Bring your students to the American Shakespeare Center’s Student Matinees in Staunton, Virginia!
This Spring 2025, explore the powerful tragedy of King Lear and the beloved classic Little Women at the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. These unforgettable matinee performances include engaging post-show talkbacks, free study guides for select Shakespeare titles, and opportunities to bring these timeless stories to life for your students.
What Makes a Field Trip to the Blackfriars Playhouse Special?
Topher Embrey in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. Photo by Tommy Thompson.
- Immersive Theatre Performances: Step into Shakespeare’s world with performances on a thrust stage, shared light, and minimal sets. Breaking the fourth wall, these interactive productions connect students to the artistry of live theatre for an unforgettable and inspiring experience.
- Actor Engagement and Post-Show Talkbacks: Foster confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of theatre as students interact with professional actors in engaging and educational discussions after the performance.
- Shakespeare Study Guides for Educators: Free with most Student Matinee bookings, these expertly crafted resources enrich lesson plans, prepare students for the performance, and deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s timeless works after the show.
Nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the American Shakespeare Center’s Student Matinees offer a transformative educational experience for students studying Shakespeare, classic literature, and live theatre.
Spring 2025 Student Matinee Performances
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King Lear:Experience the pitfalls of society, the generosity of new friends, and the passion of unexpected love in this funny and poignant adaptation of Jane Austen’s exquisite early work.
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Little Women:Join the March sisters on their heartwarming journey of love, growth, and the enduring bonds of family during Civil War-era America.
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The Comedy of Errors:Get ready for laugh-out-loud chaos as mistaken identities lead to a whirlwind of slapstick humor and heartwarming family reunions.
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*To be put on the waiting list for any sold-out dates, please contact us at groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com.*
Summer 2025 Student Matinee Performances
 The Cast of Sense and Sensibility 2017 Production at the American Shakespeare Center. Photo by Tommy Thompson. |
Sense and Sensibility:Experience the pitfalls of society, the generosity of new friends, and the passion of unexpected love in this funny and poignant adaptation of Jane Austen’s exquisite early work.
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Have questions? Groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com or 540.885.5588 ext. 115
Student Matinee Ticket Pricing for Educational Groups
Bring your students to the American Shakespeare Center for an unforgettable day of live theatre, interactive learning, and a deeper connection to Shakespeare’s works!
Ticket Pricing:
- $25 per ticket for students, teachers, and chaperones.
- Bus drivers are always complimentary.
- Group Discount: Receive one free ticket for every 25 purchased (for groups of 25 or more).
- Help us save a seat for everyone in your group—students, chaperones, and anyone else excited to join the experience
Typical Student Matinee Schedule
Campers watching TAMING OF THE SHREW at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your day at the American Shakespeare Center:
- 10:00 AM: Doors Open to the Blackfriars Playhouse
- 10:15 AM: Pre-show music begins for select performances
- 10:30 AM: Matinee Performance (recommended for ages 7 and up)
- Run Time: Blackfriars Playhouse performances typically run between 2 – 2.5 hours.
- Post-Show: Actor Talkback is included with your Student Matinee Tickets. Attendance is optional.
- Break for Lunch: Lunch isn’t provided, but we’ve listed some great local options below.
- Post-Lunch (Time TBD): Add a Workshop or Playhouse Tour to your field trip (recommended for ages 8 and up)
Lunch Options for Student Matinees
Please Note: Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the Playhouse. We do have snacks and beverages available in the upstairs lobby.
Lunch is not included, so please plan to enjoy your meal before or after the performance and store picnics in your car or bus. You can also choose from nearby options like Mary Baldwin University’s dining hall, the Woodrow Wilson Gardens for a picnic, or family-friendly restaurants in downtown Staunton. See below for more details on each option.
Bus Parking Options for Educational Groups
We’re here to help ensure your group arrives at the playhouse and gets parked with plenty of time to enjoy the show!
Bus Parking:
- Market Street: There are three designated bus parking spots available on Market Street, just steps from the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- The Blackburn Inn: Once Market Street spots are full, buses should drop students off at the theater and then park at The Blackburn Inn. This spacious and accessible parking area is less than a 5-minute drive or a 12-minute walk to the playhouse.
- Microbuses: Microbuses can park in the Staunton Hardy Lot, located less than a block from the playhouse.
Bus parking details, including maps, will be emailed to your group a week before your visit. If you have questions, contact our Group Sales Team at groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com or 540.885.5588 ext. 115.
Car and Van Parking:
- We recommend parking individual cars and vans at the New Street Parking Garage, a short walk from the playhouse.
- Limited free street parking is available nearby, but most spaces have a two-hour time limit—please plan accordingly.
