Chicago Shakespeare’s Rowe Lifelong Learning Series encompasses our growing audience enrichment programs. Engagement with scholars, artists, and the Theater’s staff provide thoughtful points of entry—and those who wish to dig deeper will enjoy another lens through which to understand the plays on our stages, and the art-making behind them.
A team of scholars presents free pre-performance lectures on select Saturday and Sunday matinees. These half-hour talks by scholars examine the play through the a historical context, as well as the interpretive choices made by the director, design team and acting ensemble.
UPCOMING:
Led by Gina Buccola on:
-
December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
-
December 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
-
December 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Backstage Tours
This intergenerational experience is engaging for all learners. Whether you’re a long-time subscriber, or seeing Shakespeare for the first time, the Backstage Tour is for you. This exclusive tour, led by a member of our skilled Production team, will give you the inside scoop on the theater’s impressive architecture, the technical aspects that bring our shows to life, and the wide spectrum of roles backstage.
Advance registration required.
Post Show Discussions
These entertaining and informative discussions are offered following certain Wednesday matinees, and after Saturday matinee performances of our Shakespeare Abridgement. Audience members have the opportunity to discuss the play, the production, and more with cast members directly following their performance.
-
February 7, 2026
-
February 14, 2026
-
February 21, 2026
-
February 28, 2026
Adult Learning Programs
Shakespeare doesn’t have to be intimidating! Our Demystifying Shakespeare Series is an interactive course in which learners begin to understand foundational structures in Shakespeare’s plays. Our next offering will be led by Artistic Director Ed Hall.
Sign up below to be the first to hear!