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: $14 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.
More information is below.
2025-2026 Educational Matinees
Remaining in the 2024-2025 School Year:
The Tempest
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2025 at 10am
Marooned on an enchanting, yet ecologically fragile island, the exiled sorcerer Prospero waits, consumed by thoughts of revenge. So when fate places all his old enemies within his reach, tempests (both literal and metaphorical) stir. As the climate shifts, so do allegiances, while young love takes root in this unpredictable environment. This is a voyage not to be missed.
An Enemy of the People
Educational Performances:
Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025 at 10am
Experience this fresh and provocative new adaptation by Amy Herzog of the Henrik Ibsen classic. When a doctor discovers a shocking secret about his community’s prized health resort, he becomes determined to expose the truth- even if it means turning the entire town against him. A timeless masterpiece that challenges us to ask: how far are we willing to go to stand up for what’s right?
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Educational Performances:
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at 10am
Sink your teeth into a hilarious new take on the world’s most famous vampire! Filled with outrageous twists and more laughs than you can count, this delightful romp reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic like you’ve never seen before. 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!
Love's Labour's Lost
Educational Performances:
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 10am
Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 at 10am
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at 10am
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 at 10am
Get ready for a retro twist on a Shakespeare comedic gem! Transported to a totally tubular 80s-inspired high school setting, a group of friends tries to swear off love to focus on their school work but their plans go hilariously off the rails as new arrivals and unexpected attractions shake up their studies. Join us for a fab, fun, and irresistibly nostalgic take on one of the Bard’s most charming comedies.
A Soldier's Play
Educational Performances:
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 10am
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 10am
Set on a segregated Army base in 1944, A Soldier’s Play opens with the shocking murder of a polarizing sergeant, prompting a determined officer to unearth the truth behind this unsettling crime. As suspects emerge and tensions simmer beneath the surface, hidden prejudices, loyalties, and resentments threaten to tear the unit apart. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is filled with gripping suspense, unexpected revelations, and unforgettable characters.
Othello
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.
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
Explore our in classroom workshops:
Engage your students in an in-depth exploration of Theatre, Shakespeare, and the Classics with our Residencies. These programs involve four or more visits, integrating our expertise directly into your classroom curriculum. Designed specifically for your classroom, Residencies allow students to connect with and understand the material in new and creative ways.
Possible Residency Topics:
Shakespeare (titles, genres, acting, language, etc…)
Theatre/Acting
Playwriting & Storytelling
Stage Combat
The Actor’s Toolbox
And more!
Pricing starts at $550
Contact emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com to discuss booking and planning a residency at your school
Bring Shakespeare to life with our interactive Shakespeare Spotlights! Workshops focus on exploring a specific play and are complemented by live acting demonstrations to bring the text to life.
Perfect for Middle School and High School students, these sessions are tailored to last between 45 and 90 minutes, making the Bard's works accessible and engaging.
Pricing starts at $450
Available plays: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Othello, and Hamlet
Contact emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com to discuss booking a visit.
Explore the world of theatre with our dynamic Theatre Workshops. These sessions are ideal for a class period, club, or organization and are designed to enhance your students' understanding of a variety of topics in the theatre arts.
Possible Topics: Stage Combat, Intro to Theatre, Improvisation, Storytelling, Acting, Character Study, Comedy, and more!
Pricing starts at $150
Workshops can be tailored to a specific topic please get in touch with emily.bruns@cincyshakes.com for more information
With questions or for more information, please contact Director of Education, Emily Bruns by email or phone at (513) 381-2273 x. 3210
NEW! Shakes on Tour!
Introducing "Shakes on Tour!" our newest offering that brings abridged versions of Shakespeare’s most famous works directly to your school! These 1-hour performances of Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet are designed for smaller groups (up to 150 students), ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience. Each performance features a connective narrative that complements the original text, helping students fully grasp the story and its themes. Perfect for classrooms looking for a close-up encounter with Shakespeare!
Performance Details:
Plays Available: Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet
Format: 1-hour abridged versions. Designed for smaller groups, accommodating up to 150 students.
Features: Incorporates a narrative to complement the original Shakespearean text, enhancing storytelling clarity. Ensures students remain fully engaged with the material.
Audience: Intended for smaller groups rather than large assemblies. Ideal for settings where students can experience a closer, more personal interaction with the performance.
Available: March 3 – May 9, 2025
Requirements: An open space at least 20x20
Cost: $750 or $1250 for two performances on the same day
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
PROJECT38 is a transformative and free educational outreach program by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, designed to inspire students in underserved local schools through the arts. This program empowers students by creating projects with them, not for them, offering unique opportunities to engage creatively with Shakespeare.
In 2014, CSC became one of only five theaters in the country to complete Shakespeare’s entire canon, producing all 38 plays. With PROJECT38, we aim to reenact this achievement annually, in collaboration with schools across Cincinnati and beyond. Designed to enhance understanding of Shakespeare, improve academic performance, and boost confidence and public speaking skills, PROJECT38 is a comprehensive and free program open to all learners.
This innovative initiative allows students and educators to collaborate closely with CSC teaching artists throughout the academic year, developing inventive interpretations of one of Shakespeare's 38 plays—all at no cost to the school. The program culminates in a vibrant spring festival, where students proudly showcase their projects in our space for their peers, parents, teachers, and the broader community.
This program is intended for schools that are most in need of artistic enrichment opportunities due to limited resources. Read below for more details on how to apply.
PROJECT38 is offered at no cost to low income and underserved school groups and organizations. We accept groups of all ages, abilities, and experiences. Primarily, PROJECT38 attracts English and Fine Arts classes, clubs, and community groups from these schools.
Groups usually range between 5 and 30 participants. Larger groups may be assigned multiple plays or a genre of plays.
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!
Process
We will begin PROJECT38 with a kickoff meeting for all teachers interested in being a P38 advisor at their school. Attending this meeting is REQUIRED for all teachers interested in advising PROJECT38 at their school (a recording of the meeting will be available upon request).
PROJECT38 aims to emphasize the process over the product. You will be assigned a dedicated and enthusiastic PROJECT38 teaching artist to guide you through the process, lead meaningful lessons, and assist in creating a final product. Schools are required to meet with their assigned teaching artist at least once.
Visits will be scheduled based on the availability of the group and their teaching artist. Advisors and Teaching Artists will each have specific roles and expectations that will be clarified in the kickoff meetings and in the P38 packet.
Festival
This year, the festival will take place on a Friday and Saturday “open house” style.
Throughout the week of the festival, groups will sign up for times to setup their presentations at our theatre to be ready to present at the festival.
There will be a limited number of 30-minute performance slots on both days if your group has chosen to perform. All groups, however, are heavily encouraged to go outside the box with presenting their projects by using creative interpretations other than performance. Along with student presentations, we will also have presentations and workshops by local professional Cincinnati artists.
Following the festival on Friday and Saturday, we will have a mainstage performance of The Tempest for all PROJECT38 attendees to attend at a discounted rate.
FEBRUARY
6th: 5:00 pm Kick Off Meeting with Teachers
17th: Project Proposal & Schedule Submission Due
During this period, teaching artist assignments and a first point of contact will be made and visits can begin being scheduled
MARCH
3RD: Progress Check In #1 due
17th: Progress Check In #2 due
APRIL
7th: Progress Check In #3 due
14th: Festival Questionnaire due (names of participating students, tech needs, project description, etc.)
21st: Final Check In due
28th-May 1st: Load in (date assigned as part of final check in)
MAY
2nd - 3rd: Project 38 Festival Performances & evening showings of The Tempest