Content Considerations
At the American Shakespeare Center, our productions honor the spirit of the plays as written, including classic Shakespearean comedies and tragedies, offering an immersive experience filled with sublime silliness, profound solemnity, and occasional bawdy or irreverent moments.
Content considerations, including themes and age recommendations, are listed on each show’s page to help you determine what’s best for your group. For additional guidance, our Group Sales team is happy to assist!
Contact us at groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com or 540.885.5588 ext. 115 to plan your educational visit today.
Playhouse Policies: What You Need to Know
Much Ado About Nothing, 2020 Actors’ Renaissance Season at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Youth Admission Policy
We love welcoming young audiences to the world of theatre! To ensure the best experience for everyone, please note the following age guidelines:- Performances: Ages 7 and up.
- A Christmas Carol & Sensory-Friendly Performances: Ages 3 and up.
- Children under 3: Unfortunately, children under 3, including lap infants, cannot be admitted to any performance.
Not sure if a show is right for your group? We’re happy to help! Call us at 540.885.5588 Ext. 115
- Phones: All cell phones must be turned off during performances to ensure the safety of our actors and the integrity of the show. Bright screens or unexpected sounds can be distracting and may create hazards on stage. Teachers and chaperones may keep their phones on silent for emergencies but should step into the lobby to make or take calls.
- Personal Photography: Photography and videography are not permitted during the performance to protect the actors and maintain the experience for all attendees. However, groups are welcome to take photos after the actors have cleared the stage to capture your visit at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Photo Notice:Our Marketing Team may be capturing photos and videos during the performance and of your group for future promotional use. If any individuals in your group cannot be photographed, please inform our Group Sales Team in advance at groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com.
- Backpacks and Packed Lunches: Large bags, backpacks, and packed lunches are not allowed inside the Playhouse. Chaperones may bring purse-sized bags or medical supplies. Please store other items on your bus or in your vehicle before entering.
- Outside Food and Drink: Outside food and beverages, including sealed water bottles, are not permitted in the Playhouse or lobby. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at our upstairs snack bar, and a water fountain is available for your convenience.
For more information, please visit our Ticket Policies.
Go Beyond the Performance: Add a Workshop or Playhouse Tour
Take your Student Matinee experience to the next level with ASC’s dynamic workshops and behind-the-scenes Playhouse tours. These add-ons immerse students in Shakespeare’s world, helping them connect with timeless stories through hands-on learning and theatrical exploration.
Little Academe photographed at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia, on 12-19-16.Photo by Pat Jarrett.
Interactive Workshops: Turn on the Lights of Inspiration and Knowledge
Bring Shakespeare to life for your students with our ASC Core Curriculum of Workshops and Masterclasses. This 12-class series is designed to illuminate Shakespeare’s texts, staging, and character development, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with today’s students.
ASC Workshops include things like:
- Prologue: Shakespeare’s Staging Conditions: Step into Shakespeare’s world and explore how the staging conditions he wrote for reveal insights into the plays. Learn about early modern theatre practices, audience interaction, and embedded stage directions.
- Text Analysis: Decode Shakespeare’s verse, rhetoric, and stage directions, unlocking tools for character, storytelling, and performance.
- Actor-Focused Exploration: Dive into cue scripts, character play, clowning, and doubling, building confidence and performance skills.
- Staging and Special Effects: Discover how Shakespeare’s storms, swordfights, and spells were brought to life through theatrical imagination.
- Directing Workshops: Collaborate with ASC actors to direct a scene, applying text and staging knowledge (prerequisites required).
Workshop Details:
- Duration: 45–90 minutes (customizable based on group needs)
- Cost: Starting at $20 per student. Free for teachers and chaperones.
- Location: At the Blackfriars Playhouse or your school (virtual and in-person options available; distance fees may apply).
Customizable Options:
Workshops can be tailored to focus on a specific Shakespeare play, the broader canon, literary themes, leadership and communication, or storytelling.
Find more information on ASC Workshops
Contact groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com to discuss customization and availability. Financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis.
ASC’s Blackfriars Playhouse Tours
Discover the inner workings of ASC’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.
Tour Highlights:
- Learn about early modern staging and the historical roots of Shakespeare’s plays.
- Discover the craftsmanship and artistry behind the Blackfriars Playhouse.
- Explore the playhouse’s role in bringing Shakespeare’s works to life today.
Tour Details:
- Cost: $10 per person for students, teachers, and chaperones.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
Book your tour at least 24 hours in advance. For private tours or groups of 7 or more, email groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com.
Create a One-of-a-Kind Educational Adventure
From decoding Shakespeare’s texts to discovering the artistry of the Blackfriars Playhouse, our workshops and tours offer students unforgettable, hands-on experiences that go beyond the stage.
BOOK NOW to customize your visit, or contact our team for more details!