Family Friendly Shakespeare Performances + Tips
/To see, or not to see, that is the question: Whether 'tis comedy or tragedy; your budding Bard will be delighted to experience Shakespeare performances in an outdoor setting. Break out the picnic blanket for all these great opportunities to catch quality, engaging and accessible Shakespeare performances for the entire family to enjoy.
Tips for Taking Kids to See Shakespeare
Age Recommendations Vary
The right age for Shakespeare performances depends on your child. I started taking my daughter when she was 4, and now, as a college student, she looks forward to these performances every year. While she didn’t always understand the language fully, she could follow the story. Consider how long your child can sit and stay engaged when choosing the performance.Pre-Discussion is Key
While children may not fully grasp the dialog, they can still enjoy the action. Talking about the story beforehand will help them understand the main characters and plot, making the experience more enjoyable.Eat, Drink, and Be Mindful
Feel free to bring a picnic or purchase food at the performance, but avoid crunchy snacks like chips and crackers as they can be distracting to others. Try to save these for intermission or before the show starts.Respect Nature
Always keep your food covered when not in use and make sure to properly dispose of trash and recyclables. Let's be kind to the environment!Dress Comfortably
Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and don’t forget water and sunscreen, especially if the performance is outdoors.Be Considerate of Others
We’re fortunate to enjoy these performances with our community. Infants and toddlers are always welcome, but if your child becomes restless, please have one parent or guardian ready to take them outside for a break to avoid disturbing others.
A bilingual adaptation by Bill Rauch and Lydia G. García of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors based on the Spanish translation La Comedia de los Enredos by Alfredo Michel Modenessi of a Play on! translation commissioned by Oregon Shakespeare Festival