Select your Student’s Shakesperience!
Student Matinees on TSC’s Tabor Stage
Student matinees are generously sponsored by Arts Midwest, National Endowment for the Arts, FedEx, Jack Jones Children’s Literacy Fund, ARTSmemphis, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Twelfth Night
a holiday tradition
by William Shakespeare
directed by Stephanie Shine
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10:00 am – Sold Out
Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:00 am – Limited Seats Available
Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:00 am – Recently Added!
‘Tis the season for Shakespeare’s most charming comedy cast in a topsy-turvy world of cross-dressing lovers, yellow cross-garters, and crossed identities. Shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, Viola has lost her country and beloved twin brother. Disguising herself as Cesario, a boy page, she falls in love with Duke Orsino even as she delivers his affections to the lovely Lady Olivia. Between beautiful songs, high comedy, and delicate poetry, love redeems all.
The Grace of Grace:
Shining a Light Through Shakespeare’s Broken Villains
created and presented by Dan McCleary
generously sponsored by Pat and Ernest Kelly
Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10:00 am
Recommended for students ages 14 and older.
In a life buffeted by familial loss, religious persecution, censorship, plagues, political upheaval, social violence, and a dark lady, William Shakespeare perhaps felt compelled to create his cast of fully-human “villains.” Why do we still revere them, and what makes them archetypal? McCleary, who has played most of them over 35 years, explores Shakespeare’s men of deformity, abuse, honor, and prejudice – all framed by Shakespeare’s famously too-kind Macbeth, whose inexplicable horror has helped shape our modern psyche. This enhanced Salon will feature full production values on stage.
Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
directed by Sarah Hankins
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:00 am
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 10:00 am
Romeo and Juliet bursts to life amid the rage-filled streets of Verona. Students accustomed to reading the play will now experience it through its intended medium of live theatre. See, hear, and feel this visceral production from TSC, with a frantic hard-hitting pace that reflects the hasty and tragic encounter of two star-crossed lovers. A timeless tale, this Shakespearean tragedy confronts the culture of violence and demands that its operators be held accountable, allowing an opportunity for real change in the wake of a glooming peace. Students will gain new perspectives, form a deeper understanding of the characters’ motives, and rightfully question the actions of all involved.
Saint Joan
by G. Bernard Shaw
directed by Stephanie Shine
generously sponsored by Pat and Ernest Kelly
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:00 am
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 am
In six scenes and with six actors, Shaw chronicles the heroism of French army leader Joan of Arc who, despite leading men to victory over the English, was sold to those she defeated to be burned at the stake in 1431 and was later convicted of heresy for professing to speak directly to God. Inspired by England’s 1920 overturning of that verdict, and Joan’s subsequent canonization, Shaw creates his masterwork of spiritual, political, and human inquiry – capped by an exhilarating Epilogue that brings its history current to us.
To book your child’s ticket ($10) or your child’s class or grade, please contact Sarah Hankins by email at SarahHankins@tnshakespeare.org.
Seating is limited. Please reserve your tickets as soon as possible. All students must be 5 years of age or older.
One complimentary teacher admission will be provided for every ten (10) students. Additional chaperones and all parents/guardians will be charged $10 each and must be included with the school’s reservation and payment.
What students and teachers are saying about TSC’s Student Matinees:
“I don’t believe there could be any performing arts company that could satisfy my love for the arts any better than Tennessee Shakespeare Company.”
– Caitlyn Knot, 11th Grade, Middle College High School
“My students were on the edge of their seats. I enjoyed watching them as much as I enjoyed watching the performers! It is imperative that students are given good first experiences with Shakespeare. So often they are turned off by having to simply read the plays, or they see less than stellar performances. My students were entranced, delighted, and asking for more.”
– Ann Lane Neal, Director of Theatre Arts, St. Agnes Academy
“Many of my students, who had expressed trepidation in understanding Shakespeare, were surprised to find that they not only understood but also enjoyed the play.”
– Janelle Phipps, English teacher, Harding Academy
“I don’t want my comments to seem hyperbolic—but my students and I feel that this was the richest literary experience we have ever had.”
– Julia Goodwin, English teacher, Bartlett High School
To view TSC’s page on the Tennessee Arts Commission website for Ticket Subsidy and State Funding, click here. To view available grants, click here.
Reduced pricing is made possible in part by TSC’s Barbara B. Apperson Angel Fund.