Photo credit: Mikki Schaffner

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is already taking bold steps forward with their new facility at the Otto M. Budig Theater. They explored incredible new heights—sometimes literally—with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Dracula" in their new space. Now, they're innovating in a new direction.

CSC's new Playdate program provides artist-led, interactive childcare at the Otto M. Budig theater while parents enjoy the show. Activities range from Shakespeare Storytime (ever see a LEGO version of a Shakespeare play? Your kids will!), to theater games and crafts. Playdate customizes the activities for each production, so even your four-year old can join in the discussion on the ride home.

Photo credit: Mikki Schaffner

This innovative new program is open to potty-trained children, ages 4-12. The cost is $15 per child, but Cincinnati Shakespeare Company subscribers and ArtsWave Pass holders can take advantage of the service for free!

Playdates are available for two Sunday matinee performances in the middle of each show’s run. Remaining dates for the season are below:

- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: November 26 and December 3
- Every Christmas Story Ever Told: December 31
- Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: February 4 and 11
- Othello: March 11 and 18
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: April 22
- Noises Off: May 27 and June 3

Each Playdate begins one half hour before curtain—1:30 p.m. on matinee days—and ends 15 minutes after the show. Kids participate in activities conducted by CSC resident artists with a CPR certified childcare professional onsite.

Photo credit: Mikki Schaffner

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is setting a new bar for the Cincinnati arts scene with their Playdate program. Not only are they fueling creativity and learning for the kids taking part, but they're deepening the roots of young parents in the region by giving them a golden opportunity to participate in a vibrant arts scene while avoiding the frantic search for a sitter.