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Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, we are choosing to be thankful for the gifts and support we have received from patrons like you during this challenging year. We would like to give back this Thanksgiving by providing a gift of free content and helping you to give locally!

Our gift to you:

From now until Dec. 1, we are re-releasing digital content we have created this year for you to enjoy at home this Thanksgiving for FREE.  

We hope you enjoy these tales of lovers'' quarrels, supernatural powers, visitors from beyond, and mischievous fairies all told by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

Give locally:

This year, consider shopping small and local for your holiday gifts at small businesses like Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

We have pivoted to provide goods and services to our community utilizing the unique talents of our team. Browse below for gifts (for others and yourself) that range from holiday masks to naming a seat inside of our theater to handmade items from our Shakes Makes production team!

Coming Soon:

The Drunk Santa X-Mas Spectacular featuring Miranda McGee, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Maggie Lou Rader, and Justin McCombs.

Our FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of A Midsummer Night''s Dream is now available in 3 Ways:

*Streaming starting Friday September 4 at 7 PM and available throughout September.

The Cincinnati Shakespeare''s Touring Company presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"!  What happens when feuding fairies meddle in the love lives of human couples? Comical adventures, mistaken identities, and a silly play-within-a-play! Join the fairies and lovers as well as Nick Bottom and The Mechanicals as they hilariously attempt to rehearse and perform a play for the Duke's wedding. In this whimsical forest, a happy ending is guaranteed for both sprites and mortals alike.

Arrianna Chai as Puck in CSC''s 2020 FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of "A Midsummer Night''s Dream." Photo by Brian Frey.

Clockwise from top: Lennon Hu, David Derringer, Colleen Dougherty, and Abigail Rose Nakken in CSC''s 2020 FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of "A Midsummer Night''s Dream." Photo by Brian Frey.

Arrianna Chai and Angelique Archer in CSC''s 2020 FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of "A Midsummer Night''s Dream." Photo by Brian Frey.

Interested in a private performance for your family and friends?

Other Ways to Support Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Hello,

Today, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, along with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, issued a joint announcement that we are all delaying the start of our 2020-21 seasons due to the complex challenges around continuing live performances during this pandemic. All three theaters hope to return with revised seasons this winter with a smaller slate of rearranged, rescheduled or new shows.  While this is very disappointing, we know that the decision was made in the interest of public health and safety.  

The decision to work together:

In addition to the current ban on mass gatherings in Ohio, the nonprofit theaters must finalize viable plans to play to lower audience capacities for social distancing, communicate with theater's professional unions (such as Actors Equity) about performing safely and put numerous, new safety protocols in place.  Learn more at our Health and Safety web page.

With so many of the same challenges and the cross-over between audiences, the artistic leaders of the three organizations - Blake Robison (Playhouse), Brian Isaac Phillips (CSC) and D. Lynn Meyers (ETC) - indicated that they are working together to present consistent opening plans and safety guidelines. The three leaders also announced that COVID-19 safety measures - including intense cleaning, longer runs to accommodate social distancing and other protocols - will be in place when the theaters open, but specifics will be announced closer to opening dates, since the overall situation and guidelines from the state of Ohio and the CDC could change. They noted that further adjustments to their schedules could become necessary to ensure the safety of patrons, artists and staff, which is of the utmost importance.

Cincinnati Shakespeare''s revised 2020-2021 Season plans:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company hopes to return with the much loved holiday tradition EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!).  "This show, which has run at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for over a decade, would be a wonderful way to welcome back our patrons, who we have greatly missed during this time," said Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC Producing Artistic Director. "Typically EVERY CHRISTMAS runs for only a few weeks in December but we are presenting it over 6 weeks to allow for many more productions with smaller socially distanced crowds."

Then, beginning in 2021, CSC will present a rearranged slate of Shakespeare titles to bring the company back to its roots and reset.  "We had just announced our 2020-21 season only days before the pandemic reached Cincinnati and while we are disappointed that we cannot present that season in its entirely right now, we are excited to welcome back our patrons for these flagship Shakespeare titles" said Mr. Phillips.  The first production to be completely halted due to the pandemic before it could even begin was the much awaited production of HAMLET featuring Sara Clark portraying a reverse gendered Hamlet.  "This is an important one to us and we are thrilled to begin 2021 with this production.finally!" said Mr. Phillips. This will be followed by the previously announced romantic and traditional production of ROMEO AND JULIET featuring Courtney Lucien and Crystian Wiltshire as the star-crossed lovers.  That is followed by the announced slapstick production of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS inspired by an old Las Vegas world and featuring Geoffrey Warren Barnes II and Justin McCombs.

