The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison is offering audiences a rare opportunity to see one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies from an entirely new perspective. On Saturday, September 20, at 11:30 a.m., the theatre will host a special backstage tour centered around Romeo and Juliet, focusing on the art of stage combat and the behind-the-scenes work that makes the production come alive.
Stage combat is far more than swordplay or dramatic clashes—it is an intricate blend of choreography, storytelling, and emotion. The technique allows actors to create the illusion of danger while maintaining complete safety, giving audiences a thrilling experience without risking real harm. For Romeo and Juliet, fight sequences are pivotal. The heated duel between Mercutio and Tybalt, followed by the consequential battle between Tybalt and Romeo, serve as turning points that transform a love story into a tragedy.
The tour, led by Director of Production Steven Beckel, will give attendees insight into how these powerful moments are staged. Participants will learn about the training actors undergo to master their moves, how timing and precision are essential to sell the realism, and the way combat contributes to Shakespeare’s storytelling. The session offers a fascinating look at how physical performance is carefully designed to heighten drama and emotion onstage.
Running between 75 and 90 minutes, the experience will go beyond stage combat. Guests will also gain a deeper appreciation for the collaboration involved in a professional production, from the technical crews who coordinate lighting and sound to the creative teams shaping the narrative. For theatre fans, students, or anyone curious about what it takes to mount a classic on stage, this tour provides an educational and entertaining peek behind the curtain.
Tickets are currently on sale, priced between $14 and $22, making the event both accessible and worthwhile. The theatre encourages those interested to secure seats in advance, as backstage tours often sell out quickly due to the limited number of participants they can accommodate.
The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre has built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s premier cultural venues, regularly producing acclaimed performances that bring Shakespeare and other classics to life for modern audiences. This backstage tour of Romeo and Juliet adds another dimension, allowing audiences to not only enjoy the performance but also to understand the craftsmanship that makes it possible.
For those eager to explore more about this performance and upcoming cultural events in the Garden State, you can find details through Explore New Jersey’s Romeo and Juliet Event Guide.
As Shakespeare’s timeless story unfolds onstage, this behind-the-scenes experience allows audiences to witness how tragedy, love, and conflict are elevated by the careful artistry of stage combat and stagecraft. For one morning only, the spotlight shifts from the actors to the craft itself, offering a unique way to experience the magic of live theatre.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey: A Cultural Landmark with Stages Indoors and Out
For decades, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has been a cornerstone of the state’s cultural life, bringing world-class productions of Shakespeare and other classics to audiences from across the Garden State and beyond. What makes this theatre company especially unique is its range of venues, each offering a distinct experience for audiences while maintaining the theatre’s reputation for excellence.
The company’s primary indoor stage is the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, located on the scenic campus of Drew University in Madison. Situated at 36 Madison Avenue, this theatre provides a traditional performance setting, complete with professional lighting, sound, and stage design. The F.M. Kirby Theatre has become a hub for classic and contemporary works, delivering powerful performances year-round in a venue that blends historic charm with modern amenities.
In contrast, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey also offers audiences an open-air experience at its Outdoor Stage, a striking Greek-style amphitheater on the campus of Saint Elizabeth University in Morris Township. Located at 2 Convent Road in Morristown, the Outdoor Stage provides a completely different atmosphere, where performances take place under the summer sky. This venue is especially popular during the warmer months, inviting families, students, and theatre lovers to enjoy live performances in a relaxed setting that celebrates both art and nature.
The theatre company also operates a third location, the Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory in Florham Park, which functions as its administrative and production facility. While not open to the public for performances, the Theatre Factory is vital to the company’s operations, serving as the creative workshop where sets are built, costumes are designed, and productions take shape before arriving on stage.
This three-location structure gives the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey flexibility and reach, enabling it to offer diverse programming across different settings. Audiences can choose the intimacy of the F.M. Kirby Theatre, the fresh-air vibrancy of the Outdoor Stage, or appreciate the behind-the-scenes artistry made possible at the Theatre Factory.
Events like the upcoming Romeo and Juliet performances showcase why the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues to draw audiences from across the state. Whether through indoor productions that highlight the precision of stagecraft or outdoor performances that immerse viewers in Shakespeare’s timeless language against the backdrop of nature, each staging offers a new way to experience classic works.
Beyond its productions, the theatre has earned recognition as one of the state’s most respected arts organizations. It not only stages celebrated performances but also supports educational initiatives, workshops, and tours that deepen public engagement with theatre. For students, aspiring actors, and lifelong lovers of the arts, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey provides opportunities to learn, participate, and connect with the enduring power of live performance.
With venues in Madison, Morristown, and Florham Park, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey represents a statewide cultural treasure. Its dedication to making Shakespeare accessible and engaging for new generations, while honoring the traditions of the past, cements its role as one of the most important artistic institutions in New Jersey.
