Leadership
Artistic Director
Blake Ellis
A Valley native, Blake Ellis is an actor, writer, producer, and educator. He began his acting career at California State University, Fresno, and went on to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious platforms. He most recently directed Chanticleer's 2nd season production of The Tempest with the Fresno Philharmonic, and played the title role in CSC’s inaugural production of Richard III. Other memorable performances include Tender Napalm (59E59 off-Broadway), Love's Labour's Lost (The Royal Shakespeare Company), Billy and Ray (Laguna Playhouse), Cabaret (Rep Theatre of St. Louis/Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), The Importance of Being Earnest, Measure for Measure (Penn. Shakespeare Fest.), The Beaux' Stratagem (a noise within), As You Like It, The Dresser (San Jose Rep), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Berkeley Rep), Richard III (Cal Shakes),The Persians, Comedy of Errors, Othello (Shakespeare Theatre Co.). Blake is also a screenwriter and producer, having co-written and co-produced the award-winning short film, Reconsolidation. Other notable Film/TV credits include Unbelievable (Netflix), The DÆMON (Isotropic), and Red Tails (LucasFilm). Blake has taught masterclasses in Classical Acting at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Fresno State University, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno City College, Central Valley Theatre Lab, and more.
Executive Director
Brandon Weis
Brandon Weis, founding member and Executive Director of CSC, grew up in the Valley theatre community, studying at California State University, Fresno, and going on to work as an actor and producer. He recently wrapped filming an award-winning short script, which he co-wrote and Executive Produced. Weis has worked both professionally and regionally across the country. An accomplished actor, his many theatre credits include Richard III (Chanticleer Shakes), The Tempest, Sweeney Todd, Hello Dolly, Marat/Sade (PCPA Theatrefest), Liberty Dance of Henry Sparrow (Palm Center), Wiz of the West (Missoula Children's Theatre International Tour), All is Calm (Center Stage), The Shape of Things, Fortenbras, Baby With the Bathwater (Experimental Theatre Co.), Lonely Planet (Cali-Pub Theatre), Twelfth Night, Henry IV Pt1, Winter's Tale, The Foreigner, Major Barbara, Noises Off, The Crucible, Merchant of Venice, Red Velvet (University Theatre), The Boys Next Door (Good Company Players), and The Prom (California Arts Academy). His film/TV credits include Reconsolidation, and Firefall.
After 20+ years as a Regional Director and District Manager of multiple Fortune 500 companies, managing multimillion-dollar portfolios and dynamic sales teams across the state, Brandon has a great depth of knowledge around successful business practices and scaled growth, and is eager to guide Chanticleer Shakespeare Company into the future.
Founders
The founders of CSC have over 50 years of professional theatre experience combined, all with roots in the Central Valley and a passion for bringing professional theatre back to their community.