The who, what, where, when, how.... and how!—

Chicspeare Production Company is a theater company based in Chicago specializing in Shakespeare: our name reflects our commitment to both the city and his works.

Our actors come from many different communities in and around this City of Neighborhoods. Their faces reflect African-American, Asian, European and Hispanic heritage, and their voices echo the different accents heard on the city's streets.

We make Shakespeare come alive for everyone, through performances of his work and educational programs.

Hamlet says actors should "hold a mirror up to nature." When staging his work, we play with the interplay between Shakespeare's text and Chicago's history and culture. More on our productions.

In our educational programs, we take participants "behind the scenes" to show them how Shakespeare uses language and stagecraft to help actors create his stories on stage. More on our educational programs.

Anywhere in the Chicago metropolitan area--and sometimes beyond. We've performed in classrooms and conference rooms, in libraries and at street fairs, in church basements and wrestling gyms. We've been to most neighborhoods in the city and towns from Joliet to Lake Forest.  More

Chicspeare began in 1995, out of a collaboration between two Chicago actors.  More

“You guys are the best. It took a lot of work but it was worth it.” —4th grader, St. Ladislaus, Chicago  More

Do Something!
One of the reasons we can reach so many people is that we keep our fees modest and ticket prices low. To do that, we need volunteers to share a talent, skill or knowledge. If you can help us test a new program or market those we have by helping with mailings (snail and e-), if you can build a set, sew costumes, or seat patrons at a show, if you have any talent or skill to share, contact us.

Send Money!
Join the individuals, corporations, foundations and governmental agencies who are helping us bring Shakespeare alive throughout Chicagoland with their gifts and grants. More