The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (formerly called "New Jersey Shakespeare Festival") is one of 22 professional theatres in the state. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation — serving 100,000 adults and children annually — it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
The company's dedication to the classics and commitment to excellence sets critical standards for the field. Under the leadership of artistic director Bonnie J. Monte since 1990, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues to draw larger and larger audiences and garner unprecedented critical acclaim. Now in its 46th season, it is the longest-running Shakespeare theatre on the east coast.
In 2002, The Star-Ledger named the company "Regional Theatre of the Year," and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation awarded the Theatre a prestigious Strategic Partnership Grant in the amount of $1 million, "in recognition of the artistry, achievements and leadership of this acclaimed Madison, New Jersey-based performing arts and education organization."
The annual Main Stage season, presented in the intimate, state-of-the-art F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, runs May through December. An Outdoor Stage production is presented each summer at The Greek Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre located on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in nearby Morris Township.
As a leader in arts education, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is committed to providing compelling education programs for all ages, with a special focus on developing future generations of audiences and artists. We offer several artist training programs, including the Junior & Senior Corps, the Summer Professional Training Program (SPTP), and an advanced training program -- the Non-Equity Company -- for young professional actors. The Shakespeare Theatre is also committed to partnership with classroom teachers, and we provide resources for innovative teaching and learning. For additional information on any of these programs, contact the Theatre at (973) 408-5600.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a member of:
