Jeb Burris and Shay Garber- Guest Bloggers
Meet two returning members of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Jeb Burris, member of the Festival’s acting company:
Have you ever worked at the Festival before? If so, for how many years and in what roles/capacity?
Yes! This is my third year as a member of the acting company.
Where’s your home base?
Well, I don’t have one. I have been lucky enough to just follow the work where it leads me.
What’s your educational/training background?
I have a Bachelors Degree in Acting from Ball State University and a Masters of Fine Arts from Illinois State University. I have also studied with Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company in the UK.
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
I was at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre playing Mercutio.
How will you spend your time off while here?
Going hiking and hanging with Melisa!
Describe what live theatre means to you in one or two sentences…
To me, the theatre is all about the shared experience, and the exchange of energy from the actors and production crew to the audience.
Describe what the Festival means to you in one or two sentences…
The Festival, to me, represents tradition. It has this beautifully rich history that means so much to everyone and at the same time, they are constantly finding ways to reinvent themselves.
Shay Garber, member of company management
Have you ever worked at the Festival before? If so, for how many years and in what roles/capacity?
Yes, this is my second season! Last season, I was the Company Management Assistant; and in the Spring, I was the Tour Stage Manager for Romeo and Juliet.
What is your title/role? (e.g. actor, costume stitcher, stage crew)
Assistant Company Manager.
Where’s your home base?
Since last June, I have called my home Cedar City. However, my home town is Mission Viejo, CA.
What’s your educational/training background?
I have a BFA in Stage Management from Syracuse University and an AA in Theatre from Saddleback College.
How will you spend your time off while here?
I am hoping to spend more time this summer exploring the surrounding state parks. But also, taking time to relax and appreciate being in one beautiful place for an extended period of time.
Describe what live theatre means to you in one or two sentences…
Live theatre, for me, is so powerful because it has the ability to affect change, inspire, and bring people from diverse backgrounds together.
Describe what the Festival means to you in one or two sentences…
The Festival isn’t just a workplace for me, but has become a home and a family. I feel a strong sense of support and belonging from the friendships I have formed over the past year.
