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Shakespeare Theater Company Basics
Shakespeare Theatre Company is one of the nation’s leading companies known for making the classics more accessible without sacrificing the artistic excellence. In 2019 the Shakespeare Theatre Company launched a family-friendly initiative, with the premiere of Peter Pan and Wendy, to host spectacular shows that children will love and families can see together.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company has Shakespeare at the core, but also produce plays of national and international relevancy with profound themes, complex characters and heightened language through a 21st-century lens.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company also creates impactful and responsive arts education and community engagement programs to connect audiences to the significance of classic woks and themes.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company holds an annual family week in the spring as well as classes and workshops all year long.
Every summer, Shakespeare Theatre Company holds Camp Shakespeare for kids ages 7-18. Camp Shakespeare is a true performance intensive where campers learn vocal and physical techniques, explore improvisation and scene work, learn strategies for understanding and communicating Shakespeare’s language, train in the art of safe stage combat, and rehearse.
Know before the Show (Sidney Harmony Hall):
- The PMI Parking garage, at the corner of 9th and D streets NW has a special theatre parking rate of $7.00 available after 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and after 12:0.0. pm on Saturday and Sunday. Present your ticket to the attendant when you leave the garage to receive the $7.00 rate. This garage is credit card only. If a member of the PMI staff is not visible, press the call button and let them know you were at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and have a ticket to receive the discount. An attendant will arrive shortly to help.
- The LAZ garage is located directly beneath Sidney Harman Hall; enter from E or F Streets between 6th and 7th Streets. E Street is the recommended entry because of events at the Verizon Center. When entering, follow signs directing you to620 F Street. Elevators will take you to the Winter Garden lobby next door to Sidney Harman Hall on F Street.
- METRO: Gallery Pl-Chinatown station on the Red/Green/Yellow lines: Use the Arena/7th Street exit. Sidney Harman Hall is visible one block to your left. Judiciary Square station on the Red line: Use the F Street exit to the National Building Museum, turn left and walk 1.5 blocks along F Street to 6th Street.
- Refreshments are available at the bar before the show
- There is a gift shop in the lobby so leave plenty of time before the show to check it out.
- There is only one set of restrooms so the line gets very long at intermission, plan accordingly especially with kids.
What’s on at STC:
Peter Pan and Wendy
This reimagined version of the classic is pure bliss! The 21st-century updates have created a magical, inspiring and brilliant new classic. It’s all of the imagination, magic, flying, sword fights, and fairies without any colonial genocide, patriarchy and oppression.
We were captivated every second of this performance. This was a masterfully executed piece of family theater that is truly entertaining for people of all ages.
Bold, budding scientist Wendy Darling (played by Sinclair Daniel) dreams of earning a Nobel Prize just like Marie Curie. When Peter Pan (played by Justin Mark) arrives at her bedroom window one night, she takes a leap and leaves finishing school behind, chasing adventure among the stars.
Facing down fairies, mermaids, and the dastardly Captain Hook, Wendy, Peter, and their friends discover the power of standing up together for what’s right.
As a mom of three girls I was most excited that Lauren Gunderson gave Wendy and Tiger Lily purpose, agency, opinion, and fortitude. I loved that young girls can see themselves on stage without outdated and chauvinistic limits.
Although there is a shift more towards the leading ladies, there is plenty of self discovery by the lost boy and Peter Pan. I love that it exemplifies young boys with emotional intelligence.
It was also such a refreshing change to hear a more authentic voice in the Tiger Lily character. I was pleased that Lauren Gunderson consulted with indigenous people to better understand the Native American perspective.
In addition to loving every second of the updated script that is packed with amazing one-liners, we loved the set, costumes, effects, and everything about the production. My daughter loved the flying acrobatics, larger than life croc, and real dog Nanny.
This reimagined Tinkerbell is my favorite to date! She’s witty, saucy, loyal and resourceful.
We loved how family-friendly this performance was! There was a program for kids complete with cast info and activities. There was also a special kids activity area with dress up and arts and crafts for before the show.
Peter Pan and Wendy is running until January 12, 2020 at Sidney Harman Hall. A play by J.M. Barrie, Adapted by Lauren Gunderson, Directed by Alan Paul.
Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m; Sundays at 7p.m.
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes including one 15-minute intermission.
Please note this performance contains strobe, fog/smoke, flash/fire effects, and loud sounds.
Recommended for audiences 5 years and older. Every patron must have a ticket. Babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre.
Previous Performances Include:
Hamlet
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Hamlet is directed by Michael Kahn and stars Michael Urie as Hamlet. Despite being know as one of the greatest tragedies, opening night had everyone laughing! The injection of modern technology, present-day apparel and contemporary diction and gestures into the words of Shakespeare was a welcome surprise.
The industrial and institutional feel of the set create a perfect backdrop for the performance by Michael Urie which can be best described as explosive, impassioned and lively.
Being familiar with Hamlet only from required reading in high school, I knew the story line and the characters, but the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production had me on the edge of my seat thinking about the motives and relationships in a whole new light.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Hamlet is prefect for Shakespeare novice like myself, including young adults or tweens, or theatre aficionados. A note for parents: contains mention or portrayal of death, revenge, murder, deception and betrayal.
Shakespeare Theatre Company‘s Hamlet is running through March 4th, 2018 at Sidney Harman Hall. It is a 3 hour run time with one intermission. There is a bar and a gift shop so get there early to take it all in.
Potted Potter
Dementors (or this never-ending winter weather) getting you down? No need for a cheering potion; head over to Shakespeare Theatre to see the smash hit, Potted Potter!
“Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!”
Snape himself wouldn’t be able to hold back laughter during this production! The slapstick humor peppered with improv had me roaring for the entire 70 minutes.
This performance is perfect for the whole family; I kept wishing I had brought my seven-year-old daughter, and I know that even my husband, who has never picked up a Harry Potter book (I must have been under the Imperius Curse the day we got married), would have enjoyed the show. I highly recommend Potted Potter to all our followers!
“Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. This brilliant family entertainment is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).”
Due to magical demand, the show has been extended to run through April 22, 2018; get your tickets here while you can!
Shakespeare Theatre Company
www.shakespearetheatre.org
Box Office – 202.547.1122
Monday-Sunday: Noon-6 p.m
Sidney Harman Hall
610 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
Michael R. Klein Theatre
450 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
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