What is your favorite thing about the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival?

“I have to say that the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has always been one of my favorite places to work. I really shouldn’t say work. I should say play, for here the work is play. When I left for PSF this past June my wife referred to it as “going to summer camp.” I can’t totally disagree.

There are four things that make for a great experience. First, it’s the people. PSF has routinely brought together a collection of artists who are an inspiration and a delight. There is a sense of continuity and ensemble here that allows for a sort of creative shorthand. It’s interesting that my first show here was in 1997 and many of the people who were here that season are here this year. There has to be something extraordinary about a theater that makes people want to return year after year. In addition, there is also a kind of inspiration you get from working with the DeSales students who make up the Young Company. Their energy and dedication remind you of why performers are drawn to live theater in the first place.

Second is the support you get and the talented people who have run the festival from founder Father Schubert to the current regime of Patrick Mulcahy and Dennis Razze. Production values are always first-rate and the designers that share their talents are all quite singular. Everything possible is done to support the artist. You can’t ask for more than that.

Third would be the material itself. The opportunity to work on these great plays is something that can’t be overstated. There is a reason that Shakespeare is the singular voice he is. The chance to bring to life these great works with talented actors and artists is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Finally, last but certainly not least, is the audience. I have gotten to know many of them and there is always the sense that through the work they also know you. It’s like visiting old friends, albeit friends you see only once a year. They are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and generous supporters of not only the festival but the people who make up each season’s company.”

What is it like doing repertory theater, whereby you are acting in two plays back to back?

“This is my third year of doing the rep. The challenge is always in working on two shows simultaneously. Of course, a lot depends on the nature of the roles you are playing. I’m sure it’s far more challenging for Ian and Eleanor this season than it is for me. I enjoy the give and take of doing ‘Macbeth’ one afternoon and ‘Tenor’ that night, or ‘The Foreigner’ and ‘Henry V’ or this season, ‘Blithe Spirit’ and ‘Shrew.’ I was actually quite relieved to be in both. The challenge is greater but so are the rewards.”

What are your memories of Father Schubert?

“What I remember most, besides his grace, was his quiet yet intense enthusiasm for Shakespeare and for actors. His passion and belief created this institution and it is a gift that will be rewarding its patrons (and artists) for generations to come.

I had first met him years ago following a performance of “Lend Me A Tenor” at the then Pennsylvania Stage Company. That summer, while I was in my office, I received a phone call from Father Schubert. He was interested in starting a theater on the DeSales campus and had some questions about Actors Equity and the process of becoming a professional theater operating under an Equity contract.

He was passionate and enthusiastic and I remember wondering after our brief talk if anything would come of it. Little did I know. From small beginnings great monuments have emerged. We all owe a great debt to Father Schubert.”

Carl N. Wallnau is a veteran of numerous Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival roles, including, 2016: Gremio, “Taming of the Shrew”; Dr. Bradman, “Blithe Spirit”; Froggy in 2015’s “The Foreigner”; Saunders in “Lend Me A Tenor”; Malvolio in “Twelfth Night”; Andrew Wyke in “Sleuth”; Senex in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and Sir Francis in ‘Charlie’s Aunt.” Recent credits include the title role in the world premiere of Funnyman by Bruce Graham at the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia directed by Matt Pfeiffer. Regional credits include: Paper Mill Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Second Stage in NYC, People’s Light, York Musical Theatre, 1812 Productions, The Lark Theatre, Bristol Riverside, Forum Theatre, Premiere Stages, and the First National Tour of “Titanic.” He is Producing Director at Centenary Stage Company, an Equity theater at Centenary College, Hackettstown, N.J, where he is Professor of Theatre Arts and Chairman of the Communication and Fine Arts Department. He received an MFA from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts.