S&P students don’t just learn on the Mary Baldwin University campus, they are also an integral part of Staunton, Virginia, and the surrounding area. Whether they are volunteering or performing at the Blackfriars Playhouse, sipping coffee while studying at a coffee shop, or rehearsing at the program’s studio space on Beverley Street, grad students take advantage of the proximity of the downtown scene.
Close to Campus
- Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
- Vibrant theatre community
- Frontier Culture Museum
- Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest
Find even more recreational and cultural activities on our Close to Campus page.
An small, friendly city with a big-time culture vibe, Staunton boasts music festivals, movie and live performance theaters, art galleries, specialty wine and beer stores, street-side cafes, bars, and restaurants for every budget.
Shakespeare and Performance Intensive
Undergraduates and recent graduates interested in learning more about our program are encouraged to register for the S&P Intensive by emailing Paul Menzer. The S&P Intensive is a weekend-long immersion that includes:
- performances at the Blackfriars Playhouse by the American Shakespeare Center company
- presentations and workshops with program faculty
- meetings with current S&P students
- short audition opportunities
- free on-campus lodging and meals
The 2018 session will take place June 1–3.
Getting Around
DRIVE
Staunton is centrally located in the historic Shenandoah Valley at the intersection of I-64 and I-81, exits 220-225.
- Charlottesville, VA: 45 minutes
- Richmond, VA: 2 hours
- Washington, DC: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Virginia Beach, VA: 3 hours 45 minutes
FLY
Mary Baldwin is within a few hours of several regional, national, and international airports.
- Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport: 20 minutes
- Charlottesville Albemarle Airport: 45 minutes
- Richmond International Airport: 2 hours
- Washington Dulles International Airport: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Regan National Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes
RIDE
For getting around town, Staunton’s two trolleys take riders throughout downtown, the Wharf district, and Gypsy Hill Park.
Amtrak’s Cardinal line stops at its Staunton station (STA) on the Wharf three times a week. For tickets and more information, 1-800-USA-RAIL or online.amtrak.com.
Arrange a Visit
540-887-7237
shakespeare@marybaldwin.edu
Queen City Vibe
Named one of America’s Best Main Streets (Fodors & Huffington Post), one of the Best Small Towns in America (Smithsonian Magazine), and one of the Top 10 Idyllic and Historic Main Streets Across the USA (USA Today), Staunton garners a lot of regional and national attention. Read more about the Shenandoah Valley gem that is just steps from the Mary Baldwin campus.
