ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - "The show must go on" was the theme of last week's Florida's First Coast Arts Festival as UF's School of Theatre and Dance put on 11 shows in seven days, rain or shine.
Throughout the week, UF produced a variety of performances at the St. Augustine Amphitheater ranging from the comical acts of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," to the serious tones of "Pride and Prejudice."
"The weather has been a nightmare," said Kevin Marshall, producer of the festival. "It has rained every day since the 17th."
Performances were held despite the rain, and although covered seating kept audience members dry, ticket sales were still effected.
"They were disappointing," Marshall said. "When The Weather Channel broadcasts from downtown St. Augustine on Thursday, you know you're in trouble."
The city had 14.2 inches of rainfall during the week of the festival, which is well above the 3.11-inch average for May, according to The Weather Channel's Web site.
Marshall said the festival cost between $200,000 and $250,000.
"All the productions have been marvelously received," Marshall said. "I think it has really helped the visibility for The School of Theatre and Dance."
Along with multiple performances, the UF School of Art and Art History held an outdoor exhibition at the amphitheater featuring eight sculptures from current UF students and alumni.
The amphitheater chose to keep the sculptures on display after the festival ended, said Anthony Castronovo, adjunct assistant professor of sculpture at UF.
The amphitheater was built in 1965 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of St. Augustine, which is the nation's oldest European settlement, according to the Florida's First Coast Arts Festival Web site.
The 4,000-seat venue is nearly 10 times as large as the Constans Theater at UF, which seats 415.
"I enjoy it because it challenges me," said Nichole Hamilton, an actor in "Pride and Prejudice." "It is a leap for an actor. You have to reach every member in the audience."
This is the first year UF has produced the festival, and it is planning to continue with dates set for May 15-24 of next year.
"We have every intention of coming back," Marshall said. "This will become an annual festival here on the First Coast."
