The American Shakespeare Center appreciates your concerns about the appropriateness of each of our performances for your school or family. We would like to give you the information you need to make the decision on whether a particular show is approprate for your student or child. We do not have a rating scale, as in the film industry, for either content or age appropriateness, but when shows open, we will post details about the plays in addition to comments from local parents and teachers to help you in your decision-making.
Our productions stay fairly faithful to Shakespeare's text; so if Shakespeare wrote it, then the characters in our productions will say it and do it. Shakespeare's plays typically contain violence, bawdiness, sexuality, Elizabethan profanity and adult themes. We strongly suggest reviewing the play first to see if any scenes are of particular concern to you (either for age appropriateness or content). The ASC has set aside certain public performance as "Pay What You Will" and these are an excellent opportunity to come to the playhouse to experience the play yourself to decide whether or not it is appropriate for your students or children. For a list of these performances, check out our Season Calendar or call our Box Office at (800) MUCH-ADO. If you are unable to make one of these performances please contact the Education Department at (540) 885-5588 ext.29 to arrange for a ticket that will allow you to preview the show for content.
Please remember that children six and under are not permitted at our evening performances.