1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Set in Verona, Italy, Romeo and Juliet follows two young lovers as they navigate family loyalty, friendship, fate, and the challenges of a society divided by generations of conflict. As their relationship deepens, Romeo and Juliet must choose between the expectations of their families and the desires of their hearts, setting in motion a series of events that will change their lives forever.
William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy remains one of the most celebrated plays in the world, captivating audiences for more than four centuries with its poetic language, unforgettable characters, and powerful exploration of love, loss, and reconciliation.
2. MEET THE AUTHOR
William Shakespeare is one of the most famous—many would argue the most famous—writers who have ever lived.
His reputation endures not simply because he wrote many plays, but because he understood people with an insight that remains unmatched. His works capture the complexities of ambition, love, jealousy, power, grief, and identity in ways that still feel strikingly modern. That, combined with his extraordinary command of poetic language, is why his plays continue to be read, studied, and performed around the world.
Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Although he came from a relatively ordinary background and received no university education, he moved to London in his twenties and quickly became a central figure in the city’s vibrant theatrical scene—working as both an actor and playwright.
Over the course of his career, Shakespeare wrote around 39 plays and 154 sonnets, exploring nearly every form of drama: tragedy, comedy, history, and romance.
Shakespeare died in 1616, but his influence has never faded. His plays have shaped literature, theatre, and even the English language itself.
3. WHEN AND WHERE
TIME: EARLY MODERN PERIOD
Romeo and Juliet does not identify a specific year in which the story takes place. The period once commonly referred to as the Renaissance is now often described by historians as the Early Modern period.
Shakespeare’s play reflects social values associated with this era, including the importance of:
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Family
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Honor
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Social status
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Marriage as a family concern
The feud between the Montagues and Capulets shows the power of family loyalty, while Romeo and Juliet’s relationship challenges the expectations placed on young people and their choices in marriage.
SETTING: VERONA, ITALY
Verona is a historic city in northern Italy, known for its Roman architecture, public squares, churches, and noble family residences.
4. GOOD TO KNOW
IAMBIC PENTAMETER
Why do they talk like that?
People in Shakespeare’s time didn’t actually speak in fancy language all the time! Shakespeare used language in creative ways to shape character, emotion, and rhythm.
One of his favorite tools was iambic pentameter, a poetic rhythm that can sound both natural and elevated. Watch this short video to learn how it works and to help your ear adjust before the play begins.
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PLAY
THE PROLOGUE
Shakespeare uses the prologue in Romeo and Juliet to introduce the main conflict and prepare the audience for the tragic events of the play. Written as a sonnet, the prologue reveals that Romeo and Juliet are “star-crossed lovers” whose deaths will ultimately end the feud between their families. By telling the audience the ending before the action begins, Shakespeare shifts the focus from what will happen to how and why it happens, building suspense and highlighting the themes of fate, love, and tragedy.
5. OUR DESIGN
At Alley Theatre we have access to some of the best and most talented theatrical designers in the industry. We also have some of the most state of the art theatre spaces in the country. This gives us the unique opportunity to have a lot of creative mobility when it comes to how we present our shows. Take a look at the original designs for Romeo and Juliet. What stands out to you regarding our design of the show?
SET DESIGN FOR ALLEY THEATRE'S 2026 PRODUCTION BY MICHAEL LOCHER.
6. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
Rob B. Kellogg
Romeo
Romeo is the son of the Montague family. Passionate and impulsive, he falls deeply in love with Juliet despite the feud between their families. Romeo is driven by emotion and often acts quickly, following his heart without fully considering the consequences. His intense devotion to Juliet shapes the course of the play.
Key Traits:
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Romantic
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Impulsive
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Passionate
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Loyal
"With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls."
Melissa Molano
Juliet
Juliet is the daughter of the Capulet family. Intelligent and courageous, she defies her family's expectations to follow her heart. Though young, Juliet matures quickly as she faces difficult choices about love, loyalty, and independence.
Key Traits:
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Brave
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Intelligent
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Determined
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Compassionate
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep."
Matthew Amendt
Mercutio
Mercutio is Romeo's close friend and one of the play's most energetic characters. Quick-witted and humorous, he enjoys teasing others and challenges the idea of romantic love. Despite his playful nature, his temper and loyalty to his friends can lead him into dangerous situations.
Key Traits:
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Witty
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Energetic
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Loyal
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Reckless
"A plague o' both your houses!"
Chris Hutchison
Tybalt
Tybalt is Juliet's cousin and a fierce defender of the Capulet family honor. He is quick to anger and eager to confront the Montagues whenever possible. His aggressive nature helps fuel the conflict at the center of the play.
Key Traits:
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Hot-tempered
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Proud
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Aggressive
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Loyal
"What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word."
Christopher Salazar
Friar Laurence
Friar Laurence is a trusted religious figure and mentor to Romeo. Believing he can help end the feud between the families, he agrees to secretly marry Romeo and Juliet. His good intentions often clash with the complicated reality of the situation.
Key Traits:
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Wise
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Hopeful
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Caring
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Idealistic
"These violent delights have violent ends."
Michelle Elaine
Nurse
Nurse has cared for Juliet since childhood and serves as her closest confidant. Warm, funny, and talkative, she genuinely loves Juliet and wants what she believes is best for her. Her practical outlook sometimes differs from Juliet's romantic ideals.
Key Traits:
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Caring
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Humorous
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Loyal
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Practical
"Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days."
Dylan Godwin
Benvolio
Benvolio is Romeo's cousin and a voice of reason throughout the play. He often tries to keep the peace and prevent violence between the rival families. His calm nature makes him one of the most level-headed characters in Verona.
Key Traits:
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Peaceful
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Honest
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Thoughtful
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Reliable
"I do but keep the peace."
David Rainey
Lord Capulet
Lord Capulet is Juliet's father and head of the Capulet household. He wants what he believes is best for his daughter but expects complete obedience. His love for Juliet is often overshadowed by his desire for authority and control.
Key Traits:
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Authoritative
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Proud
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Protective
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Demanding
"Hang thee, young baggage! disobedient wretch!"
Elizabeth Bunch
Lady Capulet
Lady Capulet is Juliet's mother. Concerned with social status and family reputation, she encourages Juliet to make a respectable marriage.She has a more distant relationship with her daughter than the Nurse does.
Key Traits:
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Formal
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Status-conscious
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Reserved
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Traditional
"Read o'er the volume of young Paris' face."
Brandon Hearnsberger
Paris
Paris is a wealthy nobleman who hopes to marry Juliet. He is respectful and sincere but fails to understand Juliet's feelings. His pursuit of Juliet reflects the social expectations surrounding marriage in Verona.
Key Traits:
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Respectable
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Persistent
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Noble
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Well-Meaning
"Thy face is mine, and thou hast slandered it."
Orlando Arriaga
Lord Montague
Lord Montague is Romeo's father and the patriarch of the Montague family. Concerned for his son's well-being, he is caught in the long-standing feud with the Capulets. His love for Romeo is clear, though he struggles to understand him.
Key Traits:
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Caring
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Concerned
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Proud
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Traditional
"Many a morning hath he there been seen."
Allison Pistorius
Lady Montague
Lady Montague is Romeo's mother. She deeply cares for her son and worries about the dangers created by the family feud. Though she appears only briefly, her love for Romeo is evident.
Key Traits:
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Loving
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Concerned
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Gentle
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Supportive
"O, where is Romeo? Saw you him today?"
To take a look at the rest of the cast and the characters they are playing please visit our show page here.
7. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
8. POST-SHOW TALKBACK
If you and your students plan to participate in the post-show talkback, encourage them to ask questions!