And then, to close the season, CSC will reprise the production that was halted only weeks into performance of Kate Hamill's adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.  "This show had already become the most popular production in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history before the Governor's order on mass gatherings was made on March 12. We think it will be very fitting for us to close this triumphant season with the return of this much loved and very jubilant production" said Mr. Phillips.

All of these productions will run for extra weeks to allow for additional performances and smaller socially distanced crowds.  The cancelled productions will be moved to future seasons.  All subscribers and ticket buyers will be contacted after October 1, 2020 to discuss options for this revised season. The date for single tickets to go on sale has not been announced. 

A detailed line-up of the 2020-21 season is included below and available at cincyshakes.com. In addition, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will continue to present its robust Education and Outreach programs in person and online in the schools and communities of the tri-state.

Learn more about the newly announced season and hear from cast members and directors TONIGHT on our Virtual Happy Hour at 5pm on Facebook Live.  Learn more and RSVP online here.

CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY 2020-21 REVISED SEASON:

Season Sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and The John Bridgeland, Crilley, Long, and Mason Families Honoring James R. Bridgeland Jr.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)

by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez

November 19 - December 27, 2020

CSC''s holiday smash hit is back again for another season of holiday hilarity as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high-octane jollity and frivolity.

William Shakespeare's

HAMLET

January 15 - February 21, 2021

This much awaited production of the greatest play in the English language finally opens at CSC.  Featuring Sara Clark in the title role.

William Shakespeare's

ROMEO AND JULIET

March 5 - April 11, 2021

William Shakespeare''s timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers and the feuding families who tear them apart, on stage in all of its everlasting grandeur.

William Shakespeare's

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

April 23 - May 23, 2021

Shakespeare''s silliest, screwiest, and slapstickiest comedy! Inspired by golden era Las Vegas, this music filled production will be packed with cool cats, rat packs, showgirls, wise guys, and more.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

By Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen

June 4 - July 3, 2021

One of the single most beloved stories of all time returns in a fresh new adaptation which critics are calling "delightfully different," "fizzy and festive," and "unlike any adaptation of Jane Austen one has seen before."

Hear from the three Artistic Leaders for more on next season:

*For the safety of our staff, the Box Office staff has been reduced to one staff member working remotely.  We respectfully ask that you hold off on requests until after you are contacted on October 1st. As soon as we have more information, we will reach out to everyone with next steps. Thank you for your support and patience during this extraordinary time.

Introducing... Shakes Makes!

Let our talented theatrical artisans create a custom project just for you.

Cincinnati Shakespeare''s team of talented artisans is ready to make for YOU in a new program called SHAKES MAKES!

Having a hard time finding a perfectly fitted mask for your face?  Let us make one to your exact specifications!

Before you place that order for more paper towels or napkins on Amazon, how about let us sew you a reusable set?

Looking forward to Halloween?  We can build your costume or a fun Halloween Hat or accessory!

Have a specific space in your home that needs a custom bookcase?  Let our scene shop build a quality wood piece just for your home!

We have costume, scenic, props, and more designers who are ready to help make your custom project dreams a reality.  Browse below for a ton of ideas of projects our Production Team can create and make fully custom for you!  Your support of this program helps to keep artists and makers engaged in Cincinnati. Thank you in advance!

Example of items we can make include:

...And many more! 

Click below for more projects and to learn how Shakes Makes works:

Have a custom DIY project you could use some help with?

Other Ways to Support Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Looking for the perfect something to watch that will get you into the holiday spirit, make you laugh, AND support a local arts organization? Check out The Drunk Santa X-Mas Spectacular - now streaming, available on DVD, and playing in movie theaters.

Watch Now:

This holiday season, Cincinnati''s favorite saucy Aussie Santa Claus-y is back in her very own, brand new holiday video extravaganza: The Drunk Santa X-mas Spectacular!

Get your jolly on from the comfort of your own living room, as Santa and the gang deliver a sleighful of lovingly irreverent holiday hijinks right down your chimney and onto your screen of choice. Jam-packed with special guests, musical numbers, and more, The Drunk Santa X-mas Spectacular is the one-size-fits-all gift that keeps on giving. So you better be good, for goodness sake! Nah, just kidding- do whatever the heck you want, it''s 2020!

Not recommended for anyone young enough to still believe in Santa...

Your support today ensures we will be back better than ever next holiday season!

