Mary's Vision...Now a Tradition

A recent letter from the President of the Board of Trustees of the Carolinian Shakespeare Theatre inviting me to attend Much Ado About Nothing which runs August 2nd through the 19^th and consider a financial gift in support of their efforts, brought back nice memories of meeting Mary McGinley. Mary, founder of New Bern’s Shakespeare Festival, is a very dedicated theatre artist who has worked for many years to enrich the lives of people in New Bern and Eastern North Carolina by providing an understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare and classic literature.

In the late 1990’s, Mary a resident of New York City, came to my office asking for input on her interest in establishing a Shakespearean Festival that would be held every summer in New Bern. I along with many others were asked if we thought Eastern North Carolina had reached a point in time that the community would support and embrace classic, quality Shakespearean theatre/entertainment. The consensus on our part was, yes. We believed New Bernians would support it. We were developing as a cultural center and this would enrich the mix of art and theatre in our city and be a draw for tourists.

With the promise of community support, in 1998 she established the New Millennium Theatre Works, Inc., a nonprofit organization. It’s major project is production of the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival, an educational, summer theatre program held every summer in New Bern.  Before the NC History Center opened in 2010, performances were held in various venues throughout the City. Last year, they collaborated with Tryon Palace and performances were held in the Cullman Performance Center and will be held there again this year.

Mary McGinley’s dedication as a director, acting coach, audition coach and teacher in a career spanning more than three decades is cause for applause. As a theatre artist, her primary mission has been helping others and thanks to her on-going commitment, dedication and determination, the Shakespeare Festival is a New Bern tradition.

In addition to Mary’s leadership and the support of a local Board of Trustees, the Carolina Shakespeare Festival productions are made possible with philanthropic grants and individual donations. For more information go to http://www.csfest.net/.

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director