Our Programs/ Membership Benefits

Five evenings of entertainment and enlightment...NCommentary and PerformanceOur signature format – a unique blend of commentary and performance, in which noted scholars, directors, and writers explore a theme, character, or play, as the finest actors of our day perform scenes and speeches.

Shakespeare in Progress
See Shakespeare through the eyes of leading actors and directors as they bring the rehearsal room onstage, providing a rare view of the theatrical process.

Cinematic ShakespeareExperience and compare the work of great Shakespearean actors and film makers throughout the history of cinema – with commentary by stage and film critics, actors, and film historians.

And a variety of other exciting benefits

Small Venue Events Members-only evenings of good conversation and high spirits, where you’ll get a chance to interact with actors, directors, scholars – and each other! Past guests have included director and critic Robert Brustein, scholar James Shapiro, producer Jeffrey Horowitz, and actress Kate Forbes.

Shakespeare WorksMade possible with the generous support of the Tony Randall Theatrical FundThe Shakespeare Society announces the creation of Shakespeare Works, a series of week-long residencies aimed at supporting the performance and production of Shakespeare in NYC and creating connections between the theatrical and academic communities.

Special EventsSpecial events have included book parties for Harold Bloom and Zoe Caldwell, an evening of sonnets read by Rosemary Harris, and our famous Shakespeare Birthday Marathon.

The Shakespeare Society MedalAwarded in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the appreciation of the Bard, The Shakespeare Society Medal has been presented to Harold Bloom, Claire Bloom, Kenneth Branagh, Peter Hall, Derek Jacobi, Michael Kahn, Trevor Nunn, and Christopher Plummer.

And…Advance notice and discounts for upcoming Shakespeare productions ✣ Subscription to The Shakespeare Newsletter ✣ Online resources at our website ✣ Access to members-only seminars and classes ✣ And more!

Classes and SeminarsMembers get a chance to pursue their love of Shakespeare in these intimate and enjoyable classes:

Study SeminarsRead and discuss Shakespeare’s plays in a relaxed and informal setting. These in-depth discussions of individual plays range over eight weeks and provide the Shakespeare lover with an accessible guide to the richness and beauty of the greatest dramatist in the English language. Taught by the great Ruth Carpenter.

Speak the Verse Classes Experience Shakespeare’s language firsthand in these fun, spirited classes taught by leading theater professionals. Learning the intricacies of Shakespeare’s verse gives the participants a unique understanding of how he creates character, mood, and meaning. Past classes have been taught by Kristin Linklater, Roger Rees, Steven Skybell, Joseph Plummer, and Barry Ingham.

SHAKESPEARE IN SCHOOLSYour membership in The Shakespeare Society, also helps to support Shakespeare in Schools, our educational outreach program.

Students not only come to a better understanding of Shakespeare, but also learn more about themselves and their relationships with others. Reading, acting, and discovering Shakespeare’s plays can be a profoundly personal journey for students and their teachers.

Shakespeare in SchoolsStudents participating in the program receive in-class visits from classically trained professional actors. Students are encouraged to find their own relationship to Shakespeare, bringing their cultural backgrounds and values to bear on Shakespeare’s work by getting out of their seats and onto their feet!

The Hunts Point Children’s Shakespeare Ensemblein collaboration with the Hunts Point Alliance for Children
A year-long educational initiative with a group of schools and community organizations in the South Bronx, exploring, researching, and performing a single Shakespearean play. Two culminating performances allow the students to share their work with the community.

Teaching TeachersThis program provides professional development workshops for teachers and school administrators. Noted academics, educators, directors, and actors lead workshops where teachers learn innovative ways to teach Shakespeare, and get a chance to share ideas and experiences with one another.

Resource GrantsTeachers who are participating in any of The Shakespeare Society’s educational programs may submit a written proposal at any time during the school year to request funds for specific classroom needs relating to Shakespeare. In the past, these grants have provided books, DVDs, and tickets to Shakespeare productions.

Shakespeare Insights Teen Internship ProgramBeginning with an intensive twelve-week course, high school juniors and seniors engage in a dialogue with the Bard, his plays, and their relevance to contemporary life. Through classical text study, movement training, and study of teaching methods, interns are trained to become assistant teaching artists. Partnered with a professional actor and teaching artist, students spend the spring semester working in the schools to bring Shakespeare to life for their younger peers, leading workshops and demonstrating through live performance the excitement and accessibility of Shakespeare.