The first audiences are loving The Drunk Santa X-Mas Spectacular:

Watch the Trailer:

There are several different ways you can experience this unmissable Christmas treat:

Watch at Home: From Now through Jan. 31, book once to be able view the online video whenever you like throughout December and January. Cost $20/person (honor system).  Click here to purchase access to watch!

Purchase a DVD:  Enjoy this holiday flick for years to come with this commemorative DVD for $50!  Available for pick up at CSC until Dec. 18, 2020 or to be mailed to you.  Click here to purchase the DVD.

Watch at the Movie Theater:  On selected dates at the Esquire and Mariemont Theaters in December, enjoy this holiday film on the big screen!  Social distancing, mask wearing, and added cleaning protocols will be in place.  Tickets are $20/person and all proceeds to benefit Cincinnati Shakespeare Company AND the Esquire Theater. Click here for dates and to purchase your tickets on the Esquire website.

FINAL DATES:

Sunday, Dec. 13 at 12:30pm, Mariemont

Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30pm, Esquire

Announcing:

Where there's a Will, there's a play!  We are thrilled to be able to finally share our FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2020 schedule.

We got creative this summer so check out the button below for the schedule of new opportunities to watch FREE Shakespeare outdoors in parks, in your car as a drive-in at the parking lot of the Cincinnati Museum Center, live streamed online, on the radio on WVXU and more!

The first shows are this weekend! Friday night in Erlanger, KY (more details) and Saturday and Sunday in Washington Park (more details). All shows are at 7pm, no intermission, FREE. Check the button below for more details on social distancing and masks at each location.

Are you or someone you know looking for a remote learning solution for your students this fall? 

For students in Grades 2nd-8th choosing or required to do remote or live stream learning this fall, Cincinnati Shakespeare is offering THE SHAKESPEARE SCHOOL!

Beginning August 24 and continuing for 5 weeks, this program will take place at our theater for a full day 8:30am-5:30pm, re-purposing our large spaces for safe and distanced learning. Students will be assigned to small pods of approximately 10 students and will be provided time and space for proctored school lessons or scheduled live streaming time with their schools. Then, the rest of their day will be enriched with arts and drama activities lead by CSC Teaching Artists, up on their feet and away from screens! CSC is thrilled to provide local families with our more than two decades of experience working with students through our summer camps, classes, workshops, and more in this new and vital way.

Learn more at the button below. EXTREMELY limited spaces available!

Interested in a private performance for your family and friends?

Other Ways to Support Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Dear Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Patron,

Today, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park issued a joint announcement that we are both unfortunately cancelling our upcoming holiday productions and postponing the re-opening of our mainstage seasons of plays until fall of 2021. Instead, both theatres are planning to bring the community a slate of virtual performances, socially distanced special events, and educational programming. Learn more below.

This decision helps ensure a healthy return in the fall of 2021. The safety and well-being of patrons, artists and staff is of the utmost importance. Additionally, the plays and musicals produced for our mainstage seasons take substantial resources and represent much greater financial risk if forced to cancel due to a COVID-19 spike or positive case.

While our mainstage season is cancelled, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will continue to deliver on our mission of bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all through many of our established programs (like this past summer's FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour), innovative community outreach and educational programs, AND through online video, radio, and smaller socially distanced events. Learn more about some of these programs below and stay tuned for future announcements!

While we are disappointed to bring you this news regarding our mainstage, we know that this decision is the best one given the current state of the pandemic and the nature of the work we present on our mainstage. We look forward to the near future when we can all gather together again and enjoy Shakespeare and the classics.  An announcement of the 2021-22 season will come later and may include some previously announced shows from the 2020-21 season, subject to timing and availability. Individual subscribers and ticket holders will be contacted with next steps.

More than ever before, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company needs your support. Please consider making a donation to protect our ability to create powerful and engaging theatre long after this period of uncertainty. While many of our usual live performances and events cannot go on, the lives and livelihoods of those who make the art you love must. Your philanthropic support ensures that when this crisis ends - and it will - Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will still be right here waiting for you with open arms, ready to hold up a mirror to reflect all the best parts of our shared humanity.

Thank you and be well,

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 

Learn more about current programming we are offering below:

Premieres on WXVU Friday Oct. 30, 2020 at 8PM

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents a 1-hour radio version of The War of the Worlds in partnership with WXVU.

