Alyson Cook (she/her) is a fifth-year PhD candidate and a Teacher Scholar Doctoral Fellow at the University of Saskatchewan studying English Literature. Her research focuses on the short works of British women authors writing during the Interwar period. While Alyson’s research takes her to the 20th century, she holds a special passion for Shakespeare and is thrilled to have the opportunity to develop her creative voice at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, having joined the company in 2023 as their primary Marketing and Communications contact.
Alyson is originally from Major, Saskatchewan, and has lived in Saskatoon for the past seven years. She is grateful to live, work, and learn on Treaty 6 territory. Alyson has spoken at several international conferences, supported the publication of a collection of essays, and has six years of teaching experience.
What is your favourite play by William Shakespeare? It has to be Much Ado About Nothing. I hold a special place in my heart for the headstrong and fierce Beatrice, and I’m also a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers romance.
What do you love about live theatre? As an English Lit PhD candidate, I’ve read my fair share of dramas (and a lot of Shakespeare), but live theatre has shown me how there is so much more than what the playwright wrote on the page! Live theatre is an experience that can never be replicated after you’ve seen it because every production is unique. That’s what I love about live theatre — it’s new and exciting every time.
What makes SOTS special to you? SOTS is special because it strives to share the magic of Shakespeare with everyone: it doesn’t matter if you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or just someone looking for something to do on a warm summer evening, SOTS produces works by Shakespeare that you’ll “get” and enjoy.