ShakeScenes

ShakeScenes is an annual showcase of multiple short scenes from Shakespeare’s broader body of work - including his tragedies, histories, and problem plays - organized around a specific theme. This collection explores more versatility and depth of the Bard’s works beyond SITA's mainstage comedy in June, and allows a space for dramatic expression and growth for each scene’s individual directors, designers, and performers.

This year’s ShakeScenes theme is “Chaos Reigns: Explorations of Power and Revolution.” We invite audiences to join us for a look at Shakespeare’s portrayals of changing social dynamics, political action and upheavals, and the forces of division and unity between people, families, factions, and nations. Together, we can find inspiration and strength in challenging times through modern artistic reflections on his timeless words.

ShakeScenes will run for 4 nights (Thursday, July 24 - Sunday, July 27) with performances starting at 6:30 PM. Tickets are free and can be picked up at the Reader Center between 6:00pm-6:15pm on the night of the performance. The Reader Center is located at 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor. Audience size is capped at 100 per night and tickets are first come, first served. Performances are subject to cancellation based on weather conditions. More details at: mbgna.umich.edu/event/shakescenes-2025