Select your Student’s Shakesperience!
Student Matinees on TSC’s Tabor Stage
Student matinees are generously sponsored by FedEx, Jack Jones Children’s Literacy Fund, ARTSmemphis, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
The Taming of the Shew
by William Shakespeare
directed by Dan McCleary
generously sponsored by The Sims Family Charitable Trust, Jimmy Humphreys, and Pat & Ernest Kelly
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 am
Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 am
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 am
Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 am
On Valentine’s Day night during World War II, a Manhattan radio station decides at the last minute it would be a good national morale-booster to replace regularly scheduled programming with a live performance of Shakespeare’s ribald love story with its acting company that thought it had been released for the night (already in their cups or out the door). You get to see the backstage noir version of Shakespeare’s inducement to the wooing Kate-and-Petruchio comedy; and then the on-air performance, which the rest of the world will only hear (thank goodness). And the music of Rodgers and Hart, Sinatra, and Crosby? Too darn hot.
Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
directed by Sarah Hankins
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00 am
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:00 am
Do you know why the Capulets and Montagues are fighting? Nobody else does either. Who must be sacrificed to stop the violence? Shakespeare’s story begins as one of his great comedies but ends in perhaps his gravest tragedy. Laced with sword fights, dancing, timeless poetry, and the world’s most famous young couple, Romeo and Juliet is a theatrical event not to be missed. Or learned. This production plays without intermission in 90 minutes.
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.
Out of consideration for both patrons and actors, children 3 years old and younger (including babes-in-arms) are not permitted in the audience for Tabor Stage performances. Thank you for your understanding.