The vision began with a simple observation at Lake Poway. Jacquelyn Ritz, a seasoned theater professional, looked at the open landscape a few years ago and saw more than just a scenic vista. she saw a natural stage. Given that William Shakespeare’s works were historically performed in the open air, the setting felt less like a coincidence and more like a calling.
That vision remained a quiet ambition until it collided with a similar longing from a neighbor. Julia Giolzetti, also a professional in the theater world, had been searching for a way to bring a classical theatrical experience to Poway, specifically one that could ignite an interest in the arts for the community’s elementary-age children. The two women were strangers until a social media post bridged the gap. Giolzetti had shared her desire to create a professional classical theater company but admitted she wasn’t sure how to navigate the logistics. Ritz, who had recently established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, saw the post and reached out with a solution.
The resulting collaboration has culminated in the birth of Poway Shakespeare, a professional theater company making its official debut this week. The company is launching with a production titled “Bards with Blades,” staged at the BoxCar Lot in Old Poway Park as part of the 14th annual San Diego International Fringe Festival. The festival, which runs through May 24 across various venues in San Diego County, serves as a launchpad for independent artists and experimental works, free from the constraints of traditional censorship or the status quo.
For Poway, this is a milestone. According to Giolzetti, it marks the first time a venue within the city has been included in the San Diego International Fringe Festival. The founders hope the production will act as a cultural magnet, drawing visitors from across the county into Poway’s local economy and restaurants while establishing a permanent home for professional classical theater in the region.
“Bards with Blades”: A Visceral Introduction to the Bard
The debut production, “Bards with Blades,” carries the provocative tagline, “I went to see Shakespeare and a Fight Broke Out.” Rather than a full-length play, the show is a curated series of high-energy fight scenes drawn from five of Shakespeare’s most iconic works. Each scene averages about 10 minutes, blending traditional settings with highly stylized, concept-driven direction.
The production features a diverse array of directorial visions and choreography:
- Romeo and Juliet: Directed by Eddy Lukovik.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Directed by Heather LaForge.
- Henry V: Directed by Jacquelyn Ritz.
- Taming of the Shrew: Directed by Julia Giolzetti, featuring a stylized approach where knives are thrown instead of swords being used.
- Much Ado About Nothing: Directed by Justin Lang.
The visceral nature of the performance is anchored by fight choreographer Lance Arthur Smith and assistant fight choreographer Isabelle Pizzurro. By focusing on the conflict and physicality of the plays, the company aims to make the classical text accessible and exciting for an audience ranging from age 8 to adults.
A Pedigree of Professionalism
Poway Shakespeare is not a community hobbyist group; it is a professional venture led by women with deep ties to the national theater circuit. Jacquelyn Ritz, the company’s artistic director, brings a resume that spans regional venues across the United States. A member of both Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Ritz has worked under the direction of industry titans like Harold Prince and Rachel Chavkin. Her experience includes roles and directorial work at the Kennedy Center, Milwaukee Repertory, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and local staples such as the La Jolla Playhouse and North Coast Rep.
Julia Giolzetti, the community engagement director, complements this with a specialized focus on Shakespearean performance. Her background includes two years with the Off-Broadway production of Drunk Shakespeare and the creation of Sofa Shakespeare, a global online performance project. Together, they have spent 15 months building the infrastructure necessary to ensure the company can provide fair compensation to its artists.
The cast of “Bards with Blades” reflects this commitment to professionalism, featuring a mix of union and non-union actors from throughout San Diego County. The ensemble includes a wide age range, including Rancho Bernardo High sophomores Caroline Daugherty and Alex Gilbert, who take on the roles of Hermia and Lysander in the A Midsummer Night’s Dream sequence. All performers in the debut production are receiving pay, a detail Ritz emphasizes as central to the company’s mission to foster a thriving environment for artists.
Historical Alignment at Old Poway Park
The choice of the BoxCar Lot in Old Poway Park is more than a matter of convenience; it is an act of historical curation. Sarah Becker, the recreation area manager for the City of Poway, noted that the park was designed in the late 1980s by Roger Mohling to reflect a late 19th-century small town. During that era, pop-up theatrical snippets in public parks were common cultural fixtures.
By placing Shakespeare on the wood platform and steps next to the boxcar, Poway Shakespeare is fulfilling a design intent that has existed for decades. The company joins a roster of community-centric groups at the park, including the Poway-Midland Railroad and the Poway Heritage Museum, further integrating the arts into the city’s historical identity.
Performance Schedule and Attendance Details
Because the production is outdoors, the experience is designed to be casual and immersive. While some folding chairs are provided, the company recommends that attendees bring their own lawn or beach chairs and blankets to stay warm during the hour-long performance.
| Date | Time | Location | Ticket Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14-16 | 7:30 p.m. | BoxCar Lot, Old Poway Park | $13 Ticket + $7 Fringe Tag |
| May 21-23 | 7:30 p.m. | BoxCar Lot, Old Poway Park | $13 Ticket + $7 Fringe Tag |
Tickets and the mandatory San Diego Fringe “tag” can be purchased through the official festival website at sdfringe.org. The park is located at 14134 Midland Road.
The Road Ahead: Beyond the Blades
For Ritz and Giolzetti, “Bards with Blades” is merely the opening act. The long-term goal is to create a lasting institution where families return every summer and local artists can find professional stability. The company is already looking toward the autumn, with plans for “The Immersive Tempest,” a conceptual version of Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage slated for September.
Beyond performances, the company intends to launch free workshops for individuals aged 16 and older later this year. Giolzetti has specifically highlighted educational outreach for children as a cornerstone of the company’s future, aiming to demystify the Bard for the next generation of Poway residents.
The next confirmed milestone for the company will be the transition from the Fringe Festival circuit to their planned September production of The Tempest.
Do you think professional classical theater is making a comeback in suburban spaces? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this story with a local arts lover.
