ABOUT THE COMPANY
There are already several fantastic classical theater companies in Los Angeles, including one large award-winning classical company just down from the road from our theater in Pasadena. So why another? The Ensemble has a slightly different focus: intimate, personal and risky productions of Shakespeare.
Come visit us in our home at the Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena, or follow us online at the latest faceless giant social media corporation!
The ensemble is based on the idea of a supergroup; it is a side project for currently working actors, and an incubator for up-and-coming actors. Some of our actors are the stars of hit TV shows, and some in our ensemble are from recent training in NYU, RADA and Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London.
The mission of the ENSEMBLE SHAKESPEARE THEATER is:
•To tell Shakespeare’s stories to excite the imagination; to bring his timeless words to life.
•To bring attention and assistance to artistic and cultural causes we support.
•To create cultural events that inspire and encourage thought and conversation.
The Ensemble is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations to the EST are tax deductible!
The Ensemble's work is made possible in part by grants from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Pasadena Arts & Culture Commission and the City of Pasadena Cutlural Affairs Division; and the Nancy E. Barton Foundation.
CREATIVE STAFF
Artistic Director
Brian Elerding
Raised in Altadena and Pasadena, Brian went to George Washington University on a Presidential Arts Scholarship for Theater. He returned to Los Angeles and has been acting in theater and television, and directing for the stage. Television credits include recurring or guest starring roles on: Castle, Mad Men, NCIS, Rizzoli & Isles, and more. In the Ensemble, Brian is in charge of producing the season, and has adapted and directed most of the shows, including Shakespeare's Lovers, The Rose Queen, Shakespeare's Villains, Shakespeare's Night of Terror, and Lear's Shadow.
Managing Director
Fred Cross
Fred is a founding member of the Ensemble Shakespeare Theater and has been performing theater all over California for over 20 years. His extensive training includes comedic theater (Second City) as well as voice-over work (w/ Nancy Wolfson). Theatre: in addition to acting in every season of the Ensemble’s shows since the company’s inception, Fred has worked extensively with the Prospect Theatre Project in Modesto, and InterAct Theatre in Los Angeles. TV: American Crime, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Joe Schmo Show. Film: Gone Girl.