Student Matinees

DIVE INTO SHAKESPEARE WITH YOUR CLASS

Whether it’s your students’ first experience with live arts, or an opportunity to bring the page to life as a supplement to your curriculum, our Student Matinee series has something for every class.

Your experience begins with a live performance on the stage of the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, the Blackfriars Playhouse. With your Student Matinee booking, you’ll receive a FREE study guide to supplement your lesson plans and unleash the wonder of Shakespeare in the classroom before and after the show. Plus – you can enhance your experience with an interactive workshop with our Education Team.

By putting words into action, our comprehensive approach sends students back to the classroom with a fresh look and appreciation for curriculum titles (and more).

Spring 2023 Schedule

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, March 2, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Sold out, waiting list only
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, March 9, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, March 16, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, March 23, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, March 30, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Thursday, April 6, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Thursday, April 13, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Thursday, April 20, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining
Thursday, April 27, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It

Thursday, May 4, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It – Limited tickets remaining

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 10:30 AM Eurydice
Thursday, May 11, 2023 10:30 AM As You Like It

Fall/Holiday 2023 Schedule

Thursday, September 14, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing
Thursday, September 21, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet
Thursday, October 12, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet
Thursday, November 2, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet
Thursday, November 9, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing
Thursday, November 16, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet

Friday, December 1, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol

Thursday, December 7, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol
Thursday, December 14, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol

READY TO TALK TO OUR TEAM? Click here

Have questions? Groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com or 540.885.5588 ext. 115

A Note on Content – Spring 2023

Please be aware that As You Like It is a classic Shakespearean comedy, meaning that in addition to its sublime silliness, the text is often bawdy, irreverent, and/or downright salacious. The American Shakespeare Center honors the spirit of the play as written, and recommends patrons exercise their best judgment when deciding if these stories are suitable for their children & students.

In general, no matter the title, Shakespeare’s language often includes racy jokes or bawdy comedic bits—and, if it’s a history or tragedy, there will be a sword fight and at least one character is very likely to die. Our contemporary shows cover a wide range of topics and age appropriateness.

For a more in-depth look at the shows, though it may not be the most scholarly answer, Wikipedia often has a detailed synopsis of the plays (with, of course, plenty of spoilers). You can also request a more detailed list of potential content considerations for the title you are seeing from our Group Sales Team.

Extend YOUR EXPERIENCE

In addition to world-class performances, we offer interactive workshops on topics intended to cure your students’ ShakesFear. Add one or more of these workshops to your visit to create a learning adventure for your class unlike any other.

Workshops last about 45 – 60 mins and start at $15 per student.

Can’t stay after a show?

ASC Education can bring the workshop to you—either virtually or in-person at your school (distance radius and fees apply).

More information on ASC Workshops >>

Looking for virtual options?

BlkFrsTV recreates the exhilarating Blackfriars Experience in your classroom!

BLKFRSTV

Titles currently available: Twelfth Night, Othello, Imogen, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Macbeth, Henry V, All’s Well That Ends Well

Access to a cinema-quality streaming video of one of our available productions
Presented at the time of your choice (asynchronous)
Provided via a unique, timed password for a limited viewing period

YOUR CUSTOMIZABLE VISIT STARTS
AT JUST $10 PER STUDENT FOR BLKFRSTV PRE-RECORDED SHOWS.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

In addition to world-class performances, we offer virtual workshops on topics intended to cure your students’ ShakesFear. Add one or more of these workshops to your visit to create a learning adventure for your class unlike any other or spread out the workshops to fit your curriculum. Workshops last about 45 – 60 mins and start at $15 per student.

Explore the ASC Core Curriculum workshop menu >>

Book Virtual Trip HEre

Further Questions?

A wonderful, transformative experience! This was my third time bringing a group of undergraduates to the ASC, and [it has] never been more engaging and educational. The workshops, lectures, and performances were so thought-provoking and exciting that they provided discussion not only during our stay in Staunton, but also…during our class meetings the following week. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to bring a group of students to the ASC!

—Don-John Dugas, Kent State University

Do you require a deposit?

A 25% non refundable deposit for in-person shows is due 14 days after receiving the deposit invoice. Your seating priority is based on the date your deposit is received.

Can I change my reservation number if I don’t have as many students?

For in-person performances, we request your final headcount two days prior to your visit. .

What is an actor talkback?

For in-person student matinees that take place in the morning, immediately following the performance, a small group of actors convene on the stage and answer your students’ questions. This engaging opportunity lasts for 15 minutes after the conclusion of the performance. Actor talkbacks can also be added to BlkFrsTV streams for an additional fee.

Homeschool or co-op?

Homeschool Day for Spring 2023 will be May 11! Join us for a performance of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It and an “Double Trouble” Workshop with our Education Team!

Homeschool groups are also welcome at any scheduled Student Matinee performance or our evening/weekend performances.

Homeschool families and co-op groups are also invited to purchase an on-demand digital viewing of our shows via BlkFrsTV. To enhance your smaller-scale experience, explore our complete digital curriculum.

Is there financial aide available?

While we wish we could provide financial assistance to every qualifying school, the reality is that we will always have more worthy applicants than we have funds. We make decisions on a case-by-case basis, taking into account both needs and the school’s mission. Please give us more information on your group via this form.