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Business Description

Independent Shakespeare, located in Los Angeles, CA 90039, is a performing arts company that has been celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The company was originally formed in New York in 1999 and was relocated to LA in 2002. The company produces free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park festival, which is now in its 6th year, and has become one of the major cultural events of the summer. The festival is popular with audiences and critics, drawing in nearly 12,000 people last year alone.

Independent Shakespeare's production style is unique and refreshing, athletic, unbuttoned, intellectually provocative, modern, and far removed from old, over-upholstered Shakespearean traditions. Its approach owes as much to the music hall and the circus as to the study, and its vision is always fresh and unexpected. The company manages to be both cutting-edge and family-friendly, attracting large crowds who come to enjoy their free-wheeling casual production style while picnicking under the stars.

ISC is one of the only handfuls in Los Angeles that employs actors and stage managers under Actors' Equity Association contracts. All union actors employed by ISC for the summer season receive a salary and qualify for six months of health coverage.

The co-founders of ISC, David Melville, and Melissa Chalsma met in the Broadway production of Hamlet in 1995. Together, they produced over 30 professional productions, including two international tours. As an actress, Melissa has worked extensively in theaters across the US, appearing in the US premiere of Harold Pinter's MOONLIGHT (Roundabout Theatre, Broadway), and has played many roles for ISC. Melissa also directs for ISC and teaches in the Theatre Dept. at Cal State University, Northridge. David is originally from England. As well as acting in ISC productions, David has appeared on Broadway, in the West End, at the Maly Theatre Moscow, and other European theaters.

ISC's free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park festival is a must-see for anyone in the Los Angeles area. Come with a lawn chair and a cooler full of cakes and ale. (pre-show picnicking is encouraged.) Come with a sweater. (The summer nights are chill.) But by all means, come to free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park and celebrate the works of Shakespeare with Independent Shakespeare.

Gift Ideas for Independent Shakespeare

Independent Shakespeare, the performing arts company located in Los Angeles, offers a unique and entertaining experience for Shakespeare enthusiasts and theater lovers alike. If you're looking for a gift for that special someone who appreciates the finer things in life, consider giving them an unforgettable experience with Independent Shakespeare.

One great gift idea would be tickets to their Free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park festival, which is now in its 6th year and has become a major cultural event of the summer. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoors, theater, and picnicking under the stars. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and a cooler full of treats and enjoy a casual and free-wheeling production style that is both cutting-edge and family-friendly.

For the Shakespeare enthusiast who loves to delve deeper into the world of the Bard, consider gifting them a signed copy of one of Independent Shakespeare's productions. Whether it's one of their professional productions or one of the co-founders' personal works, a signed copy is a unique and treasured keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

Another great gift idea would be a behind-the-scenes tour of Independent Shakespeare's production process. This is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will give the recipient an inside look at how the company brings Shakespeare's works to life. They'll get to see everything from costume and set design to rehearsals and performances, and will come away with a newfound appreciation for the art of theater.

Overall, Independent Shakespeare offers a range of gifts that are sure to delight and inspire. From tickets to their Free Shakespeare in Barnsdall Park festival, to signed copies of their productions, to behind-the-scenes tours, there's something for everyone. Give the gift of Shakespeare and theater, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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