Upcoming Performances
view allSpecial Events
view all events
For Teachers
For Students
thank you
We rely on the generous support of people like you to sustain our tradition of artistic excellence, and secure a bright future for our Company.
The Education Program at Shakespeare & Company
Heart-stirring, crowd-rousing, life-changing theatre-in-education programs are a bedrock tradition at Shakespeare & Company. Our Education Program brings the classical poetry and plays of Shakespeare into the lives of as many students and teachers as possible in ways that are personally meaningful, educationally inspiring, and theatrically compelling.
One of the most extensive arts-in-education programs in the northeast, Shakespeare & Company reaches more than 40,000 students and teachers each year with innovative, socially responsive, and educationally challenging performances, workshops and residencies. The Program has been nationally recognized as an innovative leader in the field of integrating theatre arts into education, and teaching Shakespeare. Since the program was founded in 1978, nearly one million elementary, middle, and high school students have taken part. Our program immerses students in the world of Shakespeare and classical theatre in the most active, engaging, and personally meaningful ways.
Education Programs
Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare
Since 1982, the actors and teachers of Shakespeare & Company have created touring productions of Shakespeare. Each winter and spring, we bring 90-minute productions of Shakespeare with accompanying workshops to theatres and schools throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Elementary & Middle School Tour
“SHAKESPEARE AND THE LANGUAGE THAT SHAPED A WORLD” A whirlwind tour through the life, times, and works of William Shakespeare, led by six actors equipped with six stools, a couple of broadswords, a bit of historical information and scenes from many of his greatest plays. This energetic, fast-paced peek into Shakespeare’s world and Elizabethan life was created by Kevin G. Coleman, Director of Education at Shakespeare & Company. It is a fun, accessible introduction to Shakespeare with enough depth to please students who have already studied his works. This 45 minute presentation comes with accompanying workshops in performance.
Riotous Youth
"Riotous Youth is one of the best summer camps in the region. My kids love 'the awesome teachers who make it really fun and include everyone'. As a parent, I love that they teach the kids to really understand the Shakespeare play performed, and perhaps most importantly, I love seeing the clear confidence boost my kids gain by the end of camp." -Riotous Youth Parent, Summer 2017 These fun and inspiring 2- and 3-week summer theatre programs introduce students ages 7 to 17 to Shakespeare's language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance piece based on the kids' experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session. Riotous Company is a more advanced 3-week program for high school students. The program offers young actors more in-depth training in text, voice, movement, stage fight and character work. On the last day of the program, students perform for their friends and family.
Shakespeare & Young Company, Summer Conservatory
Shakespeare & Young Company Summer Conservatory is designed to bring Shakespeare & Company’s methodology to burgeoning young actors ages 17-20.
Professional Development Workshops
Designed for Teachers, Directors and Teaching Artists to help create dynamic, engaging learning experiences of Shakespeare on the stage and in the classroom.
School Residencies
Ranging from one-day to ten-week programs, school residencies offer elementary, middle and high school students an innovative and meaningful introduction to Shakespeare, both in and out of the classroom. Teams of teaching artists, professional directors, actors, and technical staff work in collaboration with educators to introduce students to Shakespeare in ways that are active, imaginative, and personally meaningful.
Fall Festival of Shakespeare
Nationally replicated and locally treasured, the annual Fall Festival of Shakespeare brings over 500 high school students together each year for a nine-week, collaborative, non-competitive, celebratory exploration and production of multiple Shakespeare plays.
Shakespeare in the Courts
In conjunction with the Berkshire Juvenile Court System, adolescent offenders study, rehearse, and perform Shakespeare as an alternative to more punitive consequences.
Spring Young Company
Popular spring theatre program designed for youth age 16-20 to begin or continue their actor training. What young actors haven’t found elsewhere they will find here.
Meet the Faculty
Allyn Burrows
Bring a Group & Save
Groups of 12 or more receive discounted tickets & other benefits
Learn more
Attention Actors!
Our Actor Training curriculum is internationally recognized. Bring your talent to a higher level.
Apply Now
Join & Save
Receive advanced season announcements, exclusive pre-sale opportunities and more.
Become a Member
Shakespeare & Company is a professional live theatre company in the heart of the Berkshires, presenting a vibrant summer performance season featuring the works of Shakespeare in repertory with classic and contemporary plays. The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, and is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program.