Student Matinees
Share the excitement of professional theatre with your students through our Student Matinee Programs: District Shakespeare (DCPS and DCPCS) and SHAKESPEARIENCE!
STUDENT MATINEES ARE BACK! SEE 2021/22 STUDENT MATINEE ACCORDION BELOW TO APPLY
SHAKESPEARIENCE
SHAKESPEARIENCE is designed to give students and teachers affordable access to classical theatre on stage, deepening their understanding of literature, drama, and language in the classroom, while fostering an appreciation for the performing arts.
Experience amazing theatre with your students as well as an in-class pre-show workshop with an STC teaching artist, when you can dive into the show and its themes and characters in preparation for coming to the theatre!
PROGRAM SPONSORS:
Presenting Sponsors:
- Beech Street Foundation
Leadership Support:
- DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts
- Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
- Shakespeare in American Communities
Additional Support
- Marshall B. Coyne Foundation
- Seyfarth Shaw LLP
District Shakespeare
Shakespeare Theatre Company believes that 100% of D.C.’s Public and Public Charter High School students should have access to classic theatre. The arts are integral to the growth of every child, and this access is critical to the well-rounded development of our city’s students. Through District Shakespeare every DCPS and DCPCS high school student can experience the timeless themes and language of Shakespeare and classic theatre in live performance FOR FREE!!!
Experience amazing theatre with your students as well as an in-class pre-show workshop with an STC teaching artist, when you can dive into the show and its themes and characters in preparation for coming to the theatre!
History of District Shakespeare
2011–2012:
The Shakespeare Theatre Company begins the District Shakespeare initiative. Education staff focuses on building relationships with each D.C. Public School serving grades 8-12, bringing a dynamic, one-hour workshop to one classroom in each school, free of charge.
2012–2013:
STC welcomes D.C. Public Schools serving 8-12 grades to the theatres, providing 50 free tickets and free buses to a SHAKESPEARIENCE Student Matinee. 42 of the 53 public schools attend, bringing approximately 2,000 DCPS students through the doors of STC theatres—many for the very first time. The students participate in a pre-performance classroom workshop, enjoy performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coriolanus, or The Winter’s Tale and engage in a post-show discussion with the actors in each production. In addition, STC Education launches free workshops for D.C. Public Charter Schools serving grades 8-12, reaching 45 charter schools across the District.
2013–2014:
Shakespeare Theatre Company multiplies its number of SHAKESPEARIENCE Student Matinees in order to welcome a full grade from every DCPS high school. 18 high schools attended one of the following productions: Measure for Measure; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; The Importance of Being Earnest; and Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, totaling nearly 2,500 DCPS students. STC also offers 50 free tickets and buses to D.C. Public Charter Schools serving grades 8-12. Fifteen charter schools attend matinees, reaching an additional 840 students.
2014–2015:
Shakespeare Theatre Company invites a full grade from every DCPS High School and every D.C. Public Charter High School to participate in the SHAKESPEARIENCE Student Matinee. 2,840 students from 28 high schools receive free tickets, workshops and transportation to performances of As You Like It, The Tempest, Man of La Mancha, The Winter’s Tale, Dunsinane, and The Metromaniacs.
2015–2016:
STC Education continues to fortify relationships with D.C. Public and Public Charter high schools, offering the District Shakespeare benefits to a full grade at every high school. This year, students attend A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Kiss Me, Kate; The Critic and The Real Inspector Hound; Othello; and 1984.
PROGRAM SPONSORS:
Leadership Support:
- DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts
- Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
- Shakespeare in American Communities
Additional Support
- Marshall B. Coyne Foundation
- The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
- The Rotary Club of Washington D.C.
2021/22 STUDENT MATINEES
Our Town
By Thornton Wilde
Directed by Alan Paul
Dates: February 24, March 2, 9, and 17, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Theatre: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Teacher Preview Performance: February 17, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
The Merchant of Venice
By William Shakespeare
A Co-Production with Theatre for a New Audience
Directed by Arin Arbus
Dates: April 19, 20, and 21, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Theatre: Michael R. Klein Theatre at the Lansburgh, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Professional Development Workshop: March 23, 2022 from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Teacher Preview Performance: March 23, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Godwin
Dates: May 4, 11, 12, and 19, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Theatre: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Professional Development Workshop: April 22, 2022 from 6–7 p.m.
