August 28 – November 15

Get Tickets
Promotional image for Romeo & Juliet (Fall 2025) at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, dressed in purple and gold, offers a red rose beneath bold white title text. Photo by Alaina Shefelton.

 

“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night”

–Act 1, scene 5

 

Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare’s most iconic story of young love – reckless, tender, and all-consuming. It’s a rush of poetry and passion, filled with stolen moments, whispered vows, and the raw belieft that love can change everything.

 

Every glance, every heartbeat, every choice is right there, close enough to feel. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or all over again, Romeo and Juliet is a story that endures – because hope never goes out of style.

Explore the World of Romeo & Juliet

STUFF THAT HAPPENS...
  • Members of two feuding families—the Capulets and Montagues—brawl in the streets of Verona.
  • The Prince warns that anyone who “disturbs our streets again” will be punished by death.
  • Romeo, Montague’s only son, arrives after the fight and confesses to his cousin Benvolio his unrequited love for Rosaline.
  • Paris, a kinsman to the Prince, asks to marry Juliet, Capulet’s only child. Capulet says she is too young but invites Paris to a party and encourages him to win her heart.
  • Benvolio persuades Romeo to crash the Capulet party so he can compare other women to Rosaline.
  • Mercutio, another kinsman to the Prince and a close friend of Romeo, joins them as they head to the party in masks.
  • Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, recognizes Romeo and wants to confront him, but Capulet tells Tybalt to leave him alone. Tybalt vows revenge.
  • Romeo meets Juliet at the party. They share a sonnet, a kiss, and fall instantly in love.
  • After the party, Romeo sneaks away from his friends and overhears Juliet on her balcony declaring her feelings for him.
  • Juliet tells Romeo, “If thy love be honorable, thy purpose marriage…”
  • Romeo visits Friar Lawrence the next day and asks him to marry them immediately.
  • Secret nuptials, fatal swordplay, banishment, potions, poisons, and tragedy ensue…