Travel back to the early 2000s and fall into the rush of first love with Romeo and Juliet. This is Shakespeare’s iconic story of passion, defiance, and connection that can’t be stopped. When two young hearts find each other in a world built on hate, they risk everything to hold on to what feels true.
🗓️Thursday, September 18th, 2025 10:30 AM – Homeschool Day
Optional add-on Workshop: “Vibrant Verse”
Mine the texts we have for clues about choices available for the actor, alert to the patterns (and subverted patterns) of Shakespeare’s most common poetic meter: iambic pentameter.
✨What makes ASC special?
Interactive Learning Experiences in Staunton: Workshops designed to build essential life skills like public speaking, creative writing, critical thinking, and collaboration through engaging playwriting, performance, and literary analysis activities.
Exclusive Theatre Performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse: Ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong love of the arts with ASC’s world-class productions, performed in the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.
Actor Engagement and Post-Show Talkbacks: Build confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for theatre as students connect with professional actors in dynamic, interactive conversations after the performance.
Nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, ASC’s Homeschool Days offer a transformative educational experience perfect for students of all ages.
⌚Typical Homeschool Day Schedule
Plan your day at the American Shakespeare Center. Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your day at the American Shakespeare Center:
10:00 AM: Doors Open to the Blackfriars Playhouse
10:15 AM: Pre-show music begins for select performances
10:30 AM: Matinee Performance (recommended for ages 7 and up)
Run Time: Blackfriars Playhouse performances typically run between 2 – 2.5 hours.
Post-Show: Actor Talkback is included with your Student Matinee Tickets. Attendance is optional.
Break for Lunch: Lunch isn’t provided, but we’ve listed some great local options below.
Post-Lunch (Time TBD): Add a Workshop or Playhouse Tour to your field trip (recommended for ages 8 and up)
🍕Lunch Options for Homeschool Days
Please Note: Food and drink are not permitted inside the Playhouse. Plan to enjoy your meal before or after the performance, and store picnics in your car or bus.
Lunch is not included, but you can choose from nearby options like Mary Baldwin University’s dining hall, the Woodrow Wilson Gardens for a picnic, or family-friendly restaurants in downtown Staunton. See below for more details on each option.
Playhouse Policies: What You Need to Know
Youth Admission Policy
We love welcoming young audiences to the world of theatre! To ensure the best experience for everyone, please note the following age guidelines:
Performances: Ages 7 and up.
A Christmas Carol & Sensory-Friendly Performances: Ages 3 and up.
Children under 3: Unfortunately, children under 3, including lap infants, cannot be admitted to any performance.
Not sure if a show is right for your group? We’re happy to help! Call us at 540.885.5588 Ext. 115
Phones: All cell phones must be turned off during performances to ensure the safety of our actors and the integrity of the show. Bright screens or unexpected sounds can be distracting and may create hazards on stage. Teachers and chaperones may keep their phones on silent for emergencies but should step into the lobby to make or take calls.
Personal Photography: Photography and videography are not permitted during the performance to protect the actors and maintain the experience for all attendees. However, groups are welcome to take photos after the actors have cleared the stage to capture your visit at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Photo Notice: Our Marketing Team may be capturing photos and videos during the performance and of your group for future promotional use. If any individuals in your group cannot be photographed, please inform our Group Sales Team in advance at
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Backpacks and Packed Lunches: Large bags, backpacks, and packed lunches are not allowed inside the Playhouse. Chaperones may bring purse-sized bags or medical supplies. Please store other items on your bus or in your vehicle before entering.
Outside Food and Drink: Outside food and beverages, including sealed water bottles, are not permitted in the Playhouse or lobby. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at our upstairs snack bar, and a water fountain is available for your convenience.
For more information, please visit our Ticket Policies.
You may also like the following events from American Shakespeare Center:
- This Thursday, 24th July, 07:30 pm, SENSE & SENSIBILITY by Jane Austen, Adapted by Emma Whipday with Brian McMahon in Staunton
- Next month, 9th August, 10:00 am, Sorry, Most Sorry: An Adaptation of The Winter’s Tale for Young Audiences in Staunton
- This September, 20th September, 09:00 am, Shakespeare Teacher Training Seminar: Teaching Shakespeare in Staunton
Also check out other
Arts events in Staunton,
Theatre events in Staunton,
Workshops in Staunton.
