Spencer Valley Students Hail Caesar

Tyler Vargas and Cierra Smothers.

By Bobbi Zane

Shakespeare's drama of the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar was the annual play presented for the community April 4 to 6 by students at Spencer Valley School. About 100 guests attended the

April 5 dinner theater production, which raised money to support services provided by the school.

Portraying the principal characters in the historic drama were Callie Myers as Julius Caesar, Jacob Thorn and David Kugler sharing the role of Brutus, Charlie Beatty as the plotter Cassius, and Kaya Seewalker as Marc Antony. Since this production involved the entire school, all 31 students appeared on stage at one time or another, some in more than one role.

Don Winslow adapted the play from Shakespeare's original. Julie Clemmons and Kymm Hanson directed.

This is the ninth year the school has presented a Shakespeare play to the community. "Shakespeare productions present universal themes, rich language, and world historyies. Students learn real world lessons about teamwork during the challenging task of putting together such productions. "An endeavor of this caliber encourages students to emerge as leaders, facilitating multiple aspects of the production, including learning each other's lines, diction, delivery and management of props."

Julian Weaver and Journey Smothers. Photos by Bobbi Zane

Funds raised by the production support the Spencer Valley Educational Association that provide tutoring for students, funds for field trips and special equipment not included in the school's annual budget. The funds make it possible for the children to participate in scientific and artistic endeavors. This recently included a trip to Balboa Park in late April where the ensemble participated in the San Diego Shakespeare Festival along with students from more than 20 other schools.

Callie Myers and Sofia Romero.