Geva Theatre Center

Geva Theatre Center, Rochester’s leading professional theatre, has been at the cultural heart of the Genesee Valley for 39 years. Offering the very best in live theatre, from fresh looks at classics and musicals to lively comedies and powerful, thought-provoking dramas, Geva has something for everyone. Founded in 1972, Geva attracts over 180,000 patrons annually, including more than 20,000 students. The 552-seat Elaine P. Wilson mainstage offers a wide variety of shows, from musicals to reinvigorated American and world classics. Geva draws upon the talent of the actors, directors, designers, and writers from around the country who are shaping the American theatre scene. Geva Theatre Center also offers a wide variety of educational, community, and literary programs designed to enrich and deepen the theatre-going experience for the current audience; provide access and affordable theatre to the Rochester community, including thousands of area students; develop new plays and playwrights; and nurture the audiences and artists of the next generation.

As part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, Geva Theatre will produce A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will engage more than 4,000 students from grades 2-12 in educational activities designed to connect them to the power of Shakespeare’s words. Geva’s P.L.A.Y. Program (Performance = Literature + Art + You) offers students and teachers a 360-degree immersion in the theatre experience. Students will be engaged through a half-hour, pre-show “Prologue Talk,” post-show talkbacks with the cast, in-depth Discovery study guides, teacher workshops, and student workshops designed to inspire students and create “ownership” of Shakespeare.