Just because the famed Globe Theatre is all the way in London doesn’t mean you can’t get your summer Shakespeare fix in Boston! From hilarious spins on the Bard’s most famous plays to little-known opportunities to enjoy a sonnet (or three), here are 9 ways to quench your thirst for Shakespeare this summer:

1. Discover a not-so-common side to Shakespeare

Comm Shakes — Photo Credit: Boston University

Where better to enjoy the star-crossed tale of Romeo & Juliet than under the stars on the Boston Common? These performances, brought to you by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, run from July 19 through August 6 and are absolutely free! Don’t forget a cozy blanket and popcorn for you and your friends to enjoy while the drama unfolds right before your eyes in this beautiful outdoor venue.

2. Watch Shakespeare get a little…Sh*t-Faced

Craving a uniquely hilarious spin on a Shakespeare classic? Look no further than Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare, one of Boston’s most popular nights out. Each night one actor in the company is randomly selected to perform drunkenly on stage, making each performance a treat for all. If you’re in the mood for a comedy, check out Mu ch Ado About Nothing, and if you’re in the mood for tragedy, don’t miss Romeo and Juliet, with tickets available on TodayTix all season long! Whichever play you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the classic Bard in a modern, hazy light.

3. See a teenage take on Richard III

ASP — Photo Credit: Actors’ Shakespeare Project

It feels so good to be bad, and that’s exactly what students are learning at Actors’ Shakespeare Project in Somerville at their annual month-long Summer Youth Intensive. This year’s ASP participants are performing RICHARD III, a play well-known for its compelling protagonist slash ultimate villain. From design to performance, many aspects of this production are created by this year’s ASP youth, meaning passion for the art of Shakespeare is being fostered at a young age. Public performances run from July 26 to July 29, so get your tickets soon!

4. Take a mini road trip

The city can get hot and stuffy in the summer, so why not escape for a bit? Take a road trip to the Berkshires, where you’ll find Shakespeare & Company‘s troupe of impeccably-trained actors performing some of Shakespeare’s classic hits, including Cymbeline and A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Fire up your favorite car playlist and bring along some friends for a one-of-a-kind experience!

5. Spend a lazy day at the library

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” In all honesty, some summer days are better spent with a book in your hands and an AC keeping you cool. Or perhaps you’re pining to read some sonnets in the sunlight. Lucky for you, the Boston Public Library not only has you covered on Shakespeare’s classic works, but they also have plenty of perfect indoor and outdoor spots to accommodate your preferences. Sit, relax, and enjoy some quiet time with the Bard!

6. Discover a fresh adaptation of a classic play

We love that Boston has an abundance of colleges and universities in the area, and many of these schools have clubs and programs tailored toward Bard-loving young adults. The MIT Shakespeare Ensemble is one of these clubs, and this summer they’re performing Marina, an adaption of Shakespeare’s Pericles. Performances run from July 21 – 29, and free tickets are available here.

7. Spend some time with Boston’s best theater apprentices

Apprenticeship — Photo Credit: Caroline Cromwell

Each summer, young actors pursuing careers in theater join Commonwealth Shakespeare Company‘s apprentice program to learn from the best. Apprentices perform at various locations in and around Boston throughout July and August, and this year’s performances include Henry IV, Part I and The Tempest. We especially love when they perform at unique venues like The Public Library of Brookline and Menotomy Rocks Park.

8. Give in to summertime sadness

Having a tragically boring summer? Spice it up by checking out Brown Box Theatre Project‘s production of the tragedy Hamlet, playing across Massachusetts from August 11 through August 27. This play is one of Shakespeare’s most powerful pieces, and the fact that these performances are free makes your trip to the theater even sweeter!

9. Prepare for a night of Shakespeare and chill

Whether you spend your summer days at a desk or at the beach, nothing’s better than curling up on the couch and watching a movie. When you can’t make it to the theater, opt for some Shakespeare and chill in the comfort of your own home. If you’re interested in exploring the life of William Shakespeare, Netflix has a documentary called Shakespeare: The Legacy. And if you’re in the mood to watch a thrilling screen adaptation of a play, there are plenty of films available on Amazon Video, from Macbeth to The Taming of the Shrew. The best part? You won’t have to worry about that lady in the back who always forgets to put her phone on silent!

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