Teacher Preview Performance: April 22, 2022 at 8 p.m.
FAQ
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices are based on the percentage of free and reduced priced lunches provided at your school. For specific information about ticket prices, please contact the Education Hotline at 202.547.5688.
How can my school pay for the tickets?
Schools can pay by check or credit card. Checks should be made out to Shakespeare Theatre Company and sent to Attn: School Programs, 516 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003.
How do we get our tickets?
We do not hand out physical tickets for student matinee performances. The group leader should check in with the STC representative in the lobby upon arriving at the theatre. Groups will be seated by STC staff in order of arrival.
What if I need to change the number of tickets I need?
We realize that the number of students attending may fluctuate as the performance date approaches. All requests to add or subtract tickets after the original contract is issued must be made in writing and before the final payment is due. Changes are subject to the approval of the theatre and will not be accepted once final payment is submitted.
Will the performance be appropriate for my students?
Generally our student matinees are recommended for grades 6–12. If a show has a more specific age recommendation, we will post it on our website and notify ticket holders. If there is any questionable content that comes up during the rehearsal process, we will notify the group leader and they can choose to cancel the ticket reservation or attend as planned.
Where do the performances take place?
Our theatres, Sidney Harman Hall and the Michael R. Klein Theatre, are located in Penn Quarter in downtown Washington, D.C. Directions to the theatres can be found on our website.
Is there a place for buses to park?
There is no place for buses to park at the theatres. Buses should drop off students in front of the theatre and pick them up in the same location for dismissal.
How long do the performances last?
Each play has a different duration. In general, the play and post-performance talkback with the actors will last no longer than three hours total. The School Programs Manager will be in touch with a more accurate run-time as your specific performance date gets closer.
Can students eat during intermission?
Intermission will last fifteen minutes. This time should be used for bathroom/water breaks, and eating a snack. Additionally, concessions will be available during intermission. They cost between $2 and $5 so remind students to bring dollar bills for shorter concession lines.
IMPORTANT: No food or drink is allowed in the theatre. You may bring snacks/lunches for your students to eat in the lobby during intermission. If you do so, please bring one large box with your school name on it. STC will also provide bins for lunches before the show. Students must place snacks/lunches in your school’s designated bin before entering the theatre. The education staff will have the boxes out and ready for students during intermission.
Can our school have lunch in the theatre following the performance?
All groups must leave the theatre when the event is over. Staff is not available to supervise and there are often rehearsals and other events that are scheduled in the theatre after the matinee. Groups are welcome to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants in Gallery Place or Penn Quarter.
Testimonials
What teachers and students are saying about SHAKESPEARIENCE:
“I wanted to send another huge THANK YOU for the invitation, pre lesson and the tickets. It was a memorable event and the students are extremely appreciative. The Wheatley Scholars were really engaged and were on the edge of their seats buzzing with excitement.”
– Tanesha Dixon, Social Studies teacher Wheatley Education Campus (DC)
“I cannot thank you enough for making it possible for my students to see the matinee. They were mesmerized…The entire audience was captivated…it was visually stunning and a beautiful production.”
– Tina Donnelly Parkdale High School (Prince George’s County)
“I never thought that Shakespeare could be so hilariously funny. I was entertained more than I ever thought possible and the costuming and special effects really made the text come to life. I’d love to see more of Shakespeare’s works on stage in the future…”
– Student who attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“Before I saw the play, I thought Shakespeare was simply difficult and boring language but the play brought it to life. In the play it was much more interesting because they added scenes and modern characteristics to draw people my age in.”
– Student who attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read about how live theatre benefits students.
Click here to view our Curriculum Guide archive
To learn more about participating in SHAKESPEARIENCE or District Shakespeare contact Ashley Buster, School Programs Manager, at 202.547.3230 ext. 2105 or by email
