Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey facts for kids

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a big theatre company. It is one of the largest professional groups in North America that performs plays by Shakespeare. Each year, over 100,000 adults and children enjoy their shows.

This theatre is located in Madison, New Jersey. It is the biggest theatre company in the state. They focus on plays by Shakespeare and other classic writers. They also perform older, less common plays.

Bonnie J. Monte has been the artistic director since 1990. An artistic director is in charge of the creative side of the theatre. This includes choosing plays and hiring actors.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has been around for a long time. It is one of the oldest Shakespeare theatres on the East Coast. It is even called a "major festival" in a book about Shakespeare festivals worldwide.

About the Shakespeare Theatre

The theatre has received special awards. In both 2002 and 2006, a newspaper called the Star-Ledger named it "Regional Theatre of the Year." This means it was recognized as the best theatre in the area.

In 2002, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation gave the theatre a big grant. They gave $1 million because of the theatre's great art and leadership. This money helped the theatre continue its important work.

Where They Perform

The theatre has a main season that runs from May to December. These shows are held at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. This theatre is on the campus of Drew University in Madison.

Every summer, they also have an outdoor show. This show takes place at the Greek Theatre. It is an open-air theatre made of grass and stone. It looks like the ancient Theatre of Dionysos in Athens, Greece. This outdoor theatre is special because it's one of the only ones in the U.S. to host a professional company. It is located on the St. Elizabeth University campus in Florham Park, New Jersey.

The company hires over 250 people during its season. This includes actors, directors, and crew members. They perform for about 100,000 people each year. Most of their audience comes from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Many people and groups help support the theatre financially. Over 1,500 individuals, government groups, companies, and foundations give money. This support helps the theatre keep putting on shows.

The theatre is also a part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. This is a group that supports theatres across New Jersey.

History of the Theatre

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey started in 1963. It was first called the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. Paul Barry founded it as part of a summer theatre season. This was in Cape May, N.J..

In 1972, the festival moved to a permanent home. It found its new home on the campus of Drew University.

In October 1990, Bonnie J. Monte became the artistic director. She, along with Michael Stotts, helped renovate an old building. This building was once the Bowne Gymnasium. In June 1998, it reopened as the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre.