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Where To Enjoy Shakespeare In OC

From concerts to plays and festivals to poetry readings, Shakespeare is alive and well in Orange County. The events below give you and your family an opportunity to explore and experience the legendary works of Shakespeare no matter your budget; some of the events are even free.

Shakespeare By The Sea
777 Centre St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 217-7596
www.shakespearebythesea.org

Shakespeare by the Sea provides Orange County and surrounding areas with quality Shakespearean theater performances for free. Performing up to 36 shows each summer, Shakespeare by the Sea has become a popular event attracting thousands of people to each show. Picnic or "decadent dining" food options are even available to enhance your theater experience (check out the website for more information). This non-profit organization also travels to educate others about the artistic contributions of Shakespeare through the program SWISS (Shaking it up with Shakespeare). Learn more about the fun, engaging SWISS activities that help immerse many into the world of Shakespeare here.

Shakespeare Festival
Mysterium Theater
19211 Dodge Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 505-3454
mysteriumshop.com

The Mysterium Theater showcases a variety of theater performances in Orange County. From dance to comedy and concerts to literary classics, it's no surprise that the theater will be hosting a Shakespeare Festival this summer from June until August. Some of the Shakespearean works that will be performed include "Romeo and Juliet," "Comedy of Errors" and "Macbeth." Get your tickets and check out the theater's diverse schedule here.

Related: Best Free Art Activities In Orange County

"Falstaff"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714)556-2787
Date: Nov. 26, 2013
www.scfta.org

This Shakespearean concert composed of comedy and romance is sure to be entertaining. Performed in English and Italian, "Falstaff" tells the story of a man pursuing two married women simultaneously and highlights the pandemonium that goes along with it. The cast includes entertainers from all over the world such as: Roberto Frontali, Ekaterina Sadovnikova, Marco Caria and Ronnita Nicole Miller. Get to the show at 6:30 p.m. to take part in a free talk to preface the show.

Shakespeare Orange County
Festival Amphitheater
12762 Main St.
Garden Grove CA 92840
(714) 590-1575
www.shakespeareoc.org

For more than 20 years, Shakespeare Orange County has provided the area with sensational theater performances. Devoting the performance schedule to the classics, Shakespeare Orange County serves as an ideal destination for Shakespeare lovers. The 2013 season will feature Shakespearean plays "Macbeth" and "Twelfth Night or What You Will." Click here to see some of the cast members from past performances in action.

Poetry Readings
The Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe
125 N. Broadway Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-8840
www.gypsyden.com

Get your poetry reading on at The Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe on the first Tuesday of every month. Share some of your own works or pick your favorite poem by Shakespeare to share with the audience. The artistic, eclectic vibe, gourmet food choices and comprehensive beverage selection help make The Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe a cozy, comfortable spot. Check out the menu and learn about the other Gypsy Den locations throughout Orange County on the website.

Related: Best Movie Theaters In Orange County

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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