ONLINE: This course invites participants to explore the plays featured in the American Shakespeare Center’s 2026 spring and summer seasons — "Twelfth Night," "The Hound of the Baskervilles," "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," "As You Like It" and "Our Town." Each session will provide historical and contemporary context for one of these productions, offering a richer understanding of its origins and relevance today. Through lively, discussion-based meetings, students will delve into the history of each play and its author, trace its performance legacy and gain behind-the-scenes insights into the ASC’s current interpretations. Along the way, we’ll consider how each work connects to current events, cultural conversations and timeless human themes. Guest speakers — including members of the cast, directors and others — will join some sessions. By the end of the series, participants will come away with a deeper knowledge of both the plays themselves and the creative artists bringing them to life. | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 30.
Aubrey Whitlock is the director of education programs at the American Shakespeare Center. She holds a B.A. in theater arts from UC Santa Cruz, an M.A. in teaching from Chapman University and an M.Litt. and MFA in Shakespeare and performance from Mary Baldwin University. A former English and drama teacher, she has also worked as an actor, stage manager, director and dramaturg. She has been teaching the Inside Plays series in her capacity as education director for the past two years.