See: Matinees

The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci 
Written and Directed by Mary Zimmerman 

October 12 and 20, 2022 

10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Michael R. Klein Theatre at the Lansburgh, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 

Stunning Visual Feast 

Tony Award-winner and MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient Mary Zimmerman, the creative leader behind some of STC’s most imaginative productions (Candide, Pericles), brings the writings of Leonardo da Vinci to life in this stunning revival of one of her earliest creations.  Comprised solely of text from the surviving notebooks of the 15th-century renaissance man himself, Notebooks is “a true revelation” (The Chicago Tribune) that celebrates the interplay of science, art, and the human spirit in a glorious kaleidoscope of beauty and remarkable insight. 

Much Ado About Nothing 

By William Shakespeare 
Directed by Simon Godwin 

November 17 and 30, 2022 
December 1, 8, 13, 14, and 15, 2022 

10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 

Delightful Romantic Comedy  

The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when the ON AIR sign is lit. Shakespeare’s cherished romantic comedy lands in a cable newsroom, where sparring co-anchors Benedick and Beatrice trade barbs behind the news desk. Helmed by “one of the most insightful and sensitive directors of Shakespeare today” (WhatsOnStage), Much Ado About Nothing is the perfect blend of sparkling screwball comedy and revelatory romance. 

King Lear 
By William Shakespeare 
Directed by Simon Godwin 

March 8, 16, 23, 28, 29, and 30, 2023 

10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Michael R. Klein Theatre at the Lansburgh, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 

Enthralling Epic Drama 

Caught in a carousel of memory, the head of a dysfunctional royal family grapples with power-hungry children and the threat of losing the empire he created. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch. The incomparable Patrick Page (Hadestown, The Gilded Age) returns to STC as the once-revered king caught in an emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart. 

PRICING 

With the support from our program sponsors, we offer the following price-per-ticket options based on the percentage of free and reduced priced lunches provided at your school. 

• Non-D.C. Public Title I Schools: $5 
• Non-D.C. Public Schools and Home School Groups: $10 
• Private/Independent Schools: $20 

Thanks to additional support from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, we are pleased to offer tickets to DCPS and DCPCS students at NO COST so that 100% of D.C.’s Public and Public Charter School students can have access to classic theatre FOR FREE! 

All requests for Matinees must be submitted 1 month prior to the desired date. Please submit one form for each group.  

How can my school pay for the tickets?

Schools can pay by check or credit card. Checks should be made out to Shakespeare Theatre Company and sent to Attn: School Programs, 516 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003.

How do we get our tickets?

We do not hand out physical tickets for student matinee performances. The group leader should check in with the STC representative in the lobby upon arriving at the theatre. Groups will be seated by STC staff in order of arrival.

What if I need to change the number of tickets I need?

We realize that the number of students attending may fluctuate as the performance date approaches. All requests to add or subtract tickets after the original contract is issued must be made in writing and before the final payment is due. Changes are subject to the approval of the theatre and will not be accepted once final payment is submitted.

Will the performance be appropriate for my students?

Generally our student matinees are recommended for grades 6–12. If a show has a more specific age recommendation, we will post it on our website and notify ticket holders. If there is any questionable content that comes up during the rehearsal process, we will notify the group leader and they can choose to cancel the ticket reservation or attend as planned.

Where do the performances take place?

Our theatres, Sidney Harman Hall and the Michael R. Klein Theatre, are located in Penn Quarter in downtown Washington, D.C. Directions to the theatres can be found on our website.

Is there a place for buses to park?

There is no place for buses to park at the theatres. Buses should drop off students in front of the theatre and pick them up in the same location for dismissal.

How long do the performances last?

Each play has a different duration. In general, the play and post-performance talkback with the actors will last no longer than three hours total. The School Programs Manager will be in touch with a more accurate run-time as your specific performance date gets closer.

Can students eat during intermission?

Intermission will last fifteen minutes. This time should be used for bathroom/water breaks, and eating a snack. Additionally, concessions will be available during intermission. They cost between $2 and $5 so remind students to bring dollar bills for shorter concession lines.

IMPORTANT: No food or drink is allowed in the theatre. You may bring snacks/lunches for your students to eat in the lobby during intermission. If you do so, please bring one large box with your school name on it. STC will also provide bins for lunches before the show. Students must place snacks/lunches in your school’s designated bin before entering the theatre. The education staff will have the boxes out and ready for students during intermission.

Can our school have lunch in the theatre following the performance?

All groups must leave the theatre when the event is over. Staff is not available to supervise and there are often rehearsals and other events that are scheduled in the theatre after the matinee. Groups are welcome to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants in Gallery Place or Penn Quarter.

What teachers and students are saying about MATINEES:

“I wanted to send another huge THANK YOU for the invitation, pre lesson and the tickets. It was a memorable event and the students are extremely appreciative. The Wheatley Scholars were really engaged and were on the edge of their seats buzzing with excitement.”
–Tanesha Dixon, Social Studies teacher Wheatley Education Campus (D.C.)

“I cannot thank you enough for making it possible for my students to see the matinee. They were mesmerized…The entire audience was captivated…it was visually stunning and a beautiful production.”
–Tina Donnelly Parkdale High School (Prince George’s County)

“I never thought that Shakespeare could be so hilariously funny. I was entertained more than I ever thought possible and the costuming and special effects really made the text come to life. I’d love to see more of Shakespeare’s works on stage in the future…”
–Student who attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream

“Before I saw the play, I thought Shakespeare was simply difficult and boring language but the play brought it to life. In the play it was much more interesting because they added scenes and modern characteristics to draw people my age in.”
–Student who attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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