Embark on an unforgettable field trip with our Educational Matinees at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where students can see world- class theater during the school day.
Enjoy a unique educational excursion as we present the same exciting productions that light up evenings and weekends at Cincy Shakes, specially scheduled at 10 am during the school week for student audiences with a Q&A following each show!
RUNNING TIME: 2.5-3 hours, depending on the length of the play
RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE: Varies by show, usually 6th grade and up.
RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE SIZE: Up to 230-260 at each performance- some shows accommodate more than others. Small groups will be combined with others.
COST: $15 per student. For every 15 paid student tickets, one complimentary chaperone ticket is provided.
BOOK: Fill out this form to request tickets. We will then confirm with you as soon as possible.
2025-2026 Educational Matinees
Othello
LOW AVAILABILITY
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026 at 10am
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2026 at 10am
Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026 at 10am
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026 at 10am
Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026 at 10am
Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 at 10am
Jealousy, betrayal, and passion collide in this classic Elizabethan staging of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. When the esteemed General Othello succumbs to the cunning Iago’s deceptions, suspicion and heartbreak tear apart the bonds of love and loyalty. Featuring some of the most dramatic and iconic moments in all of Shakespeare, Othello is a searing exploration of trust, love, and the devastating consequences of doubt.
Pericles
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 10am
Wednesday, Apr. 22 at 10am
Tuesday, Apr. 28 at 10am
Wednesday, Apr. 29 at 10am
Blast off on an interstellar adventure in this bold reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Pericles! In this tale, Prince Pericles embarks on an epic voyage through alien worlds, cosmic storms, and intergalactic encounters on his search for true love. Join us on a journey to the farthest reaches of Shakespeare’s canon with this seldom seen treasure, revealing how hope can guide us- even through the most distant corners of the universe.
2026 - 2027 Educational Matinees
Network
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Sep. 15 2026 at 10 am
Wednesday, Sep. 23 2026 at 10 am
“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” erupts across the airwaves in this immersive stage adaptation of the Academy Award winning film. Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air. What begins as a breakdown becomes a broadcast phenomenon. Soaring ratings transform him into an unlikely prophet for a network hungry for spectacle, in a world where outrage sells and attention is the ultimate currency. A sensation on Broadway and in London, Network blurs the line between news and entertainment with explosive consequences.
Recommended for 9th grade and up.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Educational Performances:
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 at 10 am
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at 10 am
Sink your teeth into a hilarious new take on the world’s most famous vampire! Filled with outrageous twists, playful innuendo, and more laughs than you can count, this delightful romp reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic like you’ve never seen before. This dangerously debonair Dracula brings seductive chaos, proving that sometimes the Prince of Darkness can be as captivating as he is cunning. Join the hilarious hunt this Halloween season, where the only thing sharper than Dracula’s fangs are the gags that’ll leave you in stitches. Don’t miss the riotous ride that’s sure to leave you howling with laughter!
Recommended for 10th grade and up.
The Merry Wives of Winsor
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 at 10 am
Monday, Nov. 23, 2026 at 10 am
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026 at 10 am
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 at 10 am
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 at 10 am
Schemes, disguises, and delicious comeuppance abound in Shakespeare’s merriest misadventure. Set in a sparkling winter wonderland filled with plenty of good cheer, The Merry Wives of Windsor follows two clever women who outwit the devious and debauched Sir John Falstaff. This puffed-up tipsy holiday patriarch, who believes he belongs at the head of the feast, finds himself bundled, baffled, and brilliantly outplayed by wives who refuse to be fooled. Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show.
Recommended for 6th grade and up.
The African Company Presents: Richard III
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027 at 10 am
History and theatre collide in this riveting true story drawn from a remarkable chapter of the American stage. The African Company Presents Richard III tells the story of an all-Black theatre troupe in 1821 determined to stage Shakespeare’s tragedy on their own terms. As their bold production takes shape, a rival white theatre mounts its own Richard III just blocks away, threatening to undermine, overshadow, and outmaneuver them. What follows is a charged battle of artistry, ego, and survival, where the stage becomes a proving ground and performance itself becomes an act of defiance.
Recommended for 9th grade and up.
Hamlet
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2027 at 10 am
Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2027 at 10 am
You know the skull. You know the question. But you haven’t truly experienced Hamlet until you’ve witnessed the mystery, revenge, and intrigue live on stage. This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception. Renowned for its unforgettable language and raw psychological power, Hamlet remains the ultimate theatrical event. This classic production will pull audiences into Hamlet’s fractured reality and refuse to let go.
Recommended for 6th grade and up.
Coriolanus
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Apr. 20, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2027 at 10 am
Tuesday, Apr. 27, 2027 at 10 am
Wednesday, Apr. 28, 2027 at 10 am
Before there was Julius Caesar, there was Coriolanus — a legend on the battlefield, a disaster in the public square. Shakespeare’s fierce and primal tragedy follows the celebrated warrior who knows how to conquer enemies but not how to win hearts. Meanwhile in Rome, unrest brews as a famine-stricken underclass challenges the ruling elite. Enter Coriolanus, a celebrated hero whose contempt for politics may cost him everything. From thunderous victory to shattering downfall, this play delivers sweeping action sequences, political intrigue, and a theatrical experience that hits with the force of a battle drum.
Recommended for 6th grade and up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Reservation & Payment
Fill out our online form to request seats and begin the booking process. We’ll respond promptly with further details.
Full payment is required at least 45 days before the performance. No changes to the number of seats can be made after that deadline. For shows booked less than 45 days in advance, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Yes. For every 15 paid student tickets, one complimentary chaperone ticket is included.
Performance Details & Schedule
Our Educational Matinees are specifically presented for school groups, homeschool students, retirement communities, and educational organizations. While they feature the same high-quality productions as our evening performances, they may include slight adjustments for younger audiences or educational settings. These shows are only available through pre-arranged group bookings and are not open to the general public.
The theater lobby opens at 9:15 am.
Educational Matinees begin with a short introductory discussion at 9:45 am, followed by the performance at 10:00 am (unless noted otherwise).
A Q&A session may follow the show, time permitting.
Our theater seats up to 230 for most productions.
Tickets, Seating & Onsite Policies
No, seating is assigned by reservation only. Please check in with your group name upon arrival.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with groups seated together as a block. To preview the venue, click here.
We do not sell food or drink at the venue. You may bring your own items, but all food and beverages—including water bottles—must remain in the lobby and be consumed there. We kindly ask that each group cleans up after themselves.
Parking & Transportation
Bus parking is the responsibility of the visiting group. Buses can often pull up in front of the theater on 12th Street for drop-off and pick-up; however, this space is not guaranteed. Since Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located in downtown Cincinnati without a dedicated parking lot, please coordinate with your bus company or driver to plan for additional parking needs.
There is plenty of paid parking available on the streets around our theater, as well as in the surface lot next door, the garage under Washington Park, or the lot on Central Parkway. CSC does not own a parking lot and all parking is paid.
Additional Information
If none of the above dates work for your group, additional performances may be scheduled based on increased interest, though extra costs will apply. It’s best to email us with your needs so we can do our best to accommodate everyone.
Yes, dates may change based on interest. A minimum of 100 seats must be sold for a performance to take place, and small groups or pairs may be asked to join with others on a different date. Your flexibility and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, please email us at education@cincyshakes.com or call (513) 381-2273 x. 3210
Workshops & Residencies
Bring the magic of Shakespeare and theatre to your students with interactive workshops and immersive residencies for learners from elementary school through adults. Each session is led by professional Teaching Artists and customized to your group’s age, interests, and schedule.
Format: Single-session workshops or multi-day residencies
Duration: Customizable, 30 minutes to multi-day sessions
Age Range: Customizable for elementary through adult learners
Cost: Workshops start at $100; pricing varies by session length, content, and group size
Scheduling: Available year-round
Looking for something else? Reach out, and we can tailor a workshop or residency to your needs!
Please contact Emily Bruns at emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com for more information.
Shakespeare-Focused Workshops
Introduction to Shakespeare
Students explore who Shakespeare was, the world he wrote for, and why his plays still matter today.Text & Character Study
Dive into specific scenes, speeches, or characters, and analyze character motivations, relationships, and storytelling choices.Adaptations & Reimagining Shakespeare
Using textual clues to preserve the heart of the original work, students experiment with updating Shakespeare’s stories for modern audiences.Play-Specific Sessions
Focused workshops on a specific play, such as Macbeth or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students interactively engage with the text to explore themes, characters, and memorable scenes.
Theatre-Focused Workshops
Introduction to Theatre
A broad look at theatre as a craft. Students learn about acting, stage movement, ensemble work, and the collaborative nature of live performance through fun exercises and group activities.Improvisation and Acting
Students build confidence, spontaneity, and listening skills through improv games and scene work.Audition Preparation
Students learn how to select material, present themselves confidently, and make strong acting choices for auditions.
