This article was provided by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company stands as a cultural landmark, deeply rooted in history and dedicated to its community. Originally founded in 2002, CSC moved to its new home in Baltimore in 2014. Since then, it has remained a cultural beacon and an artistic treasure in the city, offering a blend of classical theatre and innovative programming that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Invigorating the Classics
What makes CSC more than just a stage is its unflinching unwavering commitment to bringing Shakespeare’s words to everyone, no matter regardless of their background, no matter if they’ve ever heard Hamlet’s soliloquy or Juliet’s plea.
As a Shakespeare company, many of the productions the company produces are written by the playwright “Bard of Avon” from which the company gets takes its name. However, they also bring to life works by Jane Austen, Lorraine Hansberry, Oscar Wilde and now August Wilson, ensuring that these timeless stories resonate with today’s audiences. They’ve seen Romeo and Juliet against the backdrop of the ‘70s, Titus Andronicus riding with biker gangs, and Aeschylus’ tragedies drawn into the light of the modern world. CSC has earned a reputation for preserving the cross-generational appeal of these timeless stories and reflecting Charm City’s spirit and energy within them.
A Stunning Venue
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s CSC’s home is a testament to historic preservation — a landmark building once known as the Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company. Built in 1885, the building has withstood the test of time and disaster, surviving the Great Fire of Baltimore in 1904. In 2000, after a $2.5 million renovation, the old bank edifice became a series of nightclubs but that wasn’t its final act. In 2012, Modern Globe purchased the building at 7 South Calvert for CSC and embarked on a $4 million renovation.
(Photo by Lesley Malin)
By 2014, with care from architects Cho, Benn, Holback & Associates and contractors Southway Builders, the theatre opened its doors. Melding the old with the new, CSC kept those same intricate ceilings, added a thrust stage, and intentionally designed an immersive environment where audiences and performers are separated by only the breath between them.
Connecting Community and Education
CSC was founded on a simple belief: that Shakespeare belongs to everyone. But their work isn’t just about welcoming people into the theatre; it’s also about reaching out to the broader community. Through educational programs, workshops, and outreach efforts, CSC builds connections that go beyond the stage.
Their celebrated student matinee program introduces thousands of young audiences to Shakespeare through performances that engage and involve them. For many of these students, it’s their first time experiencing live theatre. CSC partners with Baltimore City Public Schools and other local organizations to ensure that the arts are accessible to all, fostering a love for theatre in the next generation. The company served over 12,000 students last year, and almost half of those students received free tickets and free transportation to the show.
The company’s commitment to the community also shines through their new touring initiative, Shakespeare Beyond. With a mobile Shakespeare Wagon, CSC takes performances directly into neighborhoods across Maryland, offering free shows and arts residencies that bring people closer to the arts. Over three thousand have already experienced Shakespeare in the Baltimore region at no cost, and the goal is to reach even more into further parts of Maryland in the years to come.
(Photo by Miranda Solomon)
Diverse and Inclusive Programming
What truly makes CSC a gem in Baltimore is its dedication to diversity and inclusion in the arts. The company’s programming reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the city, with productions that employ actors and designers that look like and represent the city of Baltimore.
A key part of this effort is the Black Classical Acting Ensemble, established to bring new perspectives to classic theatre and provide free classical training and mentorship to young Black actors. This talented group reinterprets classic works, focusing on the depth and richness of Black experiences and histories. Their performances respect the original texts while offering modern, relevant takes that resonate with today’s audiences, reinforcing CSC’s dedication to inclusive storytelling.
As CSC grows, its influence on Baltimore’s cultural scene is clear. The company has become integral of the city’s identity, enhancing its reputation as a lively and diverse cultural center. CSC’s mix of artistic quality, community involvement and dedication to accessibility makes it a standout in Baltimore, and it’s poised to remain a key cultural force for years to come.
For information about Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, visit chesapeakeshakespeare.com.
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