The New York Shakespeare Convention is an annual gathering of artists, audiences, enthusiasts, and scholars of William Shakespeare to celebrate a shared passion for his works and to discover new theater.
Responding to the community’s call for more performances, the ShakesCon team has moved the Convention to a proper theater venue and added events over multiple days. This year, there are two opportunities to see 5 Ways Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, as well as a Trivia Night and a Workshop afternoon, each featuring a variety of performances.
Attending companies are a cross-section of New York’s high-caliber and vibrant indie theater community. The youngest is in its first year; another recently celebrated its 40th. They come from every borough of NYC and some from as far away as the Adirondacks.
Each brings unique talents and perspective to interpreting the works of William Shakespeare: traditionalists, puppeteers, improvisers, musicians, all-female ensembles, social activists, minimalists, and many more!
Theater lovers joined together by their love of Shakespeare!
Check out the full details below:
New York Shakespeare Convention: Event Schedule
Thursday, March 30: Trivia Night & Performances
"Are You Smarter Than A Drunken Knave?" and mini performances by ShakesCon member companies.
"What 4th Wall?" by Back Room Shakespeare Project
"Winter's Tale" by Shakespeare Sports
"Sketchspeare: Women & Shakespeare" by Manhattan Shakespeare Project
"Songs from Love's Labour's and Much Ado" by Bottoms Dream
Friday, March 31: Twelfth Night
In our annual 5 Ways Shakespeare, the five acts of a play are each performed by a different company.
Act I - Manhattan Shakespeare Project
Act II - Parnassus Theatre Company
Act III- Instant Shakespeare Company
Act VI - Courtney Laine Self & Megan Doyle
Act V - Hamlet Isn't Dead
Saturday, April 1 (afternoon): Company Performances
As You Will Shakespearean Improv hosts a variety of performances by member companies.
"Working with First Folio" by Classics on the Rocks
"Beowulf" by Underling Productions
"116" by The Box Collective
"Embedded Stage Combat" by Adirondack Shakespeare Company
Saturday, April 1 (night): Twelfth Night
We've added a second 5 Ways performance, featuring another five companies!
Act I - Classics on the Rocks
Act II - The Rogue and Peasant Players
Act III - Underling Productions
Act IV - Puppet Shakespeare Players
Act V - Bottoms Dream
Sunday, April 2: Combined Auditions
By appointment only, actors will have the opportunity to audition for reps from our companies. Email shakesconaudotions@gmail.com for an appointment.
Going to ShakesCon? Love Shakespeare? Let us know below!