Annapolis Shakespeare Company is a beacon of artistry and creativity in the community. Everything about their productions is top-notch, from the talent to the technical aspects. With every show I attend, I'm continually wowed by their commitment to growth and excellence. Their productions get better and better, and I will undoubtedly be a lifelong patron.
Annapolis Shakespeare Company is a great place for the arts. I have been able to do several cabarets and the Christmas show A Broadway Holiday. Working here is amazing because we are not only doing great work but we are also enjoying our time onstage. This theatre deserves support because the production value and the level of professionalism is outstanding. The theatre has grown a lot in the last few years and that is thanks to the leadership of the Artistic Director, Sally Boyett. Supporting this theatre means supporting great shows, great performers, and great people that are passionate about the arts.
I have been associated with Annapolis Shakespeare Company since 2010 as the Resident Voice/Dialect Coach. I have watched the dynamic founding Artistic Director, Sally Boyett and her design team develop this company into a very highly regarded, artistically excellent theater company throughout this decade. I am continually amazed at the high bar for professionalism that is surpassed with each successive production. I am proud to be a part of this organization and hope to be involved for many more years to come.
A remarkable year, 2014, when I discovered Annapolis Shakespeare Company (ASC) at their little black box theater off Chinquapin Round Road. “Macbeth” was on stage, a powerful production of one of the bard’s greatest tales.
Since then I’ve quenched my appetite for classic theater as Sally Boyett, Founding Artistic Director of ASC, plies her theatrical craft in the courtyard of the historic Reynold’s Tavern, on the enchanting lawns of the renowned Charles Carroll House, on the grounds of academia at St. John’s College and in ASC’s new home at 1804 West Street.
ASC delves into Shakespeare and the classics. From “Midsummer Night’s Dream” to “Our Town”; “Tartuffe” to “Cabaret”; “Oliver” to “The 39 Steps”, Ms. Boyett knows how to put on a show and draw her audience in. The caliber of actors is sterling; many travel from New York City to weave their craft here in our state capital and return time and again for the pleasure of working with Ms. Boyett, her company and fellow thespians. Who needs to travel to the Big Apple, DC or Baltimore—top notch classic theater abounds mere steps away from ample parking right here in Annapolis.
From the moment you enter the theater on West Street, you are enveloped in an atmosphere ready to whisk you away for a few delightful hours. Scenes of prior shows grace the walls; a full service bar beckons as you wait to enter the main stage. Comfy seats allow you to relax—you can bring your glass of vino in with you—and expert stage sets beckon you expectantly in.
The Annapolis Shakespeare Company is a star aiming at ever greater heights. Ms. Boyett’s tireless work shows itself in every aspect of this superb gem. How lucky I am and Annapolis is to have ASC as our very own Annapolis Shakespeare Company.
This professional theatre is a local jewel and produces a huge variety of wonderful plays, musicals, and cabaret shows with a full-year indoor and outdoor schedule. The productions are frequently creative, innovative interpretations of classics, with great professional actors, featured singers and wonderful costumes. The founder and Creative Director and her staff are wonderful to patrons and are a real asset to the arts community in Annapolis and Anne Arundel county.
I was asked to be a Board Member last spring. I work for the county school system in the curriculum and instruction office, and as such am hoping to increase community partnerships with ASC. Quite honestly, I was unfamiliar with the organization before they invited me to be a board member. However I am very impressed by the depth of knowledge and expertise this organization represents. The facility itself is wonderful and the black box theatre allows intimate productions, and that can include student interaction. There is a vast amount of talent and experience represented by the actors and production staff. They are responsive to community and cultural wants and needs, and are constantly re-framing their program to those ends. Even COVID-19 has not stopped the organization; just re-directed some of the energies. I am so happy and honored to be a part of helping this organization to grow and continue to serve the Arts.
Annapolis Shakespeare Company is committed to its mission to bring boldly reimagined classic plays and musicals to its audiences. Unique among classical theatres, ASC presents work by the world's greatest poets, playwrights, composers and lyricists in an intimate 125-seat performance space, allowing its audience to experience great works within a powerful proximity. Most classic drama and musicals are seen from a distance in large venues where audiences wishing to be close to the performers must pay the exorbitant cost of premium seats. At ASC no audience member is more that 20 feet from the stage. ASC has a proven aesthetic and a reputation for excellence and innovation.
Annapolis Shakespeare Company consistently provides high quality, highly entertaining performances! Their education outreach programs are an asset to the community and, during this time while physical theater spaces have to be closed due to the safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, ASC has found creative ways to continue to provide programming online through their new YouTube channel and social media platforms. The company is always looking for the best way to provide excellent entertainment and educational materials to their audience, both in-person, and online.