Newnan Shakespeare in the Park (or Newnan Shakes) is a professional theatre company devoted to building community bonds and providing educational resources by bringing artistically excellent, free productions of the works of William Shakespeare to Newnan, GA. We are a 501c-3 non-profit theatre company producing works annually since 2018.
We are currently seeking individual patrons and corporate sponsors to help us make our 2024 season a reality. Your financial support will allow us to pay our artists, cover our production costs, and most importantly help make this a FREE EVENT for the public! We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality theatre, and your contribution will help bring professional theatre to the West Georgia region.
Email newnanshakes@gmail.com before donating to check out our sponsorship packet and to see what perks may lie in store!
Newnan Shakes is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit.
You can also send donations to @newnanshakes on PayPal
Madeline SainCo-Founder/ Executive Director |
Madeline Sain is a Newnan native and grew up acting at Newnan Theatre Company and Newnan High School. She graduated with a BA in Performance from LaGrange College in 2015 before studying at the Stella Adler Summer Conservatory in New York City. She was a 2019-2020 Acting Apprentice at Little Five Point’s own Horizon Theatre Company and has acted and directed at other theaters around Atlanta including Role Call Theatre and Theatrical Outfit.
James HendleyCo-Founder |
James Hendley is a Newnan native. As an actor James has appeared at theatres around the country including the Barter Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival, North Carolina Stage Company, Oak Park Festival Theatre, and First Folio Theatre. James holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University.
Eliza JanineHero/ Dogberry |
Eliza is a graduate of the LaGrange College Musical Theatre program and has been working in theater and film since graduating. Her favorite theatre roles include Viola/Cesario in Newnan Shakes’ “Twelfth Night,” Miriam in “Fly by Night,” Mary in “On the Verge: or the Geography of Yearning” and Velma in “Chicago.” She is thrilled to join Newnan Shakes for the second time and would like to thank the audience for supporting local arts.
Caleb StevensClaudio/ Borachio |
Caleb Stevens is a dynamic and creative storyteller and artist with a passion for bringing narratives to life across multiple mediums. As a writer, screenwriter, actor, and musician, Caleb’s diverse talents have led him to captivating roles both on and off-screen. His love for theatre started at a young age while performing in school and church plays. Caleb has appeared in commercials and short-films, leaving a memorable impression with his performances. Driven by his love for storytelling and dedication to his craft, Caleb is an emerging talent in the world of theatre and entertainment.
Jessica HillBeatrice/ Verges |
Jessica Nicole Hill was born and raised in Newnan, Georgia. After earning her BFA in theatre performance from Columbus State University, she moved to Chicago to pursue film. She has since returned to the stage and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to her community through storytelling. She was last seen at NTC in the world premiere of “To the Moon,” “The Amethyst Tour Cabaret” and “Wedding Singer.” Book her today or just browse through her website at JessicaNicoleHill.com or follow her on instagram @jessica_nicole_hill. Thanks for supporting the local arts!!
Lizzie PerezLeonato/ Don John |
Lizzie Perez is THRILLED to join the Newnan Shakes family! She is the Theatre Director at Trinity Christian School and loves to create, tell, and share stories of all kinds. Thanks to her husband, AB, for his loving encouragement, Maddie for this incredible opportunity and the Lord for His loving goodness.
Rahsaan ParhamDon Pedro/ Margaret/ Friar |
Rahsaan Parham is elated to be in Newnan Shakes for this production of Much Ado About Nothing! Rahsaan is an Atlanta native who has been performing from a very young age and studied at the University of West Georgia. Rahsaan’s most recent credits include: Something Rotten (Minstrel), Rent (Tom Collins), Pippen (Leading Player), A Christmas to Believe In (Snowball), Chicago and As You Like It. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this show and cast. I would like to thank God – for the path through this industry, my Family and Friends – for all their love and support, and my fellow Cast & Crew – for making this show a blast to be a part of. AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS AND LIVE THEATRE!”
Raleigh CothranBenedick/ Vocalist |
Raleigh is delighted to be a part of this production. He has significantly enjoyed working alongside his fellow actors and with the production team. He’d like to thank the directors for their patience and direction during this whole process. Recent credits include Wedding Singer with NTC, Illuminaire at Carnegie Hall, Jekyll and Hyde, Mamma Mia, She Loves Me, and In the Silence with Furman University.
Morgan CrumblyAssistant Director/ Music Director/ Vocalist |
Morgan Crumbly (she/her) is a writer, singer, and Suzi Bass nominated actor based in Atlanta area. She received her BA in Theater & Performance from Spelman College. Crumbly’s creative endeavors in the theatrical and film spaces have nurtured her passion for the multi-faceted nature of storytelling. Crumbly’s work behind the scenes began in 2020 as an associate producer on the award-winning web series “Losin It.” Most recently, Crumbly was a production assistant for a film that will premiere this month as a part of the Visionary Justice Lab’s director fellowship showcase. She is also a published journalist who has reported for the community’s own Newnan Times Herald. As an actor, Morgan has performed with/for Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Actor’s Express, Art Farm at Serenbe, and 54 Below to name a few. Crumbly is so excited to be working with Newnan Shakes for the first time! Special thanks to Madeline Sain for this amazing opportunity. Without further ado enjoy Much Ado!
Carina CrumblyAssistant Director/ Music Director/ Vocalist |
Carina Crumbly (she/her) is delighted to make her Newnan Shakes debut! A Spelman College BA Theatre and Performance graduate, she’s since been a part of memorable productions, more recently Crystal Little Shop of Horros (Art Farm at Serenbe) and Clara Light at the Piazza (Jennie T. Anderson). Carina also gets involved in production and behind the scenes magic across mediums, from work on a web series, to the stage. This year, she worked as an assistant stage manager (Southwest Arts Center), and as a PA on the short film Sister Salad Days. She’s also had the opportunity to perform at 54 Below in New York in a musical duo with fellow collaborator and twin sister, Morgan Crumbly. IG: the_geminitwins. Carina also works on film projects including a stand-in role, Nettie for The Color Purple (Warner Bros.), and other professional productions.
We are always interested in getting to know more artists in our area!
Are you an actor/director/educator/stage manager in the Atlanta area? Are you interested in working with us? Send us an email at newnanshakes@gmail.com and let’s start a conversation.