Kentucky Shakespeare is in the red

Cardinal red, that is. Kentucky Shakespeare continues to show its University of Louisville connections both onstage and behind the scenes. The 2015 season runs through Aug. 9 with daily free Shakespeare productions starting at 8 p.m. in Central Park. The majority of this year’s cast and crew are made up of UofL graduates as well as current students, and a “red out” event on July 23 drew about 125 alumni, students and UofL fans to hear theatre arts professor Rinda Frye speak about Shakespeare and “Magical Metaphysical Theater” before a performance of “The Tempest.” Audience members were encouraged to wear red to show their spirit. Two of the UofL grads involved in the production this year are Michelle Gentry and Jeremy Sapp. Gentry graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts and works as a scenic design assistant and an assistant technical director for Kentucky Shakespeare. Originally from Louisville, Gentry intended on going to Ball State University. “I chose to go to UofL because they have a smaller theatre department,” said Gentry. “I knew I would get more opportunities as an undergraduate here.” While Gentry helps keep things running smoothly backstage, Jeremy Sapp works front and center as an actor in the production. The 2007 graduate has a bachelor’s degree in humanities and has starred in several Shakespeare productions, including “Macbeth,” “The Tempest” and “The Taming of the Shrew.” “My favorite thing about Kentucky Shakespeare is the incredible experience of being able to do this for free for so many people,” said the Hazard, Ky. native. “They keep coming back and it’s great.” Both of the UofL alums plan to continue their work with Kentucky Shakespeare. For more information about Kentucky Shakespeare as well as the list of scheduled performances, visit: http://www.kyshakespeare.com/sicp/ UofL at Kentucky Shakespeare 2015 Onstage: Jeremy Sapp, alum Kyle Ware, alum Greg Maupin, alum Renea Brown, alum Jon Huffman, alum Braden McCambell, student Backstage: Charles Nasby, alum, technical production manager, theatre arts Michelle Gentry, alum Anna Neikirk, alum Mo Stucker, alum Elliot Cornett, alum Kathryn Spivey, alum Crystian Wiltshire, student Will Dyre, student Alex Cooper, student Megan Fuller, student Jennifer Siow, alum