Truckee Meadows Community College’s Theatre Program joined with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s Young Shakespeare initiative this summer to offer mentorship and performance opportunities for local high school students. The partnership allowed students from Reed, Wooster, Damonte Ranch, and Hug High Schools to rehearse in TMCC’s Red Mountain Performance Lab, where they worked alongside TMCC faculty, students, and alumni.
Shea King, a TMCC Theatre Instructor who directed this year’s adaptation of Twelfth Night for the Young Shakespeare program, said, “This collaboration is really important to us. Not only have they allowed a lot of us to come in and work on Young Shakespeare with them, but it’s also a great introduction to our programs and a way to build stronger relationships with local high schools.”
TMCC faculty member Jared Sorensen handled set design and construction. Morgan Nott, a recent graduate of TMCC, served as both stage and tour manager. Jaden Newberry, another alum now working full-time as a teaching artist with the festival, was also involved in the production.
Newberry highlighted the value of TMCC’s support: “We’re so grateful for Shea letting us use the TMCC space. Otherwise, we’d be rehearsing in Incline Village. Being here has made a huge difference for the cast, and Shea’s mentorship—both for the students and for us adult actors—has been incredible. TMCC’s support, including letting us rent costumes and use their stage, shows how much this college cares about the local arts community.”
One incoming student named Jay shared their experience: “My name is Jay, and I’m an incoming TMCC student. Rehearsing on campus these last two weeks has been so fun—the space is amazing, and the people here are so kind. I was nervous at first about finding my way around, but everyone helped me feel welcome.” Jay added that participating in this project strengthened their interest in pursuing both education and theatre at TMCC.
Earlier in the academic year, two TMCC theatre majors were hired as paid understudies with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s professional company after being invited to audition.
King emphasized the broader impact of these efforts: “It’s exciting to be part of something that builds real bridges. We’ve even had the chance to work with some of our incoming students before their first semester starts, which gives us a head start in creating meaningful relationships.”
Since its inception, LTSF's Young Shakespeare education program has reached more than 80,000 youth and families through classic theatre experiences supported by institutions like TMCC.
As Newberry stated: “We couldn’t do this without the community. TMCC has been a big part of that community—and we’re so thankful.”
For further details about similar initiatives or involvement opportunities at Truckee Meadows Community College's Visual and Performing Arts program, interested parties can reach out directly to the department.