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Great Classical Music & World-Class Theatre: Staunton Music Festival & American Shakespeare Center

Program Number: 19901RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/20/2012 - 8/24/2012; 8/19/2013 - 8/23/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Staunton, Virginia
Price starting at: $583.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Music Appreciation; History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Join us for the nationally acclaimed Staunton Music Festival, presenting an extraordinary variety of great music in Historic District venues throughout this lovely town. Rehearsals, classes and concerts range from chamber music to medieval chant, baroque to classical orchestra masterpieces, emerging composers, international musicians and world premieres. Study Shakespeare's craft with American Shakespeare Center scholars, go behind the scenes with actors, and attend an evening performance at the unique Blackfriars Playhouse.




Highlights

• Attend classes led by musicologists that highlight the arrangements, interpretations and performance of Festival music.
• Go on a private, behind-the-scenes exploration of the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater.
• Enjoy free time to explore Staunton’s quaint downtown region — a National Historic District.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1.5 miles, some hills; some stairs.




Date Specific Information

8-20-2012

The evening concert for Wed Aug 22 is "Rule Britannia," with works by V. Williams, Beethoven, Britten, Ornstein, Handel, Maxwell Davies, and Elgar. Noon concerts include on Aug 21 an Organ Recital with Bach, Bohm, Reger, and Schrader; Aug 22 "Life Times," with Songs and Horn Trio; and Aug 23 "Janacek's World." The performance at Blackfriars Playhouse on Aug 23 will be "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare.



8-19-2013

The performance at Blackfriars Playhouse will be Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Virginia Commonwealth University.




Staunton

Tucked in the heart of the Shenandoah, Staunton is blessed with natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage and 270 years of history. Five National Historic Districts display outstanding architecture, while the American Shakespeare Center and its re-creation of Shakespeare's original Blackfriars Playhouse showcase the best of the Bard.
Accommodations
Historic hotel in downtown Staunton with heated indoor pool.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Sarah Enloe
Sarah Enloe, director of education at the American Shakespeare Center, has an MFA in dramaturgy and a master of letters in teaching from Mary Baldwin's Masters in Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature, and a BFA in theatre studies from the University of Texas. She has directed “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” “Love's Labour's Lost” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” Sarah teaches at Mary Baldwin College and James Madison.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Stonewall Jackson Hotel
  Staunton, VA 4 nights
 Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Stonewall Jackson is a fully remodeled, full-service luxury hotel in the Colonial Revival style hotel, with custom interiors and warm finishes, recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a winner of the Great American Main Street Award. A one-of-a-kind 1924 Wurlitzer organ/piano graces the ballroom. Hotel is located next to the Blackfriars Playhouse and one-half block from Beverley Street, Staunton's main downtown street with restaurants, boutiques and bookstores.
  Contact info: 24 South Market Street
Staunton, VA 24401 USA
phone: 540-885-4848
web: www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com
  Room amenities: High speed internet access, telephones with data port and voice mail, cable TV, coffeepots, hair dryers, iron and ironing boards in all rooms.
  Facility amenities: Hotel has a business center, guest laundry, fitness facility, and indoor pool with a whirlpool, restaurant, lounge and lobby bar.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Based on season & availability Based on season and availability
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: Based on season & availability Based on season and availability
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:30-5:00 PM in lobby for Road Scholar registration. Note: Your room may not be available until 3:30. You will be staying at Stonewall Jackson Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Room check-out is 11:00 am. You will be staying at Stonewall Jackson Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: Those allergic to bees should carry their own bee sting kit as immediate medical assistance may not be available.
  Parking availability:
Parking available at the city parking lot underneath the hotel. Parking is $4-$5 per day. Entry to parking from Route 250 and from New Street. Elevators available from the parking lot into hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Staunton, VA
  Nearest city or town:  Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft
  Nearest highway: I-81(north-south) and I-64 (east-west), US Rt 11
  Nearest airport:  Weyers Cave
  From End of Program
  Location: Staunton, VA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Shuttle to Harrisonburg
phone: 540-234-8304
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $30-$65
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
   

If 3 or less, shuttle is by car: total cost of trip is approximately $30 one way or $50 RT (this is not a per-person cost, it is a per-trip cost). For 4-12 people, shuttle is by minibus: RT cost is approximately $65 total.
 
