Shepherd Shakespeare Company believes in bringing the joy and wonder of the Bard’s timeless stories to all people. We believe the plays of Shakespeare are a shared cultural inheritance and should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. SSCo shares this magic through performance and education. We have a unique ability to quickly assess what live audiences and students need and adapt our performance and teaching on the spot, making sure that this special moment in time is tailored specifically for you. SSCo is run by Chester and Katy Shepherd, both experienced theatre artists and educators. In addition to SSCo performances and educational opportunities, we have acted and taught all across the country, including Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and multiple schools. ARTS-CURRICULUM INTEGRATION: (THEATRE ARTS) (LITERARY ARTS)
Performance A Midsummer Night's Dream (MS/HS)
GRADES: 6 – 12
Two actors play eighteen different characters in this fast and fun, hour-long cut of Shakespeare’s classic comedy. As the fairy queen and king, Titania and Oberon, wrestle for control, Puck, Oberon’s servant, wreaks mayhem, causing people to fall in and out of love in an instant. Meanwhile, a group of workers from Athens try to rehearse a play in the woods, but they too get mixed up in the fairy magic. Students will see Shakespeare’s words come to life in a thrilling and accessible way, perfect as an introduction to Shakespeare or to cap off a study of the play.
Max Participants: 550
Duration: 55 minutes
Special Requirements: A performance space of at least 16′ x 16′ is required for this performance. Electrical outlet near performance space. Company brings its own speakers and microphones.
Single Performance Fee: $1,000
Two Performances Fee: $1,675
Performance As You Like It
GRADES: Kindergarten – 5
This high-energy, interactive production leads the audience from the Duke’s castle into the freedom and adventure of the Forest of Arden. This play has it all–mistaken identities, wrestling, mis-interpreted letters, and Shakespeare’s famous speech “All The World’s A Stage” One performer, barreling through a bevy of costumes and props, will enlist audience participation at key moments to help tell this fantastic tale.
Max Participants: 300
Duration: 45 minutes
Special Requirements: A performance space of at least 12′ x 12′ is required for this performance. Electrical outlet near performance space. Company brings its own speakers and microphones when needed.
Single Performance Fee: $1,000
Two Performances Fee: $1,675
Performance A Midsummer Night's Dream (K-5th)
GRADES: K – 5
Mischievous fairy/ Group of friends. Feuding King and Queen of the Fairies. All lost and mixed in the woods. Find out what midsummer madness and magic happen in this one-man show!
Max Participants: 300
Duration: 45 minutes
Special Requirements: A performance space of at least 12′ x 12′ is required for this performance. Electrical outlet near performance space. Company brings its own speakers and microphones.
Single Performance Fee: $1,000
Two Performances Fee: $1,675
Performance The Tempest
GRADES: Kindergarten – 5
A fast and fun romp through the love, magic, and forgiveness of Shakespeare’s adventure on the mystical Isle of Sycorax. One performer, a trunk full of surprises, and a lot of audience interaction make this an experience you don’t want to miss. It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before!
Max Participants: 300
Duration: 45 minutes
Special Requirements: A performance space of at least 12′ x 12′ is required for this performance. Electrical outlet near performance space. Company brings its own speakers and microphones when needed.
Single Performance Fee: $1,000
Two Performances Fee: $1,675
Residency All The World's A Stage: Having Fun With Shakespeare
GRADES: 9 – 12
Through hands-on, active study and performance of scenes from Shakespeare, students will learn the performing Shakespeare is fun and can be done by anyone. Our teaching artist will guide students through every step of the way, from answering “Who was Shakespeare and why did he write like that?” On the first day through character analysis and blocking to final performances on the last day. Perfect for English or theatre classes.
Max Participants: 30
Duration: 3 days minimum, 10 days maximum, 4 classes per day maximum
Special Requirements: 1 table for CAPS Artist’s supplies, and tables where groups of students can work collaboratively.
Workshop Session Fees: $312.50 per residency session
Residency Let's Put On A Play!
GRADES: K – 8
In this residency, students will discover the joy of acting as they create and perform their own plays. Students will express their own creativity as they learn the basics of acting, dramatic structure, and writing as well as building their confidence in public speaking. The program culminates in a performance on the last day where students will show off their brand new play!
Max Participants: 30 per session
Duration: 60 Minutes per session, 5-10 sessions
Special Requirements: 1 table for CAPS Artist’s supplies, and tables where groups of students can work collaboratively.
Workshop Session Fees: $312.50 per residency session