Short Shakespeare! is our broadest-reaching program, providing an accessible live theater experience for nearly 20,000 students across the region. Student matinees available Jan 27-Feb 27.
JAN 31–FEB 28, 2026
Lead Student Matinee Sponsor
JAN 31–FEB 28, 2026
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Edward Hall and Roger Warren
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Short Shakespeare!
Hamlet
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Edward Hall and Roger Warren
Directed by Edward Hall
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Run Time: Approximately 75 minutes (no intermission)
Lead Student Matinee Sponsor:
Associate Student Matinee Sponsor: The Segal Family Foundation Student Matinee Fund
All of the betrayal, passion, and poetry of Shakespeare’s most famous play—distilled into just 75 minutes.
Reeling from grief, the young Prince of Denmark navigates the loss of his father, his mother’s betrayal, and relationships torn apart. Starring Chicago favorite Jaylon Muchison in the title role and featuring a talented ensemble of seven actors, the production poses the big questions: What is right? What is wrong? To be… or not to be? This original and accessible adaptation directed by CST Artistic Director Edward Hall brings new clarity to the timeless classic, offering a chance for audiences to see themselves reflected through the 400-year-old story. Plus, every performance includes a post-show conversation with the cast to give you an insider’s perspective into bringing the story to the stage!
In addition to public performances on Saturdays, this production will reach 20,000 young people during weekday student matinees as part of CST’s award-winning education programming, which serves more students and teachers than any theater in Chicago.
February 2026
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11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 14
Post-show Discussion
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11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 21
Post-show Discussion
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11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 28
Post-show Discussion
3:00 PM / Saturday , Feb 28
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
SAT, FEB 21
SAT, FEB 21
Run Time: Approximately 75 minutes (no intermission)
Lead Student Matinee Sponsor:
Associate Student Matinee Sponsor: The Segal Family Foundation Student Matinee Fund
February 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 14
Post-show Discussion
16
17
18
19
20
22
11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 21
Post-show Discussion
23
24
25
26
27
11:00 AM / Saturday , Feb 28
Post-show Discussion
3:00 PM / Saturday , Feb 28
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
SAT, FEB 21
SAT, FEB 21
SAT, FEB 21
SAT, FEB 21
Artists
Roger Warren
Adapter
Spotlight
Short Shakespeare! Student Matinees
Teacher Resources
From pre-show writing prompts to hands-on activities, this guide offers discussion questions, drama-based strategies, and reading activities for students inspired by the production.
Backstage Tours FEB 14 & 28 *SOLD OUT*
This engaging 60-minute tour 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.
Lead Student Matinee Sponsor
Associate Student Matinee Sponsor
The Segal Family Foundation Student Matinee Fund