Free Shakespeare on the Common 2021: The Tempest
| Venue: | Boston Common |
| Dates: | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from 7/21/21 - 8/8/21 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free see below |
| Category: | Theater & Shows |
One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's “Free Shakespeare On The Common” continues it's seasonal tradition for the 25th year with William Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'. Join us under the stars July 21- August 8.
About Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
The Tempest, Shakespeare’s final play, transports the audience to a mysterious and enchanting island in a tale of magic, betrayal, revenge, and family.
The wise and powerful Prospero, played by the acclaimed actor John Douglas Thompson, struggles to maintain the world he’s created as order is thrown off balance by those around him: his curious daughter, Miranda; a man who’s just washed ashore, Ferdinand; the half human, half monster Caliban; two fools, Stephano and Trinculo; and the mystical spirit of the air, Ariel, among many others.
With elements of tragedy and comedy, this “brave new world” is a charming escape to revel in under the stars for the 25th production of Free Shakespeare on the Common.
2021 Schedule
Tuesday–Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 6pm (off Mondays)
To reserve “Friends Section” chairs ($60-$75 donation per chair) or for more information visit www.commshakes.org or call (617) 426-0863. With the safety of our artists, staff, and audiences at the forefront of decision-making, there will be a number or adjustments to this year’s offering.
The production will be streamlined to allow for an intermission-less performance.
In addition, audience size will be limited according to the most updated state and city guidelines on capacity and social distancing.
In accordance with union guidelines, CSC invites and encourages patrons over the age of 2 to wear a mask until seated, while attending The Tempest.
The production will remain free, but due to expected capacity constraints, advanced registration is recommended for ease of arrival and priority access to seating.
Walk ups will be welcome the night of!
To register for your spot to see The Tempest visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1058821 .
Suffolk University has partnered with CSC on ticketing software.
When you begin registration you will see Suffolk University at the top of the page.
You are registering for FREE Shakespeare on the Common, NOT a Suffolk University event.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our team at [email protected] or call our Box Office at 617-362-7485.
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, July 21 at 8PM
Thursday, July 22 at 8PM
Friday, July 23 at 8PM
Saturday, July 24 at 8PM
Sunday, July 25 at 8PM
Tuesday, July 27 at 8PM
Wednesday, July 28 at 8PM
Thursday, July 29 at 8PM
Friday, July 30 at 8PM
Saturday, July 31 at 8PM
Sunday, August 1 at 6PM
Tuesday, August 3 at 8PM
Wednesday, August 4 at 8PM
Thursday, August 5 at 8PM
Friday, August 6 at 8PM
Saturday, August 7 at 8PM
Sunday, August 8 at 8PM
ACCESSIBILITY PERFORMANCES:
Open Captioning: July 31
Register HERE: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10776869
Audio description and ASL interpreted performance #1: August 1
Register HERE: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10776954
ASL interpreted performance #2: August 6
Register HERE: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10776873
Rain Date for all Access services: August 8
FRIENDS SECTION CHAIRS:
Free Shakespeare on the Common is made possible through a combination of grants, sponsorships, and donations collected through the Friends Section program.
Our Friends Section consists of low beach chairs pre-set in front of the stage.
We have a limited number of tall chairs (the height of a typical camping chair) for patrons who may not be comfortable in our low beach chairs.
To request tall chairs, please make a note under “special accommodations.”
There are a few changes to the Friends Section this year we want you to know prior.
You will be able to reserve pods of 2 for $150.
This seating is to help with safety measures and ensure as many households can attend as possible.
For this reason, single seats will be unavailable.
For those planning to attend with friends, and have selected single seats in years past, we encourage you to reserve your seats as a pod.
Odd-numbered parties will be seated in a pod of the next largest size, so make sure to bring a friend for the extra seat!
For Weather updates on performance nights, call the CSC weather hotline, (781) 239-5972.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston.
Looking for more fun Boston Events in August? Check out our guide to summer fun for lots more ideas.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, July 21 at 8PM
Thursday, July 22 at 8PM
Friday, July 23 at 8PM
Saturday, July 24 at 8PM
Sunday, July 25 at 8PM
Tuesday, July 27 at 8PM
Wednesday, July 28 at 8PM
Thursday, July 29 at 8PM
Friday, July 30 at 8PM
Saturday, July 31 at 8PM
Sunday, August 1 at 6PM
Tuesday, August 3 at 8PM
Wednesday, August 4 at 8PM
Thursday, August 5 at 8PM
Friday, August 6 at 8PM
Saturday, August 7 at 8PM
Sunday, August 8 at 8PM
| COST | ↑ top |
Free and open to the public. The production will remain free, but due to expected capacity constraints, attendees will be asked to register ahead of time. Registration will open the week of June 21st.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
commshakes.org/free-shakespeare-on-the-common/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Boston Common, Boston, MA, 02116 map
Performances take place at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common, across from the AMC Loews Boston Common Movie Theater on Tremont Street. If you are traveling via the MBTA, there are several stations located within steps of the Boston Common: Green Line (Boylston or Park Street T stops), Orange Line (Downtown Crossing or Chinatown T stops) or the Red Line (Park Street or Downtown Crossing T stops).
Parking is available in the Boston Common Garage. Be sure to pick up a discount coupon from one of the tents or from one of the ushers. These coupons, provided by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, extend a discount to our patrons and also direct funds to CSC. For more information visit the MCCA's website (http://massconvention.com/about-us/boston-common-garage).
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- can be easily viewed by several thousand people, but the closest seats are often taken early in the evening, so we recommend arriving early if you wish to be very close to the stage.
- Shows are cancelled in cases of heavy rain or lightning storms, so audiences can check-in with the Weather Hotline (617-426-0863 ext. 7) 1 or 2 hours before the show for cancellation announcements.
- If you have accessibility questions, check out the Accessibility page
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Free Shakespeare on the Common 2021: The Tempest before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...