Fans of the Bard (or just good theater) visiting the Berkshires will not want to miss an opportunity to attend a Shakespeare & Company production. 2022 marks the celebrated company’s 45th season, which is already in full swing and runs through October 30th.
Shakespeare & Company, founded in 1978, is a Berkshires’ cultural institution and one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. The company puts on a full program every year, including works by both Shakespeare and other authors. The 2022 season, for example, includes 6 non-Shakespeare works.
More than just performances, Shakespeare & Company also provides actor training programs for professionals and students, alike. The internationally recognized curriculum helps actors with vocabulary, focus, and intuition. Past alumni include such stars as Bill Murray, Keanu Reeves, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Dreyfuss, and Andie MacDowell.
One of this year’s non-theatrical highlights are the Free Friday Talks. These free, spring and summer lectures examine the various themes presented throuhgout the 2022 season. Free Friday Talks are hosted by Shakespeare & Volunteer Company member Ann Berman and feature various directors, cast members, and others involved with the production. Fascinating and fun!
2022 Season Schedule
Much Ado About Nothing: July 2 – August 14 at The New Spruce Theatre
by William Shakespeare | Directed by Kelly Galvin | Featuring: Gregory Boover, Caroline Calkins, and Gina Fonseca
An Iliad: June 3 – July 3 at the Tina Packer Playhouse
by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, based on Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ | Directed by Jeffrey Mousseau | Featuring MaConnia Chesser
Plays In Process: July 9 – August 7 at the Tina Packer Playhouse
Featuring: Tamara Hickey, Bonita Jackson, Bella Merlin, and Annette Miller
A Walk In The Woods: July 15 – September 4 at The Roman Garden Theatre
by Lee Blessing | Directed by James Warwick | Featuring Allyn Burrows and Jonathan Epstein
Hymn: July 22 – August 28 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by Lolita Chakrabarti | Directed by Regge Life | Featuring: “ranney” and Kevin Craig West
Measure For Measure: August 19 – September 18 at the Tina Packer Playhouse
by William Shakespeare | Directed by Alice Reagan | Featuring: Ariel Bock, Nehassaiu deGannes, Ally Farzetta, and David Gow
Free Friday Talks: April 22 – August 26 at the Rose Footprint Theatre
Hosted by Ann Berman
Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues: September 23 – October 30 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by Charles Smith | Directed by Raz Golden | | Featuring: Glenn Barrett, Kevin G. Coleman, and Kristen Moriarty
Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company plays are held in a variety of venues in Lenox, most on the company’s 34 acre Kemble Street campus at 70 Kemble Street. Concession stands offer light fare both before and after the shows. Both the Tina Packer Playhouse and the Elayne P. Bernstein Theater offer outdoor spaces with tables for a picnic, snack, or drink.
Best of all, it’s all just 5 minutes from our Berkshires bed and breakfast, The Inn at Stockbridge.
Those after a truly Shakespearean experience should consider a stay in our Shakespeare Suite. The Shakespeare Suite features a 4-post king-sized bed, fireplace, and double whirlpool tub, making it one of our most romantic offerings. It’s also adjacent to our fitness center, so you’re never too far from a good workout or relaxing massage. How’s that for comfort and convenience?
Visit www.shakespeare.org for a full schedule, tickets, and more information. You can also visit the theater company on Facebook.