Moorpark College’s theatre department presents William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of The Shrew” in the Performing Art Center’s Black Box from July 28 to Aug. 7.

John Loprieno, interim dean of performing arts, said he was pleasantly surprised to have around 46 people audition, even though he cast 29 along with a couple of assistant directors and stage managers.

“Because I had so many people show up for auditions, I had a lot of great character actors and ultimately, what makes Shakespeare’s comedy work is people really committing to the characters that they’re playing,” said Loprieno. “I had some great actors come out, some great character types, so I’m really excited.”

Loprieno expects a total of 800 people to attend the 10 performances, 80 each performances.

Normally, rehearsals last for four weeks and the performance for three weeks. However, for the summer performance the show rehearses for five weeks and performs for two weeks, said Loprieno.

“Normally over the summer we don’t have a full set, but we got a full set, full costumes, full Renaissance Elizabethan costumes,” said Loprieno. “Usually our crews are off summers, so traditionally we do things in the round because when you do something in the round all you can really do is furniture, you can’t do scenery. So we tend to do things in the round and that cuts down on the technical requirements, it’s just, at that point, pretty much lighting and audio.”

There will also be a free student matinee at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3 by appointment only. To make a reservation, call the box office since house seating is limited.

For more information and to make a reservation, please contact the box office at [email protected]