The Folger Spotlight

The New Year is fast approaching! Before we welcome 2017, let’s take a moment to look back at what 2016 looked like at the Folger Theatre. From mischievous sprites to lost manuscripts, Austen dance parties to sheep-stealing hijinks, and everything…

Visitors to the Folger have long been used to seeing actors and musicians on stage demonstrating their talents through words, song, and movement. What’s less usual is an opportunity to learn how these artists prepare to go on, and rarer still is…

Tending to the flock, stealing sheep, walking to Bethlehem, playing the music that underscores it all…the company of The Second Shepherds’ Play does this and more, night after night. It’s no wonder, then, that such a hectic schedule helps them work…

There’s lights on the bushes, garlands festooning the balcony, and poinsettias in the lobby—it’s Christmas at the Folger Theatre for certain! Complimenting the festive spirit, The Second Shepherds’ Play continues performances, charming holiday audiences with its humor and heart in a story…

We visited The Second Shepherds’ Play while they were rehearsing ‘Somerset Wassail,’ but that is only one of the beautiful, festive songs which appears in this production. Today, we hear from Folger Consort Co-Artistic Director Robert Eisenstein, and give you an…

But what exactly IS The Second Shepherds’ Play? Continuing with our countdown to the first performance on November 27th, here are some thoughts on the play from adaptor/director Mary Hall Surface, including why she chose to this story to adapt and what makes this medieval…

Yesterday, we introduced you to the talented ladies and gentlemen who are working hard to bring The Second Shepherds’ Play to life. Today, we take you inside the rehearsal room for a quick peak at what actually happens when our cast…

This week, Folger Spotlight will be giving you glimpses into preparations forThe Second Shepherds’ Play, which begins performances this Sunday, November 27. Folger Spotlight already gave you a sneak peak at the puppet stars of the show. Now, say hello to the humans who…

Folger Consort’s production of The Second Shepherds’ Play begins performances November 27th. Appearing alongside the talented actors, singers, and musicians on the Folger stage are a number of puppets that help bring this farcical medieval comedy to life. Folger Spotlight chatted…

Actor Louis Butelli is traveling the world in Gravedigger’s Tale as part of the First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare tour. Read an update from his travels below! Hello again, friends, from your intrepid Gravedigger, Louis Butelli. Believe it or not,…

The exhibition Will & Jane: Shakespeare, Austen, and the Cult of Celebrity comes to a close on Sunday. Here are five highlights you won’t want to miss before they leave! “THE SHIRT” Perhaps no item in the exhibition has received…

With Halloween here, we asked the cast of Sense and Sensibility about superstitions and how they protect themselves against ill luck in the theater. Find out which tricks (and treats) they use to make sure the show goes on! Featuring:…