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).

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 – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
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 – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Thursday, November 9, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 10:30 AM Much Ado About Nothing – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Thursday, November 16, 2023 10:30 AM Hamlet – ALMOST SOLD OUT!

Friday, December 1, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol – ALMOST SOLD OUT!

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol – ALMOST SOLD OUT!

Thursday, December 7, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Thursday, December 14, 2023 10:30 AM A Christmas Carol – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
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

No matter the title, Shakespeare’s language often includes a racy joke or bawdy comedic bit – and, if it’s a history or tragedy, there will be a sword fight and at least one character is very likely to die. We are happy to invite children aged 7 and up to the Playhouse, but the appropriateness of the content is at the parent or guardian’s discretion. 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 Fall 2023 will be September 14! Join us for a performance of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and an “Activate the Audience” workshop with our Education Team.

Info about the Homeschool Day Workshop: Learn how to collaborate with the ever-present scene partner, the audience, in this innovative and electrifying workshop. The workshop is $10 per student and starts at 2:00 at the Playhouse.

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.

Sign up for the Fall 2023 Homeschool Day here

Is there financial aid 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.