American Shakespeare Center serves as a national resource for teaching Shakespeare

The American Shakespeare Center hosts its Winter Teacher Seminar on Feb. 4-5, focused on classroom applications of Much Ado about Nothing and Richard III.

Through four workshops in these teacher training programs, the ASC seeks to expand methods of performance-based learning in Virginia classrooms and across the country. The ASC reaches over 2400 students each year through the educators who attend teacher seminars. Continue reading “American Shakespeare Center serves as a national resource for teaching Shakespeare” »

American Shakespeare Center cultivates community with ASC Family

The American Shakespeare Center hosts its second ASC Family event, “The Taste of Staunton,” on Saturday, Jan. 21.

From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ASC Family participants will have the opportunity to savor the fare from many local restaurants, including the Darjeeling Café, Mockingbird 123, and Cranberry’s Grocery and Eatery. While enjoying the wide variety of tasty food, members of ASC Family will be able to explore the Blackfriars Playhouse, mingle with ASC actors and staff members, and play games designed for all ages. Continue reading “American Shakespeare Center cultivates community with ASC Family” »

Shakespeare Center marks 10th anniversary

Ten years ago, a touring theatre troupe called Shenandoah Shakespeare Express sought a permanent home in its namesake valley of Virginia. Not only did the company find a home, but a town that was eager to support it, even assisting in building the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre, The Blackfriars Playhouse.

Southern Living Magazine wrote, “Staunton’s Blackfriars Playhouse will make you fall in love with Shakespeare.” Andrew Gurr, Former Director of Research for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, called the Blackfriars Playhouse “one of the most historically important theatres in the world.” Frommer’s Virginia guide said, “This stunning re-creation of the first indoor theatre in the English-speaking world…is, in itself, a reason to visit Staunton.”

Since the opening of the Blackfriars Playhouse in 2001, tourism dollars spent in Staunton have increased by $18,000,000; fifteen new, some widely acclaimed, restaurants have begun to thrive in downtown; and the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center has become one of the city’s most historic and appealing stops for travelers. In ten years, 600 teenagers have participated in ASC Theatre Camps, 100,000 students have attended a school matinee and the American Shakespeare Center has sold over 500,000 tickets. It’s quite a lot to celebrate, and September kicks of a full year of acknowledging this important milestone.

On September 21, 2011, the ASC will remember its first Opening Night with a special anniversary address before the performance of HENRY V. All that attend will be welcomed with free “anniversary” cake. The ASC is also offering a special promotion in honor of the anniversary – ticket buyers will get ten dollars off their tickets for that performance by using the code “Free Cake” when purchasing tickets.

Then, on Saturday, September 24, the American Shakespeare Center’s annual fundraising benefit will be held at the theatre with food and drink to follow at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center. Theatre supporters will enjoy a live performance as only the ASC can offer, with the acting company performing scenes from the five Fall Season Productions as well as music under the lights at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Following the theatrical performance, attendees have the opportunity to bid on exciting auction items such as a week in Mexico, one-of-a-kind jewelry, a private dinner, and special ASC show memorabilia while enjoying food and drink courtesy of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center. A sneak peek of the 2012/13 Artistic Year will be given at the benefit, before the titles are announced publicly the following week.

On the same day of the benefit, the ASC Well Begun and Well Begot exhibit will begin at the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art and run through October 21.  Headed by Mary Baldwin MFA Graduate Student Clara Giebel, the exhibit will trace the American Shakespeare Center’s ten years at the Blackfriars Playhouse and the impact of the building on the growth of the company.

Finally, in honor of ten years performing in Staunton, the American Shakespeare Center is offering a local rush ticket for Augusta Country residents. One hour before the show, anyone who lives in Augusta County can purchase any remaining tickets for that day’s performance for the reduced price of $22.

More information on the Blackfriars Playhouse Tenth Anniversary and other related events throughout the year can be found at

www.americanshakespearecenter.com.

Shakespeare Center offers family program

The American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse will open its doors to participants of all ages with the new ASC Family Membership program.

This program provides Saturday morning activities at the Blackfriars Playhouse as well as discounts to regular ASC programming and other perks. Led by Ben Ratkowski, the program aims to give families more ways to enjoy historic downtown Staunton and to introduce young people to the fun and excitement of the Blackfriars Playhouse.

“We want to build a sense of community at the Blackfriars Playhouse as representatives from businesses around the Staunton area share their talents with all who attend.” Ratkowski says.

The premiere ASC Family date, Saturday, Sept. 17, will feature activities and treats from local businesses including Ox-eye Vineyard, the Spiritheart Flute and Drum Circle of the Shenandoah Valley (a trio of Native American Flute, World Percussion and Acoustic bass), Staunton Art Supply, and the Staunton Starbucks.

ASC Family Membership Benefits include

Free admission to ASC Family events

Free Blackfriars Playhouse tours

Complimentary copy of the Playhouse Insider Magazine

10% discount on ASC education events (such as camps and workshops)

15% discount on tickets to shows

Discounted pricing at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel

All ASC Family events occur on Saturday mornings between 9:30-11:30 a.m. and upcoming dates include

Sept. 17, 2011 – Welcome to the Family

Jan. 21, 2012 – Taste of Staunton

March 31, 2012 – Reunite at the Playhouse

June 16, 2012 – Family Festivities.