The celebration will feature free family entertainment Sunday afternoon.

The American Shakespeare Center is hosting its annual birthday celebration for William Shakespeare on April 23 from 4:30 – 6:30pm. This year, participants get a chance to play and learn at a variety of stations throughout the Playhouse and out on Market Street: making fake blood, enjoying birthday cake, bouncing in the bouncy castle, and more. Participants can learn an Elizabethan dance step or two or a take a stab at swordplay with ASC Education Artists (and parent-approved foam swords).

“This event is our annual chance to celebrate the wonderful joy of Shakespeare with the whole Staunton community,” says Academic Resource Manager Cass Morris, who organized the event. “Kids and adults alike join in theatrical games and crafts to explore their creativity. This party is definitely one of the highlights of the year for us.”

Augusta Dog Adoptions will bring along some of the pups set to star as Crab in the Spring Season production of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” for families to meet. Harrisonburg’s Cat’s Cradle will bring along the cats for the fun.

Shakespeare’s birthday promises to be an active, playful, and imaginative way to get kids interested in Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s Birthday Party is free and open to the public, starting at 4:30 pm on April 19.