• Organization

    shady.jpg

    Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company

    Founded in 1999, Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company is dedicated to providing free public performances of the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries for the Peninsula and South Bay communities. SSTC believes in the power of Shakespeare's works to speak to modern audiences, and that they are as enjoyable, moving, and accessible entertainment today as they were during Elizabethean England. Working with a core artistic ensemble, Shady Shakespeare works to create experiences that push the envelope of theatrical performance, inspire audiences, incite personal reflection, and challenge paradigms.

    • Contact Info

      Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company

      483 N 15th St
      San Jose, CA 95112

      Phone: 408-298-0649

      Email

      Website

    • Video & Image Gallery

      Video | Images

    • Current Events
      08/15/08-
      09/14/08 
      The Comedy of Errors
      Sanborn County Park
      08/08/08-
      09/12/08 
      Twelfth Night
      Sanborn County Park
    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: The Comedy of Errors
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Ashland can kiss Shady Shakes' Pirate BOOTY!"
        Review posted by: Can't wait to go AGAIN! from San Jose, CA, Aug 17, 2008

        I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything to complain about. This was the most accessible approach to Shakespeare that I've ever seen. They used a themed approach, that although may sound like it might be merely amusing, worked so brilliantly in combination with the characterizations and excellent direction. Thoroughly entertainig. I've certainly never howled at a Shakespeare comedy before. Gentle titters, maybe, howling and snorting never, until now. If you can imagine Shakespeare combined with commedia, plus a little extra "campiness" thrown in for good measure? The brilliant characterizations lent to even greater appreciation of the play. Some brilliant acting happening. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! WARNING: Don't forget the mosquito repellant! (Oh, and you'll get used to the parrot...)SPOILER: Pirates of the Carribean! Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Twelfth Night
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Shady's"
        Review posted by: Bishopbosco from San Jose, CA, Aug 13, 2008

        Shady Shakespeare kicks off its 10th Season with a bang presenting Shakespeare's tale of shipwrecked twins, "Twelfth Night". Returning to their prized venue at Sanborn Park in Saratoga, the group has... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        Shady Shakespeare kicks off its 10th Season with a bang presenting Shakespeare's tale of shipwrecked twins, "Twelfth Night". Returning to their prized venue at Sanborn Park in Saratoga, the group has put on an inspired show. The cast is uniformly excellent, but special kudos to John Musgrave as Sir Toby Belch, Erik Browne as Sir Andrew, Doll Piccotto as Fabian and Steven Lewis as Malvolio whose antics were pure pleasure to watch. Alexandra Kay was also fine bringing both ice and fire to the role of Olivia. There are simply two many to mention from this top knotch cast. Director Dinna Myers and AD James Lucas keep the business flowing at an agreeable pace interspresing the Bard's own wit with inspred set pieces of comin business. The Set, Lighting and costumes are also fine, providing a nice compliment to the performances. This really is a don't miss show for those who enjoy a good comedy. The opening night crowd was certainly enthusiastic! To top it off it free! So go already! Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: The Tempest
        4 out of 5 stars rating "very entertaining"
        Review posted by: Mia from San Jose, Sep 06, 2007

        This was a very entertaining experience. I admit that my old-English is rusty, so I did not understand much of what they said, but surly part of it may have been caused by not-perfect diction. Still,... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        This was a very entertaining experience. I admit that my old-English is rusty, so I did not understand much of what they said, but surly part of it may have been caused by not-perfect diction. Still, it was a very interesting concept, and the performance was well executed. Ariel and Caliban were exquisite. Come early to get your seat! Weekend nights tend to be full. Bring a sweather as it gets chilly in the mountain. Dont forget to buy a raffle ticket! Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Taming of the Shrew
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Shady Shakespeare Company a Hidden Treasure !"
        Review posted by: Paulette DAVIS from San Jose, CA, Aug 14, 2006

        My husband and I attended the Shady Shakes. production of Taming of the Shrew this past Saturday. What a superb evening of brilliantly acted and directed Theatre. We appreciate so very much... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        My husband and I attended the Shady Shakes. production of Taming of the Shrew this past Saturday. What a superb evening of brilliantly acted and directed Theatre. We appreciate so very much the dedication of the Company, Artistic Directors and entire staff for bringing Shakespeare to life in such a professional and enjoyable way. We spoke to many people who were, like us, first time audience members, and each person was amazed and thrilled about their happy evening just as we were. I would encourage the city of Saratoga and any other interested group to underwrite this fine Company. Thanks to everyone involved for giving us FREE Shakespeare in a beautiful setting. Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Taming of the Shrew
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Bravi Tutti! Shady Shakespeare"
        Review posted by: L. Smith from San Jose, CA, Aug 11, 2006

        Wow! This was my first experience attending this company's performance and I was very impressed with all aspects of this clever production. Setting the play as a Western worked beautifully, and the... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        Wow! This was my first experience attending this company's performance and I was very impressed with all aspects of this clever production. Setting the play as a Western worked beautifully, and the ability of most of the troupe to maintain the Shakespearian "cadence" of speaking while effecting a Western drawl was spectacular. This company is a treasure. Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Romeo & Juliet
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Vintage Bill"
        Review posted by: es from Campbell, Aug 09, 2006

        Well-produced shows in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it's FREE! Doesn't get much better than that. If you haven't been before, I'm confident you'll enjoy the Shady experience - and be sure to bring... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        Well-produced shows in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it's FREE! Doesn't get much better than that. If you haven't been before, I'm confident you'll enjoy the Shady experience - and be sure to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with this year's vintage of Bill. Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Taming of the Shrew
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Based on previous years..."
        Review posted by: es from Campbell, Aug 09, 2006

        Well-produced shows in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it's FREE! Doesn't get much better than that. If you haven't been before, I'm confident you'll enjoy the Shady experience - and be sure to bring... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        Well-produced shows in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it's FREE! Doesn't get much better than that. If you haven't been before, I'm confident you'll enjoy the Shady experience - and be sure to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with this year's vintage of Bill. Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

      • Event Name: Measure for Measure
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Excellent experience"
        Review posted by: Cayla from San Jose, CA USA, Jan 12, 2006

        This is an excellent way to enjoy a Shakespeare play. The park is beautiful, and the stage looks so mystical and wonderful in the evening surrounded by trees. The actors all did a great job, I thought... Expand

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

        This is an excellent way to enjoy a Shakespeare play. The park is beautiful, and the stage looks so mystical and wonderful in the evening surrounded by trees. The actors all did a great job, I thought that they portrayed their characters very well. This is one of my favorite things to do every year now, go and see their Shakespeare plays with my friends. I'm never dissapointed! Collapse

        All reviews/comments and complete event details

    • Past Events
      06/21/08  The Pirates of the Agean Crab Feed Gala
      Historic Hoover Theater
      02/08/08-
      02/10/08 
      The Dear Will Letters - By Doll Piccotto and William Shakespeare
      Francis Bacon Auditorium at Rosicrucian Park
      10/19/07-
      10/21/07 
      Shakespeare's 10 Most Wanted Fundraiser
      Francis Bacon Auditorium at Rosicrucian Park
      08/17/07-
      09/16/07 
      The Tempest
      Sanborn County Park
      08/10/07-
      09/14/07 
      Macbeth
      Sanborn County Park
      06/30/07  SSTC’s 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
      06/09/07  Tempest Luau Benefit Gala
      Historic Hoover Theater
      01/27/07  3rd Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
      08/11/06-
      09/17/06 
      Taming of the Shrew
      08/11/06-
      09/17/06 
      Romeo & Juliet
      06/11/06  Sweets to the Sweet - Spirits to the Spirited
      Historic Hoover Theater
      01/28/06  Shady Shakespeare Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Extravaganza
      08/12/05-
      09/18/05 
      The Merry Wives of Windsor
      08/12/05-
      09/17/05 
      Measure for Measure
      06/01/05  Shakespeare in Lust- Spring Gala Fundraiser
      Le Petit Trianon
      01/15/05  King Lear in a Box
      Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Blossom Hill
      08/20/04-
      09/12/04 
      Hamlet
      07/24/04  30 Minute Hamlet
      Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Blossom Hill
      06/05/04  A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of Wine and Will - 2004 Annual Fundraiser Gala
      11/18/03  Play Reading: A Winter's Tale
      Saratoga Library
      11/11/03  Quarterly Play-Reading
      08/22/03-
      09/14/03 
      A Midsummer Night's Dream
      08/02/03  Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On
      07/29/03  Midsummer Night's Dream - Reading
      05/28/03  Such Stuff That Dreams Are Made On - 2003 Annual Fundraiser Gala
      05/01/03  Henry V - Reading
  • Featured Sections

  • Featured Video

    View all videos in Video Central