The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (formerly known as the “New Jersey Shakespeare Festival”) is one of the state’s more than 20 professional theatres. It is New Jersey’s first professional theatrical company devoted entirely to Shakespeare’s canon and other great masterworks. It is one of the nation’s premier Shakespeare companies, serving roughly 75,000 adults and children each year. The organization aims to expose the universal and permanent significance of the classics for modern audiences via its shows and teaching activities. More interesting reads.

The company’s dedication to the classics and quality sets a high standard for the rest of the industry to follow. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has been under the direction of creative director Bonnie J. Monte since 1990, and she is very proud of the company’s exceptional track record of critical acclaim. It is the longest-running Shakespeare theater on the East Coast, and it is presently in its 58th season.

The Star-Ledger honored the group “Regional Theatre of the Year” in 2002 and 2006. In addition, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation awarded the Theatre a $1 million Strategic Partnership Grant in 2002 “in recognition of the artistry, achievements, and leadership of this acclaimed Madison, New Jersey-based performing arts and education organization,” according to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

The annual Main Stage season runs from May through December in Madison’s tiny, state-of-the-art F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. In addition, each summer, The Greek Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in adjacent Florham Park, hosts an Outdoor Stage show.

During the season, the company works with over 200 artists and students. Via its many Main Stage, Outdoor Stage, and touring performances, it currently attracts over 75,000 audience members from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. In addition, the Theatre continues to grow a culturally and geographically diverse audience via non-traditional casting and outreach strategies.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a member of the following organizations:

• ArtPride NJ

• The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA)

• The New Jersey Theatre Alliance

• Madison Arts & Culture Alliance

• Morris Arts

• The Madison Chamber of Commerce

• Morris County Tourism Bureau

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Morris County’s biggest professional Theatre. It is also the sole autonomous arts group on the Drew University campus. Drew has provided theatre students with an active partnership with New Jersey’s only professional Theatre devoted to the classics because of the Theatre’s affiliation with the University. For more information, contact them at 973-408-5600.