Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the USA — serving 100,000 adults and children annually — it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated to the works of Shakespeare and other classic masterworks, including works not often performed by other groups.

Under the leadership of artistic director Bonnie J. Monte since 1990, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues to draw audiences. Having its 45th season in 2007, it is the longest-running Shakespeare theatre on the east coast and is listed as a Major Festival in the book Shakespeare Festivals Around the World by Marcus D. Gregio (Editor), 2004.

In both 2002 and 2006, The Star-Ledger named the company "Regional Theatre of the Year." In 2002, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation awarded the Theatre a Strategic Partnership Grant in the amount of $1 million, "in recognition of the artistry, achievements and leadership of this acclaimed Madison, New Jersey-based performing arts and education organization."

The annual Main Stage season, presented in the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, New Jersey, runs May through December. An Outdoor Stage production is presented each summer at The Greek Theatre, an open-air, grass-and-stone amphitheatre inspired by the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, and one of the only theatres of its kind in the United States located on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in nearby Morris Township, New Jersey.

The institution's staff works year-round to produce the company's performance season, educational outreach activities, fundraising and marketing campaigns and various other programs and events. The company employs more than 250 members during the season and through its various Main Stage, Outdoor Stage and touring productions now plays to approximately 100,000 audience members each year, primarily from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Financial support comes from more than 1,500 individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations.