Tri-City theater artist headed to Shakespeare’s Globe theater for workshop

Ellicia Elliott is a Shakespeare devotee.

So it’s fitting that the Tri-City woman — who helped start the area’s first and only Shakespeare company, The Rude Mechanicals — will travel to the famed Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London this spring for a directing workshop.

Shakespeare was part of the original Globe, and some of his most famous works were staged there.

“I think it’s really important to not be stuck in one mode of thinking. (Through the workshop), I’m going to be working with directors who’ve directed at the Globe and also all over the world,” Elliott said.

Elliott will visit the Globe in May for its Directing Studio, a series of masterclasses. She and her classmates — Elliott was one of 12 directors chosen — will study three Shakespeare works: The Tempest, A Winter’s Tale and Cymbeline.

Elliott is a 1998 graduate of Kennewick High School. She went on to Central Washington University and holds a master’s degree in theater production.

She’s taught theater for years, including a long tenure at Richland High School.

The Globe workshop isn’t her only prestigious training endeavor in recent months. Last year, she was chosen for a facilitator training program aimed at increasing inclusiveness, equity and diversity in theater arts. Called artEquity, it was presented through the famed Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.

Elliott serves as artistic director of The Rude Mechanicals, a theater company dedicated to Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired works.

It made its main stage debut last year with the well-received Much Ado About Nothing at the Reach center in Richland.

And its raw, powerful production of Othello premiered in January at Richland’s Uptown Theatre.

Elliott directed both shows.

Sam Shick, executive director of The Rude Mechanicals, described Elliott as a talented artist filled with passion.

Her experience at the Directors Studio at the Globe will benefit the company and the community, he said.

“Our goal and part of our mission statement is to elevate the performing arts in our community, to educate the public on the value of live theater and Shakespeare,” Shick said. “By going to the Globe and learning at the feet of some really talented people, that’s going to (be incredible).”

While in England for the workshop, Elliott also plans to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and see Kenneth Branagh’s production of the classic Romeo and Juliet.

She said she looks forward to bringing back what she learns to The Rude Mechanicals and the Tri-City theater community.

“I’m excited, I’m overwhelmed, but it’s happening for reason,” she said. “It’s important to share experiences, and hopefully it will help our theater community.”

Elliott is raising $3,400 to help with travel, lodging and tuition. To contribute, go to www.tilt.com/tilts/directing-studio-shakespeares-globe.

This story was originally published February 27, 2016 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Tri-City theater artist headed to Shakespeare’s Globe theater for workshop."