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All 85 posts by

Ben Lauer

Ben Lauer is the Folger's Social Media and Communications Manager. He is the web producer of the Folger's Shakespeare Unlimited podcast, and hosts the Folger's Shakespeare Lightning Round series on Instagram.
We know you think Julius Caesar is boring
Shakespeare & Beyond

We know you think Julius Caesar is boring

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Author
Ben Lauer

We ask theater artists across the country to tell us why it isn’t.

What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters this winter
Shakespeare & Beyond

What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters this winter

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Author
Ben Lauer

Sometimes it seems like January and February drag on forever. Thankfully, in 2023, there’s lots of thrilling theater to keep our spirits up. Here’s our round-up of performances from our theater partners across the United States this winter.

Marking a milestone: 200 episodes of Shakespeare Unlimited
Shakespeare & Beyond

Marking a milestone: 200 episodes of Shakespeare Unlimited

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Author
Ben Lauer

To celebrate releasing the 200th episode of the Folger’s Shakespeare Unlimited podcast, we revisit our five most popular episodes to date.

Top 5 Folger Finds of 2022
Shakespeare & Beyond

Top 5 Folger Finds of 2022

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Author
Ben Lauer
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in October
Shakespeare & Beyond

What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in October

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Author
Ben Lauer

King John (2022): Jessika D. Williams in “King John,” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Jenny Graham. The fall harvest is ready, and this year, we’ve got a bumper crop of Shakespeare plays! If you’re in the mood for…

What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in September
Shakespeare & Beyond

What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in September

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Author
Ben Lauer
Find out what's onstage at a Shakespeare theater near you in September.
This week at The Playhouse: August 22 - 28
Folger Spotlight

This week at The Playhouse: August 22 - 28

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Author
Ben Lauer
This is the final week to visit The Playhouse or catch Folger Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Building Museum. But don't worry: there's still lots to do. This week, catch a reading of a new play, join a generative poetry workshop, take a tour of our magical theater, and more.
This week at The Playhouse, August 15 – 21
Folger Spotlight

This week at The Playhouse, August 15 – 21

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Author
Ben Lauer

Photo: Lloyd Wolf There’s always something to do at The Playhouse. This week, join us for a free concert from the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, learn about the history of potions and cocktails from mixologists and historians, and immerse yourself…

Tips for taking your kids to their first Shakespeare play
A woman with her young daughter in the Folger theater
Shakespeare & Beyond

Tips for taking your kids to their first Shakespeare play

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Author
Ben Lauer
Read great tips for helping your kids have a blast watching their very first Shakespeare play.
This week at The Playhouse: August 8 - 14
Folger Spotlight

This week at The Playhouse: August 8 - 14

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Author
Ben Lauer
This week at The Playhouse, take an in-depth look at the Folger's renovation with its designers, make your own miniature comic book, and jam out to tunes by Justin Trawick and the Common Good. 
Quiz: Plan the perfect summer and reveal who you are in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Shakespeare & Beyond

Quiz: Plan the perfect summer and reveal who you are in A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Author
Ben Lauer
Plan your perfect summer and we'll tell you which character you are in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
This week at The Playhouse: August 1 - 7
Folger Spotlight

This week at The Playhouse: August 1 - 7

Posted
Author
Ben Lauer
This week at The Playhouse, join a hip-hop Shakespeare workshop from artist Malik Work, and much more.
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