The Outdoor Stage

The Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown (at the Convent Station train stop). The grass-and-stone amphitheater, inspired by the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, is one of the only theatres of its kind in the United States that hosts a professional theatre company. It debuted as a new performance space for the company in 2002.

The venue accommodates approximately 500 audience members. Seating is general admission. The Outdoor Stage opens 30 minutes before the performance. Prior to this, the large lawn surrounding the amphitheater is open — an ideal spot for picnicking. Audience members may bring their own food and beverages, or purchase snacks and soft drinks onsite. Patrons are encouraged to bring low-backed beach chairs, stadium seats, or blankets into the amphitheater.

Please Note: Productions on The Outdoor Stage are made possible through continued collaboration with Saint Elizabeth University, who generously allow The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey their amphitheater for our outdoor performances each summer. Any inquiry regarding future use of the amphitheater should be directed to Saint Elizabeth University.

2025 Season Announcement

The Shakespeare Theatre will not be presenting a production on The Outdoor Stage this season.

“We’re heartbroken to have to lose the Outdoor Stage this season, but it is a sad necessity,” says Brian B. Crowe, Artistic Director.  “In the last two seasons alone, we lost over a quarter of our performances due to extreme heat and rain. The reduced income did not, however, reduce our expenses. The combined increase in expenses and challenging weather conditions has made the program untenable at this time. Our partnership with the wonderful folks at St. Elizabeth University enabled us to bring exciting classic theatre to thousands of families from across the region in a beautiful setting under the stars, and we are deeply grateful to them for that.” 

The Shakespeare Theatre is exploring alternate schedules and funding opportunities that may allow for a return in the future. In the meantime, The Theatre will continue its FREE TIX FOR KIDS program and pre-show picnicking outside the Kirby Theatre with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] in July.