Upcoming Performances by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

Enjoy a live Shakespeare performance in a unique setting under the stars the next time you visit the Baltimore area. The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company spends most of each year performing for audiences at its home theatre in Baltimore. But, each summer, the company performs under the stars at the open-air ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute right here in Ellicott City.

The site is the location of a former finishing school for young women, which first opened in 1837. The Greek revival structure was stabilized and is maintained by Howard County. The PFI Historic Park is open for tours, as well as special events and performances, like that of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

History of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company held its first performance in 2002. The founding members of the group had the goal of presenting Shakespeare’s plays, and other classics, to the public in innovative, sustainable ways.

The company has two wonderful performance homes during the year. The performance troupe usually performs in a 19th-century former bank building in Baltimore that was renovated and reopened in 2014. The building, which now seats 260, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the summers, however, the Chesapeake Shakespeare performs at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park right here in Ellicott City. Performances during the summer are held in June and July on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please visit the website for exact dates and times.

Summer performances in the park offer attendees the opportunity to enjoy a performance in a relaxed setting stretched out on a blanket enjoying a picnic and perhaps a glass of wine. You may also bring your own lawn chair or borrow one from the theatre. If you decide not to pack a picnic, no problem. Several food vendors are usually set up to accommodate.

Performances by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

This summer, you can see A Comedy of Errors at the PFI Historic Park through July 19. Tickets are sold on-site, as well as online in advance. Children are free!

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s 2015-2016 schedule includes the following performances. Be sure to check the website for additional information and exact performance dates, times and ticket prices, as they are subject to change.

• Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare – Sept. 18-Oct. 11, 2015.
• Titus Andronicus, by William Shakespeare – Oct. 23-Nov.15, 2015.
• A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens – Dates TBD.
• Wild Oats, by John O’Keefe – Dates TBD.
• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare – April 15-May 15, 2016.
• Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare – June 10-19, 2016.
• The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas – June 24-July 24, 2016

Download our Free Vacation Guide

As you are planning your trip to the Baltimore, Washington D.C. area, get a little help from your friends here at the Wayside Inn! Download our Free Vacation Guide to help you figure out the best place to stay, as well as the best things to do and see in the area. The Wayside Inn is a great place to call your home away from home whenever you visit the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. Our six beautiful guest rooms offer all the comforts of home, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning that you didn’t have to make!

Photo Credit: Steven Wynn / Thinkstock / iStock