.
“Being on stage is a physical feat and it takes a lot of energy to project into the crowd and make sure everybody can hear you and it only gets harder when it’s hotter and drier,” Cheeseman said.
Executive Artistic Director Kevin Asselin explained that his team works with local tour coordinators and communities to make sure each stop has an indoor option available.
“We work closely with them to ensure that every location that we go to has an indoor location as well available. We’re always ensuring that the show happens no matter what the weather is handing us,” Asselin said.
Asselin also said organizers have a direct line to meteorologists across Montana to help gauge heat predictability and smoke as they planned each performance.
“We look forward to going forward and ensuring that everyone is safe and comfortable,” Asselin said.
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