This summer, Old Town Actors Studio is reviving a time-honored theatrical tradition: repertory Renaissance theatre, presenting Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare.

What exactly is repertory theatre? Simply put, it’s when a company of actors rehearses multiple shows simultaneously. In our case: two shows, one cast, every other night.

Let’s say it’s Monday night and you’re watching The Comedy of Errors — a wild and wacky play with long-lost twins, mistaken identities, and total chaos. Then, on Thursday, you’re back in your seat… but wait! The same actors are now performing Doctor Faustus, a dark and spooky tale about a man who sells his soul to the devil. In Comedy of Errors, you’ll see local actor Justin Briscoe as a befuddled twin who finds himself in a strange city where everyone seems to know him, and in Doctor Faustus, you’ll see him as an overconfident drunkard who dabbles in dark magic.

The cast has been working hard and is ready to ping pong between shows, an amazing feat all on its own. Dee Wilson, a local actress, told us, “This experience has been incredible. It has pushed me to be more creative and confident in my acting. I was excited to attempt to take on two shows despite being a novice, and I regret none of it! I’ve really liked playing contrasting roles because it forces me to work even harder at making the characters unique. I feel incredibly blessed to work with this extremely talented cast and I think that our audience will love the two worlds we’ve created.”

Doctor Faustus runs July 7, 11, 17, and 19, with doors open at 7pm and showtime at 7:30pm. The show’s technical director is Raven Claflin, with Daniel Sheldon directing. We asked Daniel to tell us more about Marlowe’s harrowing drama: “Doctor Faustus is a tale that seems to be older than itself. Written by the enigmatic Christopher Marlowe (a Shakespeare contemporary of significant renown) this show is simply a delight. A tale, on its surface about a man who sells his soul to the devil, but is both much deeper, and much more surface level. It’s a show about the intense questions of the value of a soul, the offerings of redemption, the corrupting power of money, and… somehow… also about a few dinguses who love to pull pranks. It’s a story of love, of power, of comedy, of… everything. It’s a show that will have you laughing out loud one moment and then terrified of what will happen the next.”

The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare runs July 10, 12, 14, 18.

Directed by Michael Fornarotto. Technical Director: Raven Claflin.

Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors runs July 10, 12, 14, and 18. Raven Claflin also serves as technical director for this production, with Michael Fornarotto in the director’s chair. Get ready for a whirlwind of laughter, chaos, and pure slapstick brilliance! In The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare spins a dizzying tale where two sets of identical twins—separated at birth—unwittingly cross paths in a bustling city, causing a cascade of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and a heap of hilarious misadventures. Watch as confusion reigns, egos are bruised, and love—along with lost money and stolen goods—is found in the most unexpected of places. A classic farce that delivers timeless humor, wild surprises, and an unforgettable finale!

We asked director, Michael Fornarotto, about why he chose The Comedy of Errors: “I gravitate towards Shakespearean comedy because laughter is my favorite thing to do unto others. I try to achieve this by taking the funniest people I know and putting them in a show that lets them showcase how funny they are. I think Comedy of Errors is a slapstick looney tunes show. This is the third year I have gotten to direct at OTAS and I have to credit the bard for being part of that success. I get to make live comedy with wonderful people because of a person I will never meet.”

Don’t miss out on our Summer Ren-Fest Passes which will allow you to see both shows for only $30. Come for the laughs. Stay for the madness!

You can buy tickets at OTAS.ludus.com and grab the 2-show pass at OTAS.ludus.com/passes.php. For more information, visit oldtownactorsstudio.net. CONTENT WARNING: Teen+ for Mild Adult Themes.

Old Town Actors Studio is located on 427 N Main St Suite G., Pocatello ID 83202.

Find more information on oldtownactorsstudio.net. Follow OTAS on Facebook and Instagram.