About the troupe
Rochester Shakespeare Theatre is a community theater company dedicated to performing the works of Shakespeare and other related productions. Founded in 2023, the company gets excited about showcasing local talent, entertaining and educating the community, and supporting the arts in and around Rochester, MN.
The actors and volunteers who make up the Rochester Shakespeare Theatre are no strangers to the local theater scene. Many have devoted their time and talents to theatrical endeavors with both the Rochester Repertory Theater and the Rochester Civic Theatre.
RST performed their debut production in August 2023 with their theater-in-the-round rendition of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and have auditions underway for their upcoming show, “Much Ado About Nothing.” In the future, they plan to continue to bring Shakespeare favorites to life for the enjoyment of as many theater-goers as possible (and maybe even more so for their own enjoyment.)
About the Founder
Rebecca Brokaw-Sands was born in Holland, MI and raised in Battle Creek, MI. Her love of theatre started so young that she jokes she played Baby Jesus in the church Christmas play! She doesn't remember a time when she wasn't onstage - participating in plays and musicals all the way through her school years, including winning awards at the state level and advancing at nationals.
Rebecca attended North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, where she graduated with BA's in Theatre and Intercultural Studies. She spent the year after graduation in Glenallen, AK, where she taught and directed the HS Theatre program.
In 2009, Rebecca moved to Rochester, MN. In 2010, she made her Rochester theatre debut at the Rochester Civic Theater in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." She has since been involved in productions at most local theatres including: Rochester Civic Theatre, Rochester Repertory Theatre, In Heart Theatre, Stewartville Community Theatre, Wit's End Theatre, Absolute Theatre, as well as productions for local high schools.
Rebecca has been involved with over 100 shows in total, and has no plans to slow down. After the birth of her second son, she set up a voice studio in her home and now makes her living doing voice acting, medial acting, directing and choreographing local shows, and running the Rochester Shakespeare Theatre!