Shakespeare in the Dark

(Comedy, 90 mins.)
IRWIN, a struggling theater director in the grips of an artistic slump and midlife crisis, must rediscover his creative spark when the ghost of William Shakespeare is sent by the theater gods to haunt his disastrous production of The Tempest. As fantasy, magic, and romance weave their way into his chaotic community theater show, Irwin confronts his demons and learns to tell the story in his...

(Comedy, 90 mins.)
IRWIN, a struggling theater director in the grips of an artistic slump and midlife crisis, must rediscover his creative spark when the ghost of William Shakespeare is sent by the theater gods to haunt his disastrous production of The Tempest. As fantasy, magic, and romance weave their way into his chaotic community theater show, Irwin confronts his demons and learns to tell the story in his heart. Filled with star-crossed lovers, soliloquies, and the delightful chaos of a Shakespearean comedy, this heartfelt new play celebrates the transformative power of storytelling.

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Shakespeare in the Dark

Recommended by

  • Meg Wiles: Shakespeare in the Dark

    The arts are always dying, but never fear, the ghost of William Shakespeare is here! A possum in the attic, a played-out director in the audience, a conflict-filled cast on the stage, and an incompetent stage manager in the booth, what more could one want? Shakespeare in the Dark is a master-class in the marriage of Shakespearian and modern-day language and offers a heart-warming and comedic message about creative triumph through determination, self-confidence, and community.

    The arts are always dying, but never fear, the ghost of William Shakespeare is here! A possum in the attic, a played-out director in the audience, a conflict-filled cast on the stage, and an incompetent stage manager in the booth, what more could one want? Shakespeare in the Dark is a master-class in the marriage of Shakespearian and modern-day language and offers a heart-warming and comedic message about creative triumph through determination, self-confidence, and community.

Character Information

  • IRWIN
    The Director
    Character Age
    45
  • WILL/COURIER
    The Ghost of Shakespeare
    Character Age
    30-40
  • TEENA
    The Comedian
    Character Age
    20s
  • JEN
    The Scholar
    Character Age
    20s-30s
  • ABBY
    The Rebel
    Character Age
    20s-30s
  • CYBIL
    Longtime performer and diva in the twilight of her career
    Character Age
    40s
  • GLORIA
    The Wealthy Aunt
    Character Age
    50s
  • PAUL
    The Stage Manager
    Character Age
    20s

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Baldwin Wallace BFA Living Room Theater, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization Athena Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization HomeGrown Theatre, Year 2018