Summers at The Shakespeare Theatre
Theatre 'Round the Clock

Non-Equity Company member Mandy Olsen (Jaquenetta) and Equity Company member Eric Hoffman (Don Armado) in the Main Stage production of Love's Labour's Lost. Photo: Gerry Goodstein, 2004.

From June to August, the scenic campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey transforms into a thrilling and bustling theatre community as more than 250 theatre students and professionals, along with thousands of audience members, congregate at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Dubbed the “University in the Forest”, Drew provides an idyllic environment for the exceptional artistic and educational work of The Shakespeare Theatre.

 

Shakespeare Theatre professional staff and interns load in the set, lights and sound equipment for the Outdoor Stage production of That Scoundrel Scapin. Photo: Leslie Abeyta, 2003.

Along with Main Stage and Outdoor Stage productions, The Shakespeare Theatre runs the Junior/Senior Corps, a training program for students age 11 through 17; ShakeFest: Summer Shakespeare Institute for Teachers, a professional development program; and the multi-tiered Summer Professional Training Program (SPTP) for early-career actors, theatre artists, and technicians, as well as aspiring arts administrators.

 

Apprentice Company members Rebecca Williams (Hotspur) and Vivian Kerr (Worcester) in the Apprentice Company production of Henry IV, Part I.

Photo: Brian B. Crowe, 2004.

In addition,as part of the SPTP, the Next Stage Ensemble tours abridged classics to venues throughout the state. The Symposium Series (post-performance discussions) and "Know the Show" (pre-performance talks by directors and staff) are open to training program participants as well as general audiences. Finally, Late-Nite Series workshop productions are presented throughout the summer.

There is always something exciting going on at The Shakespeare Theatre! Training program participants are involved in every phase of the 74 Main Stage and 18 Outdoor Stage performances each summer, as well as the nearly 30 student-produced projects. From concept to casting, production to marketing, fundraising to public relations, and rehearsals to performance, training program participants spend the summer immersed in the world of professional theatre.



Summers at The Theatre

Junior / Senior Corps

Apprentice Company

Intern Company

Next Stage Ensemble

Non-Equity Company