The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (formerly called "New
Jersey Shakespeare Festival") is one of 22 professional theatres
in the state. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the
nation — serving 100,000 adults and children annually
— it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company
dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks.
Through its productions and education programs, the company
strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of
the classics for contemporary audiences.
The company's dedication to the
classics and commitment to excellence sets critical standards
for the field. Under the leadership of artistic director Bonnie
J. Monte since 1990, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
continues to draw larger and larger audiences and garner unprecedented
critical acclaim. Now in its 45th season, it is the longest-running
Shakespeare theatre on the east coast.
In 2002, The
Star-Ledger named the company "Regional Theatre of the
Year," and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation awarded the Theatre
a prestigious Strategic Partnership Grant in the amount of
$1 million, "in recognition of the artistry, achievements
and leadership of this acclaimed Madison, New Jersey-based
performing arts and education organization."
The annual Main
Stage season, presented in the intimate, state-of-the-art
F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, runs May through
December. An Outdoor Stage production is presented each summer
at The Greek Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre located on
the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in nearby Morris Township.
The institution's staff of 22 full-time employees works year-round
to produce the company's:
- Performance season
- Educational outreach activities
- Fundraising and marketing campaigns
- Various other programs and events
 The
company employs more than 250 members during the season and
through its various Main Stage, Outdoor Stage and touring
productions now plays to approximately 100,000 audience members
each year, primarily from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut
and Pennsylvania. Through non-traditional casting and outreach
efforts, the Theatre continues to build a culturally and geographically
diverse audience.
Financial support comes from more than 1,500 individuals,
government agencies, corporations and foundations, including
these major donors:
- American Airlines
- Drew University
- The Edward T. Cone Foundation
- E.J. Grassman Trust
- F.M. Kirby Foundation
- Fleet Bank
- Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
- The Hyde & Watson Foundation
- New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State,
a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts
- Prudential Foundation
 The
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a member of:
- ArtPride NJ
- New Jersey Theatre Alliance
- The Shakespeare Theatre Association of America (STAA)
- Theatre Communications Group (TCG)
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is the largest professional
theatre in Morris County. It is also the only independent
arts organization in residence on the Drew University campus.
Through the Theatre's involvement with the University, Drew
has been able to offer theatre students the opportunity to
enjoy an active relationship with New Jersey's only professional
theatre dedicated to the classics.
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