Cal Shakes Online
Furthering artistic practice and deepening community connections online.
A Gathering Space for the Bay Area and Beyond
Cal Shakes Online is a multi-channel digital platform designed to virtually unite artists and audiences during this unprecedented time. Though we cannot convene at the theater for the foreseeable future, we at Cal Shakes want to continue serving our community from afar by offering resources and programming to bring solace, entertainment, and joy.
Direct Address
Direct Address is a live series of panel discussions, interviews, and webinars offering industry and community support as well as behind-the-scenes insight. Learn more about our newest series, Resisting Shakespeare: or, how to fall in and out of love—a continuation of our conversations on allyship and anti-racism with a more inward focus and look out for new conversations to be announced shortly. Check out our recent conversation on YouTube.
Mystery Shakespeare Theater 1592
Inspired by Mystery Science Theater 3000, Mystery Shakespeare Theater 1592 is a live watch party of a filmed version of one of Shakespeare’s plays on Zoom! Sign up for a mystery film that won’t be revealed until the event begins and join in as four panelists provide hilarious and insightful commentary throughout the screening creating a fun evening at home but not alone. Called the “best Zoom party ever” by Theatrius. Stay tuned for our next watch party!
Run the Canon
Cal Shakes Resident Dramaturg Philippa Kelly will be “running the canon” offering a new 10-minute video lecture each week now through Christmas. 37 weeks, all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a lecture.
#ShelterHereabouts
Inspired by Trinculo’s line from The Tempest, #ShelterHereabouts are a series of “micro-commissioned” monologues performed by Bay Area actors. First up, Phil Wong (The Good Person Szechwan, pictured above center) performs the program’s namesake speech.
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Cal Shakes Online Events
More for Our Friends at Home
#ShelterHereabouts K-12 EDITION
We’re challenging all K-12 students to perform their favorite 90-second Shakespearean monologue and upload it to social media. Use the hashtags #ShelterHereabouts, #Calshakes, and #CreateAtHome, and tag @calshakes and @calshakesconservatory.
INTERACTIVE STUDY GUIDES
To support students, teachers, and parents during school closures, Cal Shakes is offering access to all its study guides. Dive into Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, black odyssey, and many more!
RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS AND TECHNICIANS
A curated list by members of the Cal Shakes Artistic team to support arts workers affected by the health crisis. The list includes grant and financial aid opportunities, unemployment resources, guides for virtual tools, and more.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING THIS WEEK
The amount of streaming theater available online is endless. Check out what we’re watching this week and find a list of what else is playing around the globe.
THESE THRE3 SECONDS
We want to capture a record of this unprecedented civic action to flatten the curve. Make a 3-second video capturing a moment in your day as a we shelter in place for the greater good and contribute to this brief chronicle. Send to: NOW@THESE3SECONDS.COM #these3seconds.