You Don’t Need a PhD to Enjoy Shakespeare (We Promise)
Let’s get this out of the way first: Shakespeare did not write his plays for scholars.
Insert GASP
He wrote them for regular people who wanted entertainment, gossip, romance, and the occasional sword fight.
If Shakespeare feels intimidating, you’re not alone, but you’re also not underqualified.
What You Don’t Need
You don’t need:
A literature degree
Knowledge of British history
To understand every single word
Seriously. None of those are required.
What Actually Helps
What does matter:
Strong actors telling a clear story
Emotions you can see and hear
Comedy, conflict, and relationships you recognize
Think of Shakespeare like a great TV show with poetic dialogue.
You don’t analyze every line; you follow the story.
How to Watch Shakespeare Like a Pro
Listen for emotion, not perfection
Watch how characters treat each other
Laugh when it’s funny (because it is)
If you miss a word or two, congratulations—you’re experiencing Shakespeare exactly as intended.
Bottom Line
No PhD.
No pressure.
Just show up and enjoy the ride.
Ready to give Shakespeare a try?
Come see Twelfth Night January 23 - February 1, 2026 at the Von Braun Center Playhouse.