Located in historic Staunton, Virginia, the American Shakespeare Center invites homeschooling families to immerse themselves in the worlds of King Lear and Little Women during Spring 2025 Homeschool Days.
At the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, families can experience unforgettable matinee performances, engaging workshops, and post-show talkbacks that bring these classic stories to life.

What makes ASC special?
- Interactive Learning Experiences in Staunton: Workshops designed to build essential life skills like public speaking, creative writing, critical thinking, and collaboration through engaging playwriting, performance, and literary analysis activities.
- Exclusive Theatre Performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse: Ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong love of the arts with ASC’s world-class productions, performed in the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.
- Actor Engagement and Post-Show Talkbacks: Build confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for theatre as students connect with professional actors in dynamic, interactive conversations after the performance.
Nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, ASC’s Homeschool Days offer a transformative educational experience perfect for students of all ages.
Summer 2025 Homeschool Day Schedule
This May, join us for an exciting Homeschool Day experience:
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.
- Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 – Homeschool Day
- Optional Workshop: “What Would Jane Do?”
- A hands-on look at the tools and techniques of Regency letter writing
- Optional Workshop: “What Would Jane Do?”
Typical Homeschool Day Schedule
Plan your day at the American Shakespeare Center. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your day at the American Shakespeare Center:
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- 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)
- 10:00 AM: Doors Open to the Blackfriars Playhouse
Lunch Options for Homeschool Days
Please Note: Food and drink are not permitted inside the Playhouse. Plan to enjoy your meal before or after the performance, and store picnics in your car or bus.
Lunch is not included, but you can 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.
About the Workshops
Our workshops ignite creativity and foster essential skills like public speaking, critical thinking, creative writing, and collaboration.
Little Academe photographed at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia, on 12-19-16.Photo by Pat Jarrett.
Through engaging activities, students build confidence, develop adaptability, and strengthen communication—all while discovering the magic of storytelling and performance. Each session provides a fresh way to connect with timeless stories, transforming classic works with their unique perspectives and growing skills that shine on and off the stage.
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.
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.