SSU Theatre and Speech Communication Dept.

The Tempest

Salem State Theatre Ticket Site

The Tempest

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Peter Sampieri

PERFORMANCES:
Friday, April 16 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 17 at 7:30pm
Sunday, April 18 at 2:00pm
Friday, April 23 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 24 at 7:30pm
Sunday, April 25 at 2:00pm
Monday, April 26 at 10:00am (High School Matinee)

VENUE:
Sophia Gordon Center- Mainstage Theatre
356 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970

TICKETS:
Admission is FREE for current Salem State students, faculty and staff with university ID.
$15 general/$10 seniors/free for all students with student ID and under 18.

About the Play

Synopsis:

A story of shipwreck and magic, The Tempest begins on a ship caught in a violent storm with Alonso, the king of Naples, on board. On a nearby island, the exiled Duke of Milan, Prospero, tells his daughter, Miranda, that he has caused the storm with his magical powers. Prospero had been banished twelve years earlier when Prospero’s brother, Antonio—also on the doomed ship—conspired with Alonso to become the duke instead. Prospero and Miranda are served by a spirit named Ariel and by Caliban, son of the island’s previous inhabitant, the witch Sycorax.

On the island, castaways from the wreck begin to appear. First is Alonso’s son Ferdinand, who immediately falls in love with Miranda. Prospero secretly approves of their love, but tests the pair by enslaving Ferdinand. After secretly watching Miranda and Ferdinand exchange vows, Prospero releases Ferdinand and consents to their marriage.

Other castaways who appear are Trinculo and Stephano, Alonso’s jester and butler, who join forces with Caliban to kill Prospero and take over the island. The nobles from the ship search for Ferdinand and are confronted with a spectacle including a Harpy, who convinces Alonso that Ferdinand’s death is retribution for Prospero’s exile.

Having all his enemies under his control, Prospero decides to forgive them. Alonso, joyously reunited with his son, restores Prospero to the dukedom of Milan and welcomes Miranda as Ferdinand’s wife. As all except Caliban and Ariel prepare to leave the island, Prospero, who has given up his magic, bids farewell to the island and the audience.

Source

Important Dates and Meetings

Important Dates:

THE TEMPEST

1. Rehearsals: February - April

2. What to Expect in a Fitting Meeting: January 20

3. Designer Run: March 24

4. Program Information Deadline:

5. Set In/All-Day Build Call: March 27

6. Lighting Hang: March 29- April 2

7. Focus: April 3

8. Board Op/Run Crew Training Meeting: April 5

9. Crew View: April 7

10. Q2Q/Tech Rehearsals: April 10 - 12

11. Dress Rehearsals: April 13-15

12. Front of House Training Meeting: April 15

13. Performances: April 16-18 & 23-26

14. Brush Up Rehearsal: April 22

15. Photocall: April 22

16. High School Matinee Performance: April 26

17. Strike: April 26-27

18. Post-Production Meeting: May 3

“What to Expect in a Fitting” Spring Meeting

Wednesday, January 20, 2027
5:00pm-6:00pm
Callan Studio Theatre

Join the Costume Shop Supervisor to learn what to expect in a costume fitting. This event is mandatory for all actors cast in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window and The Tempest, but all current Theatre majors are welcome to attend!

Board Op/Run Crew Training Meeting

Monday, April 5, 2027
5:00pm
Mainstage Theatre

Required for all Board Ops, Props Run Crew, Scenic Run Crew, and Wardrobe Run Crew members. Learn about your position and the production needs before tech!

Crew View

Wednesday, April 7, 2027
5:00pm
Mainstage Theatre

Required for all Board Ops, Props Run Crew, Scenic Run Crew, and Wardrobe Run Crew members. This is your opportunity to see the show before tech!

Front of House Training Meeting

Front of House Training Meeting
Thursday, April 15, 2027
5:30pm-7:00pm
Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts
McGurren Conference Room

This meeting is required for all ushers and Box Office Managers.

Post-Production Meeting

Post-Production Meeting
Monday, May 3, 2027
11:00am-12:00pm
Cynthia McGurren Conference Room

An opportunity for production representatives to discuss the educational values of The Tempest production experience, led by Department Chairperson Prof. Topher Morris.

The student Assistant Directors, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Managers, Designers, Assistant Designers, Wardrobe Run Crew Head, and Cast Mentors from each production are invited to attend the Post-Production Meeting as representatives of those shows, along with the faculty, staff, and guest artists/designers who also worked on the production.

All students who worked on the production will be sent a link to a Post-Production Survey, for feedback.