Residencies
Shakespeare & Classical Texts
A multi-day residency focusing on specific Shakespeare plays or classical texts. Students analyze passages, perform scenes, and explore language, themes, and historical context in depth.Playwriting & Storytelling
Over several sessions, students create original work from idea to performance. Activities include brainstorming, drafting, feedback sessions, and staging short pieces to share.The Actor’s Toolbox
This residency emphasizes hands-on skill-building through theatre activities, text analysis, movement exercises, and ensemble work. Students sharpen acting techniques, creativity, and collaboration while having fun.
Every residency culminates in a showcase, presentation, or final project aligned with state and national arts standards.
With questions or for more information, please contact Director of Education, Emily Bruns by email or phone at (513) 381-2273 x. 3210
Shakes on Tour
Live Shakespeare at your school. No bus required.
Shakes on Tour brings full-story performances of Shakespeare classics directly to your school. In just 60 action-packed minutes, professional actors cover the entire plot, the key characters, and the biggest moments followed by a live Q&A where students can dive deeper into the drama.
Current Plays on Tour: Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Availability: February 22 – May 14, 2027
Plays Available: Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream
Audience: Up to 150 students per performance
Space Requirements: 20’ x 20’ open space (cafeteria, gym, or auditorium)
Cost: $750 or $1250 for two performances on the same day
Early Bird Special: Book a 2027 tour before Memorial Day and save $250 on your purchase!
Performance Day Schedule
Arrival: 1 hour before the performance, the touring company arrives at the venue to set up and prepare for the students.
Performance: The show runs approximately 45-50 minutes, bringing the story and characters to life for the audience.
Q&A Session: Following the performance, there is a 10-15-minute Q&A.
Departure: The touring company packs up, typically taking about 30 minutes.
Contact emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com to discuss booking Shakes on Tour at your school.
With questions or for more information, please contact Director of Education, Emily Bruns by email or phone at (513) 381-2273 x. 3210
Create your own Shakespeare project with CSC for FREE!
Since CSC became one of only five theaters in the country to complete Shakespeare’s entire canon in 2014, PROJECT38 has reimagined that achievement annually with schools across Greater Cincinnati.
PROJECT38 gives students and teachers the tools, guidance, and inspiration to create their own Shakespeare-inspired projects. Students and teachers collaborate with CSC teaching artists to create their own unique interpretations of one of Shakespeare’s 38 plays - projects that are built with them, not for them.
Throughout a few months, classrooms explore Shakespeare’s stories in creative, meaningful ways while building confidence, collaboration, and communication skills. The program culminates in the PROJECT38 Festival, a joyful celebration where students present their work for peers, families, educators, and the community.
Applications are now open and will close on November 1, 2026.
Participating schools must submit their applications by this date to be included in the 2026-2027 program.
Groups apply until November 1st, when the application closes.
Groups get assigned a play and explore it in any creative form: performance, film, visual art, dance, creative writing, podcasts, multimedia projects, or more!
Program runs Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 15, 2027
Each group receives three 1-hour CSC Teaching Artist visits:
Launch & Explore: Dive into the play, characters, themes, and brainstorm ideas
Midpoint Check-In: Get guidance, answer questions, and refine creative work
Final Review: Feedback and festival preparation
Classroom teachers lead the project between visits with CSC-provided lesson plans, guides, and activity sheets.
PROJECT38 Festival - March 15, 2027
Culminating celebration for all participating groups, school communities, families, and friends.
Schools attend in scheduled blocks throughout the day to present and view other presentations.
Activities include:
Live performance presentations
Gallery-style exhibitions for non-performance projects
Workshops, interactive activities, and community engagement
Festival attendance and participation are highly encouraged but not required for participation
PROJECT38 is designed for schools, groups, and communities most in need of artistic enrichment opportunities due to limited resources.
Open to all ages across Greater Cincinnati.
No cost to schools, students, or families.
Flexible to meet the needs of individual schools and schedules.
Interested in applying but don’t feel prepared to be an advisor? Contact emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com.
So many reasons! Here are a few of our favorites:
Shakespeare is a required part of the Ohio ELA curriculum – we can help teach it!
Participating in P38 has quadrupled Shakespeare comprehension grades in some schools, a 47% increase in overall academic performance, and a 75% improvement in students' attitude, confidence, motivation, and public speaking ability.
Students will learn how to analyze, comprehend, and understand the language of Shakespeare while simultaneously working on social skills, confidence, and artistic abilities.
Participating students will get to meet students from other schools in the area, see other’s projects, and connect with their peers in a new setting.
Shakespeare has universal themes and timeless topics and continues to influence modern society in art, language, and culture.
Students express more interest in the arts and/or Shakespeare after participating in PROJECT38.
IT’S FREE!
