About Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company: Bringing Shakespeare to Life in Maryland
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is a renowned classical theatre company based in Maryland that has been entertaining audiences with its vibrant performances for over 20 years. The company's mission is to bring the works of William Shakespeare to life and make them accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or background.
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company was founded in 2002 by Ian Gallanar, who had a vision of creating a theatre company that would celebrate the timeless works of William Shakespeare. Since then, the company has grown into one of the most respected and beloved theatre companies in Maryland, attracting audiences from all over the state and beyond.
One of the things that sets Chesapeake Shakespeare Company apart from other theatre companies is its commitment to making classical theatre accessible and relevant to modern audiences. The company's productions are known for their energy, humor, and accessibility – they're not stuffy or pretentious like some people might expect from a classical theatre production.
In addition to its mainstage productions, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company also offers an extensive education program that serves over 16,000 students annually both in the classroom and at the theater. The program includes workshops, residencies, field trips, summer camps as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.
The education program aims at introducing students at all levels (from elementary school through college) to classic literature through performance-based learning experiences. Students learn about language arts skills such as reading comprehension; critical thinking; public speaking; creative writing; teamwork; empathy building among others while having fun watching live performances on stage.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's mainstage productions are held at two locations: Baltimore City’s Downtown Cultural Arts Center (CAC) which opened in 2014 after extensive renovations transforming it into an intimate Elizabethan-style playhouse with seating capacity up-to-260 patrons per show while outdoor shows are held during summer months under open skies at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park located just outside Ellicott City where audience members can enjoy picnics before shows start.
The CAC location provides an immersive experience where audience members feel like they're part of the action on stage due to its unique design inspired by London’s Globe Theatre which was built-in-1599 where actors perform surrounded by audience members seated on three sides around them creating an intimate atmosphere between performers and spectators alike.
Over time Chesapeake Shakespearian has become more than just a theater group but rather a community hub bringing together people from different backgrounds who share common interests such as love for literature arts culture history among others. It hosts various events throughout each season including pre-show talks with directors actors designers scholars authors historians etc., post-show discussions with cast members backstage tours costume exhibits art displays book clubs film screenings poetry readings music concerts dance performances among others making it more than just another night out but rather an experience worth remembering forever.
In conclusion,
If you're looking for high-quality classical theater productions that will transport you back in time while still feeling fresh and relevant today look no further than Chesapeake Shakespearian! With its commitment to accessibility education community engagement innovative programming this theater group stands out amongst other theaters across America offering something truly special - come see why so many people have fallen head-over-heels for this amazing organization!
chesapeakeshakespeare.com