This original version, written and directed by CSC's own Jeremy Dubin and Brian Isaac Phillips, and featuring the vocal talents of CSC's Touring Company and current staff Sara Clark, Cal Harris, Jeremy Dubin, and Brian Isaac Phillips, will premiere in partnership with WXVU on Friday October 30 on 91.7.  It will be available for replay following the premiere broadcast.  

More on "The War of the Worlds": In 1938 the legendary Mercury Theatre Company, led by Orson Welles, delivered the single most notorious broadcast in radio history- a riveting adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The broadcast's depiction of a Martian invasion was so realistic, it incited a nation-wide panic. This Halloween, CSC brings Wells' chilling sci-fi thriller back to life in a brand new auditory experience inspired by the Mercury Theatre's original broadcast. 

*For the safety of our staff, the Box Office has reduced hours and staffing. Thank you for your patience during this extraordinary time.

Our FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of Macbeth is now available to stream online!

Available starting 7:30pm tonight through the month of October

*Streaming starting Friday October 2 at 7:30 PM and available throughout October.

Prophecies. Ambition. Murder. Madness. In Shakespeare's famous cursed play "Macbeth", we see the darkness of the world overcome the light. After an encounter with three witches on a Scottish battlefield, Macbeth must make a decision that will change the course of her life.  Betrayal, love, bloodshed and tragedy adorn the path in this chilling, supernatural tale, leaving us wondering how far Macbeth will go to get what she wants. Tormented by visions and guilt when the price of her crimes take their toll, what fate awaits Macbeth? Find out in Shakespeare's supernatural thriller.

MACBETH CAST:

Directed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin

Macbeth .......... Angelique Archer

Lady Macbeth/Witch 1/Young Siward .......... Abigail Rose Nakken

Macduff/Duncan/Lennox/Murderer 1.......... Marcus Anthony

Banquo/Ross/Porter/Siward.......... Lennon Hu

Malcolm/Witch 3/Doctor/Murderer 2.......... Arrianna Chai

Sergeant/Lady Macduff/Witch 2/Seyton/Fleance.......... Colleen Dougherty

VIEW THE MOBILE PROGRAM ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW:

PRODUCTION STILLS OF "MACBETH"

Interested in a private performance for your family and friends?

Other Ways to Support Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Kick off your Halloween weekend with this chilling audio drama created by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company!

Premieres on 91.7 WVXU

Friday Oct. 30, 2020 at 8:00pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents this 1-hour radio version of The War of the Worlds in partnership with WVXU

This original version, written and directed by CSC's own Jeremy Dubin and Brian Isaac Phillips, and featuring the vocal talents of CSC's Pandemic Players, will premiere on WVXU on Friday October 30 at 8pm and will be available for replay following the premiere broadcast!

How to listen on Friday from 8-9pm:

Radio 91.7 FM

WVXU App

WVXU.org/listen

Tell your smart speaker to "Play WVXU"

Listen later on your schedule after the live broadcast on our website online here.

The War of the Worlds was produced by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and provided to WVXU and our community at no cost.  We hope that you will consider supporting this and other projects by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company during this time.

In 1938 the legendary Mercury Theatre Company, led by Orson Welles, delivered the single most notorious broadcast in radio history- a riveting adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The broadcast's depiction of a Martian invasion was so realistic, it incited a nation-wide panic. This Halloween, CSC brings Wells' chilling sci-fi thriller back to life in a brand new auditory experience inspired by the Mercury Theatre's original broadcast. 

Meet the CSC Pandemic Players for "The War of the Worlds":

Also give your Halloween a bloody start by DONATING BLOOD at CSC!

Tuesday Oct. 27

11am-5pm

Hoxworth Blood Drive at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Hoxworth Blood Center and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company are teaming up to help save lives close to home.  Donate blood on October 27th and receive a a pair of Hoxworth "Socktober" socks plus free tickets for a future Cincinnati Shakespeare Company production!

Blood drive will be held in the lobby of the Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street.

To schedule, visit Hoxworth.org/groups/shakespeare or call 513-451-0910

*For the safety of our staff, the Box Office has reduced hours and staffing. Thank you for your patience during this extraordinary time.

This week, Cincinnati Shakespeare is bringing you FREE Shakespeare in the Park, on the Radio, and Online!

Arrianna Chai as Puck in CSC''s 2020 FREE Shakespeare in the Park production of "A Midsummer Night''s Dream." Photo by Brian Frey.

FREE Shakespeare in the Park this Week:

ONLINE:

TONIGHT! Tuesday, August 25, 2020 @ 7-8:30 pm

City of Fairfield Parks & Recreation

Live streamed performance online here

Romeo and Juliet