Bardalicious Improv

06/04/2026

We really enjoy bringing our unique 20 minute improv format we call "A Play Within a Play". In it, a hapless Bard attempts to herd actors through their complaining and an improvised 20 minute play. We didn't plan the design to be a feature is Shakespeare's plays but when we recognized it emerge from our experiments we knew we had to develop it. Test your knowledge of the plays with plays.

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC.

05/05/2026

An interesting take on how improvisation in different forms has often been key to engaging audiences in the performances.

Illegal plays, rowdy taverns, and "guerrilla" comedy. Discover how 17th-century "Drolls" became the original short-form improv during a total ban on theatre.

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

We had an absolutely magical day performing at Agecroft Hall as part of their Shakespeare Birthday celebrations. It was a joy playing to such engaged audiences who provided us with characters, plot twists and sound effects. One small lass I refer to as "The Little Fairy of the Fallen Leaves" would appear in the middle of performances with offerings of leaves which we of course made part of the plays. Thanks to the weather gods for smiling upon the day. Thanks to Jill Pesesky, Curator of Education and team for allowing us to a part of the festivities.
Thank you GeGe Ellenburg Beall , Kate Simonsen, Susan Scovill , Susan Weatherford and Guy Winterbotham for bringing the silly.

📸: HT to Carolyn Chenoweth for the pictures.

04/23/2026

Happy 462nd Birthday William Shakespeare! Of all the famous people that have lived so few are known for how they lifted the mind and spirit.

Most go down for how they bought humanity down.

And if someone called you an Upstart Crow, what would it be for? Do you think your legacy would last for 500yrs?

04/22/2026

We were honored to put on a special play for the residents of The Virginia Home. The power of story and play through improv made for a engaging show, full of laughs, music, twists and turns.

04/22/2026

We are so excited to be collaborating with Agecroft Hall to bring some fun and play to Shakespeare's Birthday. Shows at 1:30,2:30 and 4PM in the courtyard. Guy Winterbotham will also be channeling the Bard during the day's finale.

04/17/2026

We are such great admirers of The Improvised Shakespeare Company . We're excited to hear how they create their magic on this Folger Shakespeare Library podcast.

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC.

04/01/2026

Thinking of Friday 's show when this popped up:
We've also been doing research into how our improv reaches back through time. Enough so we are thinking of doing some blog posts. Great to see The Improvised Shakespeare Company bringing awareness of early improv inspiration to the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC.

03/10/2026

This Thursday, March 12th from 7-9pm, unleash your inner Shakespeare with a bit of history and a lot of fun in this interactive workshop by Bardalicious Improv, Richmond’s Rude Mechanicals of Improvised Shakespeare!

Sir Guy and Lady Kate will show you how to create your own Shakespearean character through language and movement—no sets, scripts, or previous experience required. All activities are fully adaptable to accommodate various mobility needs and preferences.

Participants will explore playful exercises inspired by the practices of travelling players, learning simple ways to shape language so it sounds more Shakespearean, embody characters drawn from the Bard’s works, and discover how action and voice work together to create compelling scenes. The session will culminate in placing these characters into short scenes, revealing how a play can emerge organically through improvisation.

Designed for participants ages 18 and up, this workshop at Agecroft Hall will be limited to 15 participants to allow for an intimate, collaborative experience.

Details and registration at https://www.agecrofthall.org/events/bardalicious-workshop-03-12-26