Driving Directions
  From the East on I-64, from Richmond, Norfolk, VA Beach, Williamsburg Take I-64 west to I-81 north (64 joins 81 below Staunton). Take the next Exit 222, follow signs for Rt 250 west - Richmond Road - which ends at Business Rt 11. Bear right onto Rt 11 but get into the left-hand lane. At the light just after the overpass, turn left onto Greenville and follow signs into downtown. Turn right on South New Street and enter city parking lot on your right. Elevators are marked for access to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel; push button that says "Lobby."
  From the North on I-81, from Maryland, Washington DC Follow I-81 south, take Exit 222 Staunton. Follow signs for Rt 250 west - Richmond Road - which ends at Business Rt 11. Bear right onto Rt 11 but get into the left-hand lane. At the light just after the overpass, turn left onto Greenville and follow signs into downtown. Turn right on South New Street and enter city parking lot on your right. Elevators are marked for access to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel; push button that says "Lobby."
  From the South on I-81, from Roanoke Follow I-81 North to Exit 222 Staunton OR follow Route 11 North and take Business Rt. 11 into Staunton. From I-81 exit 222, follow signs for Rt 250 west - Richmond Road - which ends at Business Rt. 11. Bear right onto Rt 11 but get into the left-hand lane. At the light just after the overpass, turn left onto Greenville and follow signs into downtown. Turn right on South New Street and enter city parking lot on your right. Elevators are marked for access to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel; push button that says "Lobby."
  From the West on US Route 250, from West Virginia Follow Route 250 into Staunton. At Gypsy Hill Park, turn left onto Churchville Avenue. Turn right onto Augusta Street; follow Augusta to Beverley; turn left on East Beverley, turn right on South Market Street; hotel will be on right; follow South Market past the hotel, go down the hill; enter city parking lot on your right at the bottom of the hill. Elevators in the parking lot are marked for access to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel; push button that says "Lobby."


Required innoculations:

Yes: Those allergic to bees should carry their own bee sting kit as immediate medical assistance may not be available.
Equipment Requirements: Comfortable walking shoes, for sure! Umbrellas & outerwear for inclement weather. Field trips take place rain or shine.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival, Registration, Orientation, Introductions
(Monday, August 20)
   
 Afternoon: Welcome to Staunton and your delightful accommodations at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Register for your room any time between 3:30 and 5:00 pm at the hotel lobby desk. You can also register for your program between 3:30 and 5:00 pm at our Road Scholar table in the lobby. Please let us know if you'll be arriving after 5:30 pm .
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel restaurant includes low fat, low salt entrees with options for vegetarians
 Evening: Enjoy an orientation to the program and introductions to your fellow participants in our classroom.
   
Accommodations: Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Music Festival Overview, Noon Concert, Music Class
(Tuesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: This program description includes a sample schedule. The order of classes and activities may be rearranged to accommodate instructors' availability and the final schedule of events for the Music Festival. The city of Staunton, located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, has experienced a cultural and architectural renaissance in less than a decade. Staunton, with its 5 Historic Districts, was designated one of a "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" and called the "poster child" for the Main Street program of the National Trust. The Music Festival, the American Shakespeare Center, Blackfriars Playhouse, your instructors, and your hotel combine to provide this excellent program that celebrates some of the "best of Staunton." In this program, we'll visit some of Staunton's historic buildings when we attend concerts and master classes for its nationally acclaimed Music Festival. We'll also celebrate the "timeless power" of Shakespeare's language and stagecraft at Blackfriars Playhouse. the world's only re-creation of his indoor theatre. This program provides fascinating classes taught by gifted musicologists, scholars and actors and provides a little free time to visit some of the many galleries, boutiques and artisans in Staunton's downtown National Historic District. Class this morning provides an overview of the Staunton Music Festival and the music.
 Lunch: Early lunch in the hotel, before the Noon Concert
 Afternoon: Field trip to one of Staunton's historic churches to attend the Noon Concert. Depending on location, we will walk 4-6 blocks from the hotel to our destination; the concert length is approximately 45 minutes. Class after the concert continues with the Festival overview and focuses on particular segments of the Festival music.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel restaurant includes low fat, low salt entrees with options for vegetarians
 Evening: The evening is free so that you can have an opportunity to enjoy a Music Festival concert on your own. (The complete schedule is available at www.stauntonmusicfestival.com.) Or you may choose another cultural event from the numerous available options. Blackfriars Playhouse may be presenting a different play than the one that we will attend on Thursday. (The schedule will be available at www.americanshakespearecenter.com). A number of bookstores and boutiques are open in the evening, as is the movie theater housed in an historic building. The free town trolley makes 1/2-hour to 45-minute runs to the outskirts of town, to delightful Gypsy Hill Park, and returns through the Historic Districts.
   
Accommodations: Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: All About the Staunton Music Festival, Noon Concert, Young Artist Master Class, Evening Festival Concert
(Wednesday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Class this morning is taught by musicologists/senior music faculty who provide an inside view of the dynamics of the Festival music and how performers work out their varying views of interpretation and presentation. The class will be followed by a noon concert that is part of the Music Festival.
 Lunch: Lunch in the hotel restaurant includes low fat, low salt meals with options for vegetarians
 Afternoon: Walking field trip to a noon concert, location TBA will be within 3-6 blocks of our hotel. Concert length is approximately 45 minutes. After lunch and noon concert, and depending on what is available in the Music Festival schedule, we will attend either a rehearsal or the Young Artist Master Classes, in which established Staunton Music Festival artists guide young artists in their performance and interpretation.
 Dinner: Walk 1-2 blocks to a local restaurant, where we will have low fat, low salt and vegetarian options
 Evening: Attend the evening Music Festival concert: Enjoy the pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm, followed by the concert at 7:30 pm. The schedule of events and arrangements in Festival concerts will be posted on the Road Scholar website/program #19901 and at www.stauntonmusicfestival.com when it becomes available.
   
Accommodations: Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Class, Backstage at Blackfriars Playhouse, Noon Concert, Class, Evening Performance of Shakespeare Play at Blackfriars
(Thursday, August 23)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theatre. The Playhouse is a year-round laboratory and performance venue for actors, students and scholars. Shakespeare's works are performed under their original staging conditions -- on a simple stage, surrounded on three sides by the audience. Thus, actors can see and interact with the audience, the audience can see the actors, and, most importantly, the audience can see each other. This arrangement allows the performers and audience to recreate the festive sense of community in which patrons of Shakespeare's Blackfriars reveled during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. For our class this morning, instructors from the American Shakespeare Center will illuminate the language, acting, staging and play-writing of Shakespeare's day. We'll also have a behind-the-scenes lecture and tour of the Blackfriars Playhouse.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel
 Afternoon: After early lunch, we'll attend the Noon Concert of the Music Festival, held at a location within 3-6 blocks of our hotel. Concert length is approximately 45 minutes. At our mid-afternoon class, instructors from the American Shakespeare Center will discuss the evening's play and its performance.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel
 Evening: Attend a performance of a play by William Shakespeare at the Blackfriars Playhouse, which is located next door to your hotel. The title will be announced when it becomes available. More information about the play, its director, and its actors can be found at www.americanshakespearecenter.com. By following basic principles of Renaissance theatrical production, the American Shakespeare Center provides audiences some of the pleasures that an Elizabethan playgoer would have enjoyed. Shakespeare's actors could see their audience; ASC actors can see you. When actors and audience see one another, they can engage. And audience members can play the roles that Shakespeare wrote for them – whether Cleopatra's court, Henry V's army, or simply the butt of innumerable jokes! The dialogue and action are fast-paced, just as in Shakespeare’s time.
   
Accommodations: Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Program concludes with breakfast
(Friday, August 24)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Due to Staunton’s location in the mountains, the program concludes with breakfast so that participants get a head-start on travels. We trust you have had a rewarding and memorable learning adventure and that you will return for many more!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Staunton, VA Woodrow Wilson Birthplace
The Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, Museum and Research Library is just a few blocks from Frederick House. Its collection includes (but is not limited to) President Wilson's 1919 Pierce Arrow limousine, furnishings and memorabilia from the Wilsons' home, history and presidential information from WWI, prohibition, women's suffrage. Beautiful terraced gardens grace this unusual home, which was a Presbyterian manse where Wilson was born in 1856. Open daily year round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. 18-24 North Coalter St, Staunton. Phone: 540-885-0897 or toll-free 888-4WOODROW. Email: woodrow@woodrowwilson.org For additional information, visit www.woodrowwilson.org
  Frontier Culture Museum
The unique Museum of American Frontier Culture displays four different historic farms, moved from their country of origin and reconstructed at the museum site: an English farm from the 1690s; a German farm from 1710; a Scots-Irish farm from the 1730s; and an American farm from the 1850s. This unique collection includes living history, a blacksmith's forge from the 1730s, farm animals, including a percheron team, authentic gardens and period crops and crop-raising methods. From I-81, take Exit 222 to Route 250 West; Museum entrance will be 1/2 mile on the left at Frontier Drive. Open daily except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. The museum may also be closed during severe weather conditions. To avoid being disappointed, phone ahead at 540-332-7850. Email: info@fcmv.virginia.gov For additional information, visit www.frontier.virginia.gov
  Walking Tour of Staunton Historic Districts
Staunton (pronounced "Stan-ton"), one of the oldest towns west of the Blue Ridge, boasts 5 districts of more than 70 buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Pick up a brochure that details each building at the Visitor Center at 35 South New Street or call 800-342-7982 to request a brochure and visitor information about Staunton. You can begin your exploration on foot or on the trolley. For additional information, visit www.staunton.va.us
  Gypsy Hill Park
The city established Gypsy Hill Park in 1889 on what had been farmland on the outskirts of the city. The Park's name was drived from gypsies that once camped on the site. The park has a duck pond, swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course and free concerts in its bandstand during the summer months. For additional information, visit www.staunton.va.us
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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