Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) believes that Shakespeare speaks to everyone. A global theatrical force, CST is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, language and empathy for the human condition. We have evolved into a dynamic company, producing award-winning plays at our home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. We serve as a partner in literacy to Chicago Public Schools, working alongside English teachers to help struggling readers connect with Shakespeare in the classroom, and bringing his text to life on stage for 40,000 students every year. And each summer, 30,000 families and audience members of all ages welcome our free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour into their neighborhoods across the far north, west and south sides of the city. Reflecting the global city we call home, CST is the leading producer of international work in Chicago and has toured our own plays abroad to Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.
The Theater’s tradition of excellence and civic leadership has been honored with numerous national and international awards including the Regional Theater Tony Award, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and seventy-eight total Joseph Jefferson Awards. CST was the 2012 recipient of the Folger Shakespeare Library’s national Shakespeare Steward Award for our innovative teaching of Shakespeare in American classrooms. Among our many international engagements, CST participated in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2006 Complete Works Festival and was selected to represent North America at the Globe to Globe festival as part of London’s 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
BOLD THEATRICALITY
Rooted in the legacy of Shakespeare as an unparalleled theatrical innovator, CST’s unforgettable productions are at the heart of our mission. The epic plays and musicals in our Subscription Series, our world premieres of new works, along with our magical performances for families each theater season engage one of the broadest audiences of any theater in America today.
CREATIVE LEARNING
With the world-class artistry on our stages at the foundation, Chicago Shakespeare offers robust education programs that support personal development and career preparation for teachers, artists, arts managers, students and lifelong learners alike.
A GLOBAL THEATER
Here in Chicago, our World’s Stage Series showcases venerable international theaters and companies who break the boundaries of theatrical expression. And abroad, we tour CST’s signature productions to major international festivals and theaters across the globe.
PARTNER IN INNOVATION
CST is proud to serve as a leading partner in artistic and civic initiatives that are shaping our world—today and tomorrow. In active collaborations with our peers on local, national and international levels, we are engaged at the forefront of creative exchange, advancing thought and dialogue here and abroad.
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