The Delaware Shakespeare Community Tour aims to bring professional Shakespeare performances to the full spectrum of humanity in our state.
The centerpiece of the tour are free performances at community centers, detention facilities, adult high schools, and other non-traditional locations where people may have limited access to professional arts experiences.
Most of the tour performances are open to members of the general public and represent a powerful viewing experience. Individuals must RSVP, as open seats are limited.
2023 TOUR SCHEDULE WILL BE ANNOUNCED THIS SUMMER
Community Tour History
All tours have served locations in Kent, New Castle and Sussex Counties.
2016 – Pericles, Prince of Tyre
12 performances serving 619 individuals
2017 – As You Like It
13 performances serving 845 individuals
2018 – The Merchant of Venice
18 performances serving 1170 individuals
2019 – Romeo and Juliet
18 performances serving 1242 individuals
2022 – Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quierias
16 performances serving 593 individuals
The feedback Delaware Shakespeare has received from audience members is extraordinary. A sampling of comments from Pericles audiences members is included below.
“I would like to thank you very much for being willing to share your talent with us. I am happy that I was open about coming to see the play. I never in a million years thought I would see a Shakespeare play and boy was it a good one. I will follow the Festival upon my release because I will go to see another one.”
– Inmate, Baylor Women’s Correctional Institute
“I felt like Shakespeare wanted to send us angels, to tell us we’re all kings and queens.”
– Patient, Delaware Psychiatric Center
“This was really nice. It was so nice that you came right here to us, because a lot of us, we can’t leave here. So we don’t get to do things like this.”
– Patient, Delaware Psychiatric Center
“I had never seen some of these boys smile and laugh before…you just don’t see it often. And I would say the same for some of the staff! So that was something really nice, to be able to smile and laugh together, for a change.”
– Staff Member, Ferris School for Boys
“I’m not a theater guy, I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen or read anything to do with Shakespeare since high school, which has been a looong time. But okay, you got me. I really liked the parts with action and music, and it was just really good overall. I might just have to come out in the summer to see the next one.”
– Audience Member, Absalom Jones Senior Center
