Bard and Beyond Book Club
Join fellow theatre enthusiasts once a month to dive deep into the plays featured in PA Shakespeare Festival’s 2026 Summer Theatre Series! Our intimate discussions explore character motivations, plot intricacies, historical context, and theatrical craft.
Members gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, directorial perspectives, and production notes that enrich the live theatre experience. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or simply love great storytelling, discover new layers of meaning in these timeless works while connecting with a community of passionate theatre lovers.
Why Join?
- Unlock Exclusive Pre-Show Insights: Jason will delve into the themes, characters, and language of the plays and musicals before you see them live on stage this summer!
- Map the Literary Landscape: Explore the season selection process and the theme of “undiscovered countries,” charting the hidden connections that link these diverse stories.
- Spark Lively Discussions: Share your thoughts, debate, and explore the deeper meanings of these timeless stories in a casual and welcoming environment. Dive into readings, musical explorations, and in-depth analyses of plays and musicals.
- Immerse Yourself in a Community of Enthusiasts: Join fellow theater lovers and literary fans who share your passion for great theatre.
- Glimpse Behind the Curtain: Get sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at our productions, with opportunities for Q&A with Jason and special guests.
Who Can Join:
Open to all theatregoers, no prior Shakespearience required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Sign-up for the Bard & Beyond Book Club Membership Today!
(Limited spots available.)
JOIN THE CLUB:
To purchase individual book club tickets to one (or more) sessions
Plays/Musicals:
October: As You Like It by William Shakespeare
November: The Piano Lesson by August Wilson
January: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
February: The Complete Works of Jane Austin Abridged by Jessica Bedford, Katheryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch
March: Moriarty by Ken Ludwig
April: Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Join us for monthly B&B Book Club meetings:
Where: Butz Room of the Trexler Library on the campus of DeSales University.
When: third week of every month, October – April (skipping December).
Register for ONE of the following sessions:
Monday from 2pm – 4pm with Jason King Jones
Tuesday from 6pm – 8pm with Father Kevin Nadolski
Saturday from 3pm – 5pm with Kim Carson
**All meeting dates are in-person.
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Jason’s Dates: SOLD OUT
Father Kevin’s Dates:
Tuesday, November 18, 6-8pm: The Piano Lesson
Tuesday, January 20, 6-8pm: Romeo and Juliet
Tuesday, February 24, 6-8pm: Complete Works of Jane Austen
Tuesday, March 24, 6-8pm: Moriarty
Tuesday, April 21, 6-8pm: Coriolanus
Kim’s Dates:
Saturday, November 22, 3-5pm: The Piano Lesson
Saturday, January 24, 3-5pm: Romeo and Juliet
Saturday, February 28, 3-5pm: Complete Works of Jane Austen
Saturday, March 28, 3-5pm: Moriarty
Saturday, April 25, 3-5pm: Coriolanus
For questions contact Kim Carson, Director of Education and Community Engagement at [email protected] or call 610-282-9455.
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HOSTS
JASON KING JONES (Artistic Director) JKJ just completed his third season as PSF Artistic Director, where he has directed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest, The Last Five Years, the “Play On!” Community Tour As You Like It, and Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends, which he also wrote. Additional writing credits include this season’s The Princess and Frog Prince and a new adaptation of Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters, which he directed for DeSales’ Act One Productions. Prior to moving to the Lehigh Valley with his family, Jