Family Friendly Shakespeare Performances + Tips
/ Ronnie SharpeTo see, or not to see, that is the question: Whether 'tis comedy or tragedy; your budding Bard will be delighted to experience Shakespeare performances in an outdoor setting. Break out the picnic blanket for all these great opportunities to catch quality, engaging and accessible Shakespeare performances for the entire family to enjoy.
A bewitching all-female production staged in San Francisco's historic fortress beneath the Golden Gate Bridge
This fresh adaptation, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, promises to ignite the imaginations of young audiences and remind them of the power of great storytelling to transcend time and place.
This fresh adaptation, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, promises to ignite the imaginations of young audiences and remind them of the power of great storytelling to transcend time and place.
Banished to a mystical island, Prospero has spent years honing his magical powers. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, he conjures a powerful storm to wreck a passing ship carrying his enemies, who soon find themselves at the mercy of his supernatural abilities.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, adapted and directed by Bridgette Loriaux (2023’s Twelfth Night) reimagines Shakespeare’s most magical play through a musical and movement-driven contemporary lens, offering a celebration of love, connection, and the endless possibilities for transformation on this earth.
In collaboration with Play On Shakespeare, this groundbreaking three-week festival presents six teams of artists exploring and reenvisioning world classics with interactive public events, inviting audiences to witness the evolution of classic narratives and engage in conversations about their relevance today.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
Richard of Gloucester longs to be King and his ambition threatens the lives of all those around him. Manipulation, deceit, and cold-blooded murder take the stage as he claws his way to the crown.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
The Curtain Theatre provides free outdoor theater during the summer in Old Mill Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
Nationally renowned artist Matthew Graham Smith directs and adapts this profound tale of power, magic, and the possibility of second chances.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
Tips When Taking Kids To See Shakespeare
1. Age recommendations depends on your child. I started taking my daughter when she was 4. She's now 14 and looks forward to seeing these performances every year. She did not always follow the language but was able to follow the plot. Consider how long they can sit and be engaged.
2. Discuss the story in advance. Even though kids won't understand all the language, they can still follow the action. Preparing them will help them understand who the main characters are and the story line.
3. Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Bring a picnic or purchase it at the performance. However crunchy foods like chips and crackers can be very distracting to your neighbors. Try to refrain from eating this during the performance.
4. Mother Nature is watching. Keep your food covered whenever possible, and be sure to dispose of your trash and recyclables.
5. Dress appropriately. Don't forget water and sunscreen.
6. Be courteous. We are so lucky to experience these plays along with our neighbors. Infants and toddlers are always welcome but at least one parent or guardian should be prepared to take a break with them outside the theatre space if needed.
What happens when famous influencers get dropped into a Shakespeare play?