Shakespeare Center and local libraries team up to provide free shows to residents

STAUNTON – Would you like to see a show at the American Shakespeare Center, but you’re short on extra cash? A new library program might be able to help.

Residents with a Valley Libraries card in good standing will be able to check out a pass for two free seats for two shows at the American Shakespeare Center each season.

Valley Libraries is the system connecting the Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro libraries to one another. The libraries in the system will each offer two seasonal culture passes to the Blackfriars Playhouse. According to the press release, the pass will allow borrowers to book two free seats to two shows chosen by the American Shakespeare Center.

“We are thrilled to partner with the American Shakespeare Center to help make theater more accessible to our community members. Taking down that financial barrier for some residents will be an important way for them to engage with the arts and perfectly aligns with our libraries’ missions,” said Staunton Public Library Director Sarah Skrobis.

Borrowers can use the passes online by entering a code during checkout or by coming to the showing in person with the tickets. The passes can be checked out for two weeks at a time. Holds and renewals are not allowed. The shows will only be available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.

“We believe in the power of live theater to bring communities together, and we're eager to partner with the Valley Libraries to make our performances more accessible and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts in our region,” said Stephanie Cabacoy, Director of Marketing & Interim Director of Development for the American Shakespeare Center.

More information about the libraries can be found on their respective websites: www.augustacountylibrary.org/ , www.StauntonLibrary.org , www.waynesboro.va.us/Library .

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com . Subscribe to us at newsleader.com .

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Shakespeare Center and local libraries team up to provide free shows to residents