The Flachmann Seminar

Seminars this season will be taught by Dr. Susan Willis, dramaturg of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Dr. Willis was an observer at the BBC while it produced The BBC Shakespeare Plays: Making the Televised Canon. Since 1985, she has been the resident dramaturg and a director at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and hosts the adult education series “Theatre in the Mind”. She has also worked with its play program, The Southern Writers Project and is a member of the faculty of Auburn University.

“Southwest Shakespeare’s Flachmann Seminars with Dr. Susan Willis are as interesting and informative as the lectures and workshops on Shakespeare I’ve attended at London’s Globe Theater, the British National Archives, and the 2016 World Shakespeare Congress in Stratford and London. Susan’s knowledge and humor make Shakespeare’s plays more interesting and accessible for novices as well as devotees. After teaching Arizona students for many years, I am thrilled that students, teachers, and Shakespeare lovers of all descriptions have the opportunity to attend a Seminar of this quality in our home state. We are indeed fortunate to have the Southwest Shakespeare Company in the Valley of the Sun” – Kathy Phares Farris

Macbeth – Saturday Nov 2, 2019 @ 9:00 AM

A Midsummer Nights Dream – Saturday February 29, 2020 @9:00 AM

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Attending a Seminar

“I’ve found the Flachmann Seminars to be revelatory! Each one I’ve attended has added an uplifting, behind-the-scenes dimension to the play; my entire theater experience is enhanced. I benefit from the erudition of the dramaturge, Susan Willis, whose encyclopedic knowledge of Shakespeare takes my breath away, and from fellow participants who often pose questions that can become key points of interest for me.” – Felicity Wilson

Delving deeper into the Bard’s works gives one a greater understanding of the play. The seminars also give you a sneak peek behind the scenes as you will meet the designers, mingle with the actors, possible tour of the set and stage and have a special talk back with the actors.

Seminars are from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (With breaks throughout)

The location for the 2019/2020 Season Seminars: The Mildred Finch Family Life Center located within The First United Methodist Church 15 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 (NE Corner of Center and 2nd Avenue, 2 block south of the Mesa Arts Center) enter through the red doors on the Southeast side of the building.

Reservations are required. The fee for the seminar is $60 for non-subscribers/Bard Card members and includes lunch and a ticket to the show.

You can pay for the seminar online by clicking the link above or call 480-435-6868 to reserve your spot.

Bard Club Members

Admission to the seminars is included in Bard Card memberships.  While the cost of lunch is not included with Bard Cards, all attendees are welcome to purchase their lunch for the day through Southwest Shakespeare Company website for $15.  Please click the button above to purchase your lunch.

Season Subscribers

Admission is not included in your season subscription, however you can purchase a seat to the seminar for a discounted rate by clicking the button above. You may also purchase your lunch at that time.

Educators and Students

Because SSC understands the value of bringing Shakespeare alive to students and has the desire to assist teachers with simplifying this task, we encourage all  teachers to attend SSC Flachmann Seminars. The seminars offer learning techniques teachers can take  directly back to their classrooms.  Attendees will receive expert knowledge of the production and most districts accept this as 10 re-certification credits. Educators will receive a certificate upon completion of the day. Please check with your district to receive professional development credit.

Please call for a discounted code for the seminar. Lunch may be purchased separately.