A 2020 Summer Season update from Artistic Director Allyn Burrows

Dear Friends of Shakespeare & Company,

First and foremost, we want to say that we're thinking of you and all those whose lives have been affected by this devastating pandemic. Please know that in the face of this adversity we're here for you in whatever capacity we can be. Theatre has forever been a communal activity, since the Greeks, and we consider you a part of our community. If there's anything you feel we can do for you in these trying times, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

In these days of isolation we especially recognize how much we value human connection, underlined by our company's namesake. While we can't gather in person for now, we certainly enjoy hearing from you. As far as gathering on the property this summer, we have had to make some wrenching decisions. After consulting with our Board and staff, we have concluded that we will not be able to present a season this summer (May-September). We feel that the unpredictable path of COVID-19 and the uncertainty of its immediate outcome make it unwise for us to invite people to convene in our theatres in the near future. The health and safety of our patrons, staff, volunteers, and artists remain our top priority at all times. When the Governor’s restrictions on public gatherings are eased, we will make a decision on how to proceed.

Our intention is to move many of the shows from this summer to season 2021, including King Lear with Christopher Lloyd and our outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing in the Roman Garden Theatre. The stories that we tell on stage "hold a mirror up to nature", and if the environment shifts, so can the prism through which we gaze upon it. If you have purchased tickets for this summer, we hope you will consider donating them. You may also receive a full credit good through December 2021 or request a refund. Ticket holders can get more information on their options HERE.  

In addition to the summer performance season, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Education and Actor Training Programs through September, including Riotous Youth, Summer Conservatory, and the Summer Shakespeare Intensive.

The solace we can take from this interruption is that we will see you again. Just as Shakespeare endured two plagues in one decade to produce some of his most brilliant work, we will get to the other side of this. We will return to the theatre, with you, in time. In the meantime, we implore you to take care of yourselves, to be safe, and to encourage others to do the same.

In other encouraging news, we have moved our annual fundraising Gala from June 27 to October 10, 2020. We are eager to welcome you back onto our campus for this festive celebration honoring our Co-founder and Director of Education, Kevin G. Coleman, for the indelible impact he has made on The Berkshires’ cultural community. Learn more here.

At this time, we also plan to proceed as scheduled with our fall and winter programming, including The Fall Festival of Shakespeare, The Northeast Regional Tour, our December production of Emma, and The Month-Long Intensive. To make these and other future programs possible, we rely on the support of our steadfast donors. If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to Shakespeare & Company, by clicking HERE. We are tremendously grateful for gifts of any size, as they are critical to our success during this challenging time.

From all of us here at Shakespeare & Company, thank you for your kind generosity, patience, and understanding. Until we see you again, stay in touch.