Shakespeare Opera Theatre

Shakespeare Opera Theatre originated and still performs every summer in the Northern Piedmont in The Plains at Grace Episcopal Church. The church generously supplies a gorgeous and historic performance space at no cost to Shakespeare Opera Theatre. But we also need your help and support.

Your donations help cover transporting and maintaining our set pieces, costumes, and props, and also paying our support personnel and, of course, our wonderful international artists who bring the magic directly to you, right where you live. 

Your gifts also help support affordable tickets for all in the region to experience the beauty of cultural arts, together.  

11-20 July 2025 | Shakespeare + Gounod | Romeo and Juliet 

In English and French with English surtitles | Appropriate for Ages 7+ | 2 hr 45 including intermission

Shakespeare Opera Theatre brings you another unforgettable afternoon or evening of classical performing arts on an intimate scale with Romeo and Juliet. Revisit the iconic story and share it with loved ones who might be experiencing it for the first time. Two young lovers challenge deadly family rivalries, confronting feelings of hope and heartbreak in their search for connection. Combining the power of Charles Gounod’s French opera with the intensity of Shakespeare’s play in English (with English supertitles to keep you in step with every moment), this performance delivers heart-stopping excitement and beauty at every turn. Our general admission table seating (starting 30 minutes before the performance) ensconces you in the action. Complement the evening with a scrumptious selection of French and Italian-inspired food and drink, available before and during the show.

Fri* 11 July 2025 | 7:30pm | St. Thomas Episcopal Church | 8991 Brook Road, McLean, VA 22102

Sat 12 July 2025 | 7:30pm | St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Sun 13 July 2025 | 4:00pm | St. Thomas Episcopal Church | Q & A and discussion with experts after this performance, FREE

Mon 14 July** 2025 | 7:30pm | St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Fri* 18 July 2025 | 7:30pm | Grace Episcopal Church | 6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA 20198

Sat 19 July 2025 | 7:30pm | Grace Episcopal Church

Sun 20 July 2025 | 5:00pm | Grace Episcopal Church

* Fridays are Pay What You Will (Will Shakespeare, that is!), or pay regular price

**It's BASTILLE DAY! Throw caution to the wind and yell "let them eat cake!" Wear your Marie Antoinette/Les Miserables finery (if you dare), and complete your Bastille Day celebration with a complimentary glass of bubbly!

About Our Company 2025 marks Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s 10th season, and we are excited to continue on in our mission to provide acclaimed, accessible and intimate performances of classic works to audiences in the DMV and beyond. SOT specializes in presenting emerging and seasoned professional artists from all over the world who are vital to the high quality productions our audiences have come to expect. We are also proud to offer opportunities to learn about performing and working in all areas of production to exceptional high school and college students.

Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X, and share our posts and events, join our mailing list at shakespeareoperatheatre.com  and share our newsletters and other communiques. Most importantly, share your good word of mouth, which is our best advertisement. In helping boost our visibility and showing you care about classical performing arts for all, you become an integral part of our mission. Please help us make a difference in our world by bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to explore and enjoy the wonders of classical performing arts.

Thank you for sustaining us through ten magical seasons—with your support, we look forward to many more!

Dr. Lori Lind | Artistic & Managing Director

Dr. Lisa Bloy | Associate Artistic Director

Andrew Kraus | Assistant Artistic Director

Lauren Armstrong, Gene Allen | Executive Producers

Tammy Rogers, Terri Whitticar, Rick Knight, Wade Smith | Associate Producers

Names in bold live in the Piedmont Region