Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company was formed in 1996 by artistic director Steven Maler and associate Joan Moynagh to bring free, outdoor Shakespeare to the people of the city of Boston. Since 1996, CSC has produced one full Shakespeare production each summer starting with A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1996 at Copley Square. All subsequent productions have taken place in Boston Common, first at the Parkman Bandstand and now at the Parade Ground. In addition to the annual Boston Common productions, CSC presents several free play-reading events during the year: Theatre in the Rough, Shakespeare and Law, as well as Shakespeare and Leadership. CSC has actor-training programs for both high school students and pre-professional actors with its Summer Academy. Throughout the year, CSC partners with area high schools and Boys & Girls Clubs to provide in and after-school theater activities to inner-city youth. In 2013, CSC became the theatre in residence at Babson College.
Mainstage productions
A Midsummer Night's Dream - CSC's first production, took place at Copley Square, in collaboration with the city of BostonRomeo and Juliet - first production at the Parkman Bandstand in Boston CommonAs You Like It Julius Caesar - performed for the 400th anniversary of the writing of Julius Caesar to over 30,000 patronsThe Tempest - nearly half of scheduled performances were cancelled, due to rainTwelfth Night - performed to over 45,000 patrons; earned Elliot Norton Award for Best ProductionHenry V - set in a London Tube station during World War II; starred Anthony RappMacbeth - starred Jay O. SandersMuch Ado About Nothing - performed to over 85,000 patronsHamlet - performed to over 90,000 patronsThe Taming of the Shrew - set in the historic North End, Boston, MassachusettsA Midsummer Night's Dream As You Like It - starred Fred Weller & Marin IrelandThe Comedy of Errors Othello All's Well That Ends Well Coriolanus Two Gentlemen of Verona Twelfth Night King Lear starring Will LymanLove's Labour's Lost Romeo and Juliet directed by Allegra LibonatiRichard III starring Faran TahirCymbeline directed by Fred Sullivan JrThe Tempest directed by Steve MalerMuch Ado About Nothing directed by Megan Sandberg-ZakianMacbeth directed by Steve Maler and starring Faran Tahir and Joanne KellyThe Winter's Tale directed by Bryn Boice- ''As You Like It''
Other productions
Shakespeare at Fenway - the first live theatre at Fenway Park featuring local and national actorsHappy Days - starring Brooke Adams and Tony Shalhoub
Our American Hamlet