 Although he remained associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the lengthy filming for the series had prevented him from participating in most other works, leaving a "gaping hole" of many years in his CV as a Shakespearean actor, causing him to miss opportunities to play such notable roles as Hamlet, Romeo, and Richard III.Instead, Stewart began writing one-man shows that he performed in California universities and acting schools.One of these—a version of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" in which he portrayed all 40-plus characters—became ideal for him as an actor as well, because of its limited performing schedule.