Folger Theatre Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival

Folger Theatre has announced the full lineup for its fourth annual Reading Room Festival, a four-day public celebration exploring how Shakespeare’s works are translated, adapted, and reimagined for the modern stage, taking place January 22–25, 2026, at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The festival will feature fully staged readings that highlight the natural connection between Shakespeare and music, with new works and adaptations by Alexa Babakhanian, Alberto Bonilla, Barbara Fuchs, and Marcus Gardley, alongside post-show conversations led by critics and scholars. Additional programming includes hands-on creative workshops, gallery talks, panel discussions, and special events designed to bring artists, scholars, and the public together. Highlights include the free opening night discussion “Shakespeare as a Starting Point” with Signature Theatre, a family-friendly reading of Fuente Ovejuna with a pre-show crafting workshop, and the interactive “Seven Ages of Music” community workshop. More than 40 DC-area actors and musicians will participate, with tickets for most events priced at $20, limited All-Access Passes available for $125, and free student rush tickets offered before each reading. Click HERE to purchase your tickets and see the full line up.