Faculty, Students Collaborate on Sketch-Comedy Production 'Shakespeare Night Live'

ATLANTA — What happens when Shakespeare meets sketch comedy?

The School of Film, Media & Theatre’s upcoming production, "Shakespeare Night Live," inspired by William Shakespeare, began as a faculty-led play, but soon evolved into a dynamic collaboration with Georgia State University students. Instead of working with a completed script, the faculty and actors built the play during the rehearsal process. They wrote, revised and shaped the scenes in real time.

Produced by Mary Emily Deal, associate director of the School of Film, Media & Theatre, and directed by Lecturer Olubajo Sonubi, the project allowed students to integrate themselves into the play as authors.

“This is a true experiential learning experience. Many of these students have worked on previous shows, learning from faculty or guest artists, and have now stepped into major roles in this production, including projection design, sound design, costume design and more," Deal said. "It is important that we produce work that is relevant to our students and that allows them to have ownership in the creation and development. I think we have done just that with 'Shakespeare Night Live,' and I’m so proud of what these students have accomplished.”

As rehearsals went on, dialogues were rolled out, sketches were tested and rewritten and characters shifted. In the end, it was not simply an adaptation of Shakespeare — it became a hybrid production of live sketches and digital shorts that drops the Bard's most iconic characters into the worlds of game shows, reality TV, professional wrestling, couples therapy and manosphere podcasts.

The collaboration goes past the script. Production Manager and Technical Director Woody Depew is leading the design and construction of the stage and, under his supervision, students are also helping to bring the concept into a physical performance space. Faculty member Anastasia Wilson has contributed to the character styling, helping bring the reimagining of Shakespearean figures to life. Together, the faculty team has created a collaborative, mentorship-driven process that provides students with opportunities for artistic development.

Each performance will also feature live musical guests, so no two shows will be the same. Additionally, pre-filmed sketches will be integrated into the productions, blending film with theatrical performances.

The show opens on Thursday, Feb. 26, and runs through Saturday, March 7, with a total of nine performances. Purchase tickets here. Tickets are currently buy one, get one free with code "NOBLE."