One of our favorite parts about the month of September (and yes, we have many) is the return of the Brown Box Theatre Project. Each year, Artistic Director and Ocean City native Kyler Taustin brings his Boston-based theatre group to Delmarva in an effort to bolster the local arts scene by providing free, outdoor Shakespeare performances. This will be the fifth year for the Delmarva addition of Shakespeare in the Park, with performances of The Taming of the Shrew scheduled from September 3 through September 20.

Brown Box Theatre began in 2009 in New York City, before relocating to its home base in Boston. The project’s namesake was borne from the notion of packing everything up in a brown box and taking it with you everywhere you go. That is exactly what Taustin has done with his Theatre Project. The Shakespeare shows – set and all – fit entirely in a horse trailer, while the smaller shows crammed in the back of a pick-up truck with actors fitting snuggly in the cab. No matter where or what show they are performing, the close-knit group travels in tight quarters, bringing enthusiasm, passion for their craft, and of course, talent.

By bringing the Brown Box performances to the Eastern Shore, Taustin aims to strengthen his mission statement – to bring theater back to the streets and back to the people. Celebrating its fifth year, it’s safe to say that the locals enjoy the concept. Number of attendees increase each year, as spectators flock to the outdoor venues for the free performances. Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Salisbury, Rehoboth…a majority of our local towns host the performers, providing ample opportunity to check out the show:

September 3 – REHOBOTH BEACH
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum

September 4 – SNOW HILL
Sturgis Park

September 5 – BERLIN
Main street

September 6 – OCEAN CITY
Sunset Park

September 8 – PRINCESS ANNE
Teackle Mansion

September 9 – OCEAN PINES
White Horse Park
*rain location is inside the gym at the park

September 10 – POCOMOKE CITY
Cypress Park

September 11 – ST. MICHAELS
Muskrat Park

September 12 – CHESAPEAKE CITY
Pell Gardens
**This performance will begin at 8:30pm**

September 16 – QUEEN ANNE’S
Matapeake Beach & Clubhouse

September 18 – LEWES
Lewes Public Library

September 19 – OCEAN CITY
Town of Ocean City Northside Park
*rain location is indoors at the same address

September 20 – SALISBURY
Pemberton Hall

In addition to Shakespeare in the Park, Brown Box Theatre also travels to Ocean City throughout the year to partner with the Art League of Ocean City for ticketed performances. Be sure to look for upcoming dates and performances on our site. In the meantime, make your plans to see The Taming of the Shrew!