20 years after establishing a Tampa Bay area tradition, Jobsite finally tackles the Bard’s most famous play. It’s 1985: an unprecedented epidemic and social unrest compete for the soul of our nation (sound familiar?) as Romeo and Juliet, the offspring of sworn enemies, defy their world by choosing love over hate. As relevant today as it was in 1595, this production uses the backdrop of the 1980s to explore the entrenched polarization that dominates contemporary culture and the tragic costs of intolerance and division. Jobsite’s Romeo & Juliet features an 80s-influenced original score by resident composer Jeremy Douglass and direction from Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins. Jobsite’s approach to Shakespeare has historically been powered by sociocultural influence, and this will be no exception with inspiration drawn heavily from two other pastiches set in the 1980s – Stranger Things and the graphic novel Prince of Cats.

Weekday field trip matinees for middle and high school students are available starting Jan. 19. All groups attending our field trip performances are given custom study guides and the ability to have a visit from a teaching artist both before and after your show. Additional opportunities include on site pre- or post-show tours or Q&As. Please call 813.222.1016 or write Spencer.Meyers@strazcenter.org to learn more about our education programs.