AED Visits Chesapeake Shakespeare Company on a Summer’s Day

Last week, Arts Every Day visited Chesapeake Shakespeare Company to learn about the upcoming season of matinees and opportunities for Baltimore City Public Schools. Our Charm: Voices of Baltimore Youth Summer Publishing Intern, Jaelah Wiggins, came with us to get a student’s perspective of what it’s like to work with arts & culture partners working towards increasing arts experiences access for City Schools.  This is her take on the experience:

We started our amazing morning at Chesapeake Shakespeare with a tour led by Mr. Troy Jennings. During our tour, we were able to explore the most recent set as well as their backstage space as well as their amazing scene shop, dressing rooms and green room space. We learned little things pertaining to the building’s history as it was formerly a bank designed by Wyatt and Sperry and built in 1885. We then talked about and explored the exhibit they have on display for the first African American Shakespearean actor who is often known for his acting in Othello, Ira Aldrige. There were several pictures and artifacts available along with information about Aldrige.

We were able to explore a variety of office spaces and get a sense of how all of their employees worked together and learn who was responsible for different aspects of the theater. We met in the conference room along with Ms. Brooke Donald and discussed a variety of things relating to school programs that are available to students – including their summer program, who we saw as they were preparing for their perfromance of The Tempest!

This year, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is able to provide funding for tickets and transportation for their Macbeth matinee through their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant!  See the full season listing below:

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is proud to announce our 2024-2025 Matinee Season! This next year, we have four professional productions that we would love your school to attend. All shows begin at 10am and will be performed at our stage at 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. Following each performance will be a 20-minute talk back where students are welcome to ask questions directly to the actors. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson
Sept. 24 and Oct. 1

Intended for audiences in 9th grade and above. A newly free man, Herald Loomis begins his search for his wife, for peace, and his lost identity. This “spellbinding” play is the second show in the exciting Baltimore August Wilson Celebration, a collaborative project of the Baltimore theatre community, presenting all Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays.
To register your group for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, please follow this link.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Oct. 17 – Nov. 13

Thanks to generous support from the Mayors Office of Recovery Programs (MORP), we are pleased to offer free admission and transportation with this production!

Intended for audiences in 9th grade and above. The Scottish general, Macbeth, is prophesied to become king. Encouraged by his wife and supernatural forces, Macbeth takes fate into his own hands.
To register your group for Macbeth, please follow this link

A Christmas Carol adapted from Charles Dickens by Laura Rocklyn
Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18

Dickens’ beautiful tale of hope and redemption, set in 19th-century Baltimore.
To register your group for A Christmas Carol, please follow this link.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
March 10 – April 18

Follow a fateful journey between two young lovers from feuding families. Their passion defies conventions, leading to heart-wrenching decisions that ultimately seal their destiny.

We are pleased to offer a discounted rate $375 per bus for transportation for Romeo & Juliet when schools book with Blue Heron Transportation.
To register your group for Romeo & Juliet, please follow this link.

To view Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in our Arts Directory, click here.

Ticket Pricing:

Macbeth – free tickets and transportation!