BARDATHON
BARDATHON 2027
One Play. Many Schools. One Extraordinary Day.
Wednesday, March 24, 2027
Virginia Museum of History & Culture | Richmond, Virginia
Registration: $150 per school
Imagine an entire Shakespeare play brought to life by students from schools across Virginia—each school contributing its own creativity, interpretation, and energy to one shared theatrical experience.
That's Bardathon!
Presented by Richmond Shakespeare, Bardathon is an annual celebration of Shakespeare, collaboration, and the next generation of theatre artists. Students from participating high schools work together—often without ever rehearsing together beforehand—to bring a complete Shakespeare play to the stage in a single unforgettable day.
In 2027, Bardathon moves to a new home at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, bringing this unique theatrical tradition to one of Richmond's most celebrated cultural institutions.
What Is Bardathon?
Bardathon brings together high school theatre programs from across the region to collaborate on a single Shakespeare play.
Each participating school is assigned a scene from the selected play in the fall. Over the following months, students rehearse and develop their scenes with the guidance of a faculty sponsor, bringing their own artistic choices, staging, and interpretation to Shakespeare's words.
Then, in the spring, everyone comes together.
One school takes the stage, then another, then another—until the entire play unfolds before an audience, performed by students who have spent months preparing their individual pieces of the story.
The result is a Shakespeare production unlike any other: a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the many ways a single story can be told.
What Is Bardathon Day Like?
🎭 A Day of Theatre, Discovery, and Collaboration!
Bardathon is more than just a performance. It's a full day of creativity, camaraderie, and Shakespeare, bringing together theatre students from across the region for a truly unique experience.
🎬 Morning: Bringing It All Together
The day begins with students and teachers arriving at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for technical rehearsals. Each school has an opportunity to get comfortable in the performance space, work through entrances and exits, and make any final adjustments before the afternoon's performance.
It's the first time all the pieces of the play begin to come together!
🥪 Lunchtime: Making Connections
After a busy morning of rehearsals, everyone breaks for lunch. But this isn't just a chance to refuel—it's one of the most exciting parts of Bardathon!
Students have the opportunity to mingle with fellow theatre enthusiasts from high schools across the region, share experiences, make new friends, and connect with others who share their passion for performing.
For many participants, these connections are just as memorable as the performance itself.
🎭 Afternoon: The Main Event!
Following lunch, the performance begins!
One school takes the stage, then another, then another, each presenting its assigned scene in the order of the play. Every group brings its own interpretation, creativity, and energy to Shakespeare's words.
Some scenes may be traditional, others contemporary, comedic, dramatic, or completely unexpected. Together, they create one extraordinary production that no single school could have made alone.
👏 The Final Curtain: One Play, One Community
By the end of the afternoon, students from schools across the region have accomplished something remarkable: they've brought an entire Shakespeare play to life together.
There are no winners or losers, just a shared celebration of theatre, collaboration, and the next generation of Shakespeare performers.
Students leave with new friendships, fresh inspiration, and the experience of being part of something much bigger than their own school production.
Why Bardathon Matters
At Richmond Shakespeare, we believe Shakespeare belongs to everyone.
Bardathon is built around a simple idea: students learn Shakespeare best by bringing it to life.
Through the program, students develop confidence in performing classical text, strengthen their understanding of Shakespeare's language, and discover the power of storytelling through collaboration.
Just as importantly, Bardathon creates a community where students celebrate one another's work regardless of their experience, resources, or artistic background.
There are no winners or losers. Just students, Shakespeare, and the joy of making theatre together.
A Richmond Shakespeare Tradition
The first Bardathon took place on April 16, 2010, at the Gottwald Playhouse in Richmond's downtown performing arts center. Since then, the program has brought generations of young theatre artists together to explore Shakespeare through performance.
In 2027, Bardathon begins an exciting new chapter at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, connecting the enduring works of Shakespeare with a space dedicated to the stories, history, and culture of Virginia.
Bardathon is made possible through ongoing annual support from the Dill Family Foundation.
Register Your School for Bardathon 2027!
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2027
Location: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA
Registration Fee: $150 per participating school
Bring your students, your creativity, and your love of Shakespeare!
Contact Richmond Shakespeare Education Manager Amber Martinez to register your school or learn more about Bardathon 2027.