Shakespeare LIVE!
Shakespeare LIVE! is our acclaimed touring company dedicated to bringing the power of Shakespeare directly into schools and communities. Each year, this dynamic ensemble reaches more than 10,000 students with vibrant, high-energy performances that make classic texts feel immediate, accessible, and alive.
Far from a traditional recital, Shakespeare LIVE! is designed to meet students where they are. Through inventive staging, physical storytelling, and a spirit of play, the company transforms Shakespeare’s language into something students can see, hear, and connect with in real time. Performances are tailored for young audiences, sparking curiosity and breaking down the intimidation often associated with the work.
Book Your Way!
IN YOUR SCHOOL
Check back in the Fall to learn more about the 2027 Shakespeare LIVE! productions.
All performances include a comprehensive study guide and a post-show talkback with the actors.
AT OUR THEATRE
2027 LIVE! at the Kirby dates will be released in the Fall.
Performances take place at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. All performances include a comprehensive study guide and a post-show talkback with the actors.
All performances begin at 10:00am.
ON SCREEN
Educators can access these productions for their students’ viewing for only $25 per class.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Directed by Brian B. Crowe
Grades 3 and up
Viewing time: 1 hour 15 minutes
SEE THE TRAILER
JULIUS CAESAR
Directed by AC Horton
Grades 6 and up
Viewing time: 1 hour 15 minutes
ROMEO AND JULIET
Directed by AC Horton
Grades 6 and up
Viewing time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Shakespeare LIVE! Study Guides
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is committed to making Shakespeare LIVE! a useful and rewarding learning opportunity for students and teachers alike. This is not just an hour's entertainment, but an educational experience that reinforces a teacher’s overall objectives for their students.
Before your performance, teachers have free access to our comprehensive online study guides. We strongly encourage teachers to select and reproduce material from these guides for students before they watch the performance. Included are sections on Shakespeare's life and art, a synopsis and background material on the specific play, performance and writing activities, and questions for further discussion. Feedback on our study guides is welcome!
Click here to access all study guides!
Booking FAQ's
When can I book Shakespeare LIVE!?
The traditional Shakespeare LIVE! touring window is late February through mid-April. We often start booking tours at the beginning of the school year.
How long is a Shakespeare LIVE! performance?
Each play is abridged and expected to run between 65 and 70 minutes. The post-show Q&A can add another ten minutes to your assembly time.
Are there any specific space requirements for a Shakespeare LIVE! performance?
The Shakespeare LIVE! touring company can perform in any space (auditorium, black box, multi-purpose room, gymnasium, cafeteria, community arts center, etc...). No special lights or sound system are needed. We do, however, require a flat and clean performance space that measures at least 20'D x 25'W x 14'H.
How many students can view a performance?
We generally limit audience size to 250 per performance. Larger audiences may be permitted for an additional fee. However, Shakespeare LIVE! does not tour with any form of microphone. Even if your venue can comfortably fit 700 students, the audience experience for students at the rear of a large house will likely be less than optimal.
I have a small group or class that would like to see the show. Do you offer discounts for a small audience size?
No. The base price of a Shakespeare LIVE! performance is not related to the size of the space or the audience. We do offer special pricing for "Title 1" schools. If your group size makes booking a tour impractical, consider booking seats to one of our "LIVE! at the Kirby" Student Matinees at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, NJ.
Do you offer a discount for Title 1 schools?
Yes, we do.
Do you offer any other programs or support materials?
Every Shakespeare LIVE! performance includes access to our Study Guide as well as a post-show Q&A with the actors immediately following each performance. If you're interested in something a bit more interactive, we also offer our "Speak the Speech" workshops at a discount for schools who are booking Shakespeare LIVE!.
For more information, please contact our Education Department at Education@ShakespeareNJ.org.
Shakespeare On Screen FAQ's
I've typed in the password and keep getting a spinning circle on the video — what does this mean?
Though these performances were filmed in the highest possible quality, depending on your Internet connection and speed, the videos may take a few minutes to load. Please allow a few minutes to load or refresh the page.
Who can help me if I have technical questions?
Although we can’t provide individual technical support, we’ll do our best to help. The best way to reach us is to send an email to Education@ShakespeareNJ.org.