Originally published in 2022. Updated in 2026.

DCPA Education’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot program is returning for its thirteenth season. This spring, two Shakespeare productions will go on tour throughout the community and visit area schools. And these aren’t your typical performances. Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is exactly what it sounds like — stripped-down, abridged versions of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream centered around a pickup truck “set” in the middle of a parking lot.

Shakespeare can be confusing for students half-heartedly reading a script in English class. “Thee” and “thou” can often sound like a foreign language. To make theatre not only accessible, but also exciting, the productions travel to area schools and facilitate interactive workshops with students. These workshops break down elements of the plays and transform them into modern day situations, relating to issues students face every day such as peer pressure and loyalty. By bringing these plays to life and engaging the students in discussion, debate, and games, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is an invaluable resource for area educators.  

From April 18 through May 9, the program will go on tour throughout the community. This season, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot will be visiting four community partners. Attend a performance near you this spring! The tour will visit Aurora, Denver, Greenwood Village, and Lakewood . These performances are free and open to the public. Visit our website for more details coming soon. 

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Morgridge Family Foundation, UCHealth, Genesee Mountain Foundation, and the Riverfront Park Community Foundation. Midwest.