THE F.M. KIRBY SHAKESPEARE THEATRE

About the Theatre

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ), originally called the "New Jersey Shakespeare Festival,” is one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving approximately 75,000 adults and children annually.  It is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

The company's dedication to the classics, and its commitment to excellence, endeavors to set critical standards for the field. Under new leadership of Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is proud of its extraordinary record of consistent critical acclaim.  Now in its 64th season, it is the longest-running Shakespeare theatre on the east coast. It is the only independent arts organization in residence on the Drew University campus in Madison, NJ.  Through the Theatre's involvement with the University, Drew has been able to offer theatre students the opportunity to enjoy an active relationship with New Jersey's only professional theatre dedicated to the classics. 

The annual Main Stage season, presented in the intimate, state-of-the-art F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, runs May through December. An Outdoor Stage production is typically presented each summer at The Greek Theatre, an open-air amphitheater located on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in nearby Florham Park. 

The institution's staff works year-round to produce the company's performance season, educational programming, various special events, and fundraising and marketing campaigns. Each year, STNJ works with over 200 artists and students during the course of the season and through its various Main Stage, Outdoor Stage and touring productions plays to approximately 75,000 audience members each year, primarily from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Through non-traditional casting and significant outreach efforts, the Theatre continues to build a culturally and geographically diverse audience. 

In 2002 and 2006, The Star-Ledger named the company "Regional Theatre of the Year."  In 2014, The Wall Street Journal singled STNJ out as "The Best Company of the Year."  In 2002, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation awarded the Theatre a prestigious Strategic Partnership Grant in the amount of $1 million, "in recognition of the artistry, achievements, and leadership of this acclaimed Madison, New Jersey-based performing arts and education organization."  STNJ has garnered numerous other awards and recognitions over its long history. 

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

12/3 - 12/28/2025

“No man is a failure who has friends.” Step in from the cold as our stage is transformed into a 1940s radio studio for this ...

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The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Unveils Cast of MERRY, MERRY MISCHIEF: HOLIDAY CLASSICS

by A.A. Cristi - December 08, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has revealed the cast of a seasonal scripts-in-hand presentation titled Merry, Merry Mischief: Holiday Classics, happening on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 AM at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. ...

Review: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at STNJ-A Holiday Treasure

by Marina Kennedy - December 09, 2025

‘Tis the season for a show that will delight and inspire.  'It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' is now being performed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) and it tops off their 2025 season....

Photos: First Look At IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at STNJ

by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 04, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has released photos of its current production — It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey....

The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey To Present THE SOUND OF ALL THINGS — A NOSTALGIC ART EXHIBITION BY TED PAPOULAS

by A.A. Cristi - December 03, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has announced The Sound of All Things, a new art exhibition by painter Ted Papoulas, on display throughout the run of the Theatre's upcoming production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play....

THE SOUND OF ALL THINGS Art Exhibition by Ted Papoulas is Coming to STNJ

by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 03, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present The Sound of All Things, a new art exhibition by painter Ted Papoulas, on display throughout the run of the Theatre's upcoming production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play....

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey To Host 2025 Holiday Market

by A.A. Cristi - November 26, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will host a festive, Bryant Park–style Holiday Market on Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 14 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM in the Studio at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. ...

Shakespeare Theatre Reveals Cast of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

by Stephi Wild - November 11, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) has announced the cast for its upcoming production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play....

The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey To Present IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

by A.A. Cristi - November 10, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will bring a beloved holiday tradition to life with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running December 3–28, 2025, at the F.M. Kirby ...

Review: MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN at STNJ-An Enthralling Production

by Marina Kennedy - October 30, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is now presenting Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and it is sensational....

Photos: Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN At The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey

by A.A. Cristi - October 24, 2025

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) has released new photos from its production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, adapted by David Catlin. Running October 22–November 16, 2025. Check out photos of the production....

Past Shows

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

10/22 - 11/16/2025

“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” Who is the real monster — creature or creator? Lightning flashes, thunder rumbles, and ghost stories crackle ...

Romeo and Juliet

9/10 - 10/5/2025

“Civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” Set in a time of deadly civil division, Shakespeare’s masterful tragedy continues to hold up a heartbreaking mirror to ...

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]

7/9 - 7/27/2025

“All 37 Plays in 99 Minutes!” Fasten your seat belts for a high-energy, slapstick rollercoaster ride through Shakespeare’s entire canon! Three madcap actors scamper their ...

The Importance of Being Earnest

5/14 - 6/1/2025

“A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” Double dual identities, a domineering matriarch, and a mysterious handbag spark hilarious confusion in Oscar Wilde’s delightful comedy of ...