The Hesburgh Center for International Studies Auditorium is small, but with a few orange crates and overturned garbage cans the stage is transformed into a fanciful island. The Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company promises to captivate audiences on this island when its production of "The Tempest" opens tonight.

The play is the fourth in a series of acclaimed productions from The Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company since its inception in 1997. Eager to direct before he graduated, Chris Lutz founded the company after making unsuccessful solicitations to organizations for funding to put on "Twelfth Night." Since then, the company has achieved success with "Much Ado about Nothing" in the fall of 1998 and "Macbeth" in the spring of 1999.

The appreciation for Shakepeare that drove Lutz to found the company also drives student to become members.

"I wanted to get involved in Shakepearean acting for a long time, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity," said Christopher Beely, who plays Alonzo, King of Naples, in "The Tempest."

Beely shares his enthusiasm and talent with the rest of the cast and crew of "The Tempest." Five months ago, the exceptional cast was chosen after two nights of auditions and one night of call-backs. The actors are a mix of undergraduate and graduate students from a range of majors, including math and film, television and theater.

Watching the cast of "The Tempest" in their final week of rehearsals, it is easy to get swept away in their portrayal of the play. As rehearsal begins, an audio recording of thunder fills the auditorium and actors in blue raincoats flood the stage. Fellow cast members scatter into the auditorium seats to watch as scenes are played out before them. From his seat in the front row, director Charlie Camosy calls out to the actors, reminding them to pick up their cues and increase their volume.

"`The Tempest' does not fit into the `comedy' or `tragedy' categories traditionally given to Shakespeare. It combines elements of both into what one might call a `romantic fantasy,'" said Camosy. "The play is very magical, both in theme and performance. Both the hardcore Shakespeare fan, along with someone who simply likes good entertainment, will be entertained by this show."

In his directorial debut, Charlie Camosy leads the cast of sixteen and crew of four. As an undergraduate at Notre Dame, Camosy was active in theater, but graduated in the same year Lutz started the Not-So-Royal Shakepeare Company. However, as a graduate student Camosy has acted in both "Much Ado about Nothing" and "Macbeth" for the company. This year, he is pleased to be directing "The Tempest."

"Anything that I can do to keep this company going strong is well worth the effort," said Camosy.

Camosy and his cast certainly have cultivated a magical performance that is sure to please audiences. Sophomore Matt Lee and freshman Monica Kerschner lead the ensemble cast with their outstanding performaces as Ferdinand and Miranda.

John Sample, a senior physics and math major, has been with the Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company since "Twelfth Night." His tall frame, draped in an ornate robe, as well as his commanding stage presence bring his character of Prospero to life.

Laurie Lodewyck's portrayal of Ariel brings humor as well as exceptional acting to the already solid cast of "The Tempest." Lodewyck, a senior psychology major, has also been with the Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company since 1997.

The $3 admission charge is also well worth the price to see the comedy of freshman Dan Fisher, who plays Caliban, and sophomore Kelly Hart, who plays Stephano. While their performances are entertaining, neither lose sight of the play as a whole.

The Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "The Tempest" will be playing tonight until Saturday at the Hesburgh Center for International Studies Auditorium. The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. General admission is $5 and for $3 for students.

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