American Shakespeare Center Education Programs
Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S Market Street, Staunton, VA 24401
About
American Shakespeare Center Education Programs include Playhouse Tours, a Virtual Playhouse Tour, Shakespeare Uncorked, “No Kidding” Programs for Adults, Summer Theater Camps, drama clubs, student matinees, workshops, and immersive theatre programs. The program also offers ASL-interpreted performances on select dates and operates a one-of-a-kind repertory model where actors perform multiple productions in rotation. Actors and audiences share the same room and the same light, and ASC uses Shakespeare’s original practices including Shared Light and audience interaction.
• Schedule: Playhouse Tours and the Virtual Playhouse Tour run year round, “No Kidding” Programs for Adults run all year round, and ASL-interpreted performances are offered from July 22, 2026 through October 28, 2026.
The mission of American Shakespeare Center Education Programs is to advance understanding, imagination, and community by illuminating Shakespeare through performance, research, and education in the Blackfriars Playhouse and beyond. The leadership team includes Rhys McClelland as Director of Learning & Engagement, with Ralph Alan Cohen, Jim Warren, Vanessa Morosco, Nick Hutchison, and Miriam Donald Burrows listed as participants in a 25th Anniversary Event. ASC’s community involvement includes student aid, local partnerships, and collaborations with universities, businesses, arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community leaders to expand access to Shakespeare’s works and develop programs that serve diverse audiences. “No Kidding” Programs for Adults give adult theatre lovers ages 18 and up the chance to read, rehearse, and perform classic plays on the Blackfriars stage along with ASC Education Artists and other special guests. The Virtual Playhouse Tour includes locations that are not accessible to the public on in-person tours, and Shakespeare Uncorked is a pre-show wine and beer tasting featuring Virginia’s craft beverages from top wineries and breweries. The Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop offers show pins, fashion-forward tees, and gifts from local makers, and is open pre-show, at intermission, and online 24/7.
Last updated August 16, 2026.
• Schedule: Playhouse Tours and the Virtual Playhouse Tour run year round, “No Kidding” Programs for Adults run all year round, and ASL-interpreted performances are offered from July 22, 2026 through October 28, 2026.
The mission of American Shakespeare Center Education Programs is to advance understanding, imagination, and community by illuminating Shakespeare through performance, research, and education in the Blackfriars Playhouse and beyond. The leadership team includes Rhys McClelland as Director of Learning & Engagement, with Ralph Alan Cohen, Jim Warren, Vanessa Morosco, Nick Hutchison, and Miriam Donald Burrows listed as participants in a 25th Anniversary Event. ASC’s community involvement includes student aid, local partnerships, and collaborations with universities, businesses, arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community leaders to expand access to Shakespeare’s works and develop programs that serve diverse audiences. “No Kidding” Programs for Adults give adult theatre lovers ages 18 and up the chance to read, rehearse, and perform classic plays on the Blackfriars stage along with ASC Education Artists and other special guests. The Virtual Playhouse Tour includes locations that are not accessible to the public on in-person tours, and Shakespeare Uncorked is a pre-show wine and beer tasting featuring Virginia’s craft beverages from top wineries and breweries. The Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop offers show pins, fashion-forward tees, and gifts from local makers, and is open pre-show, at intermission, and online 24/7.
Last updated August 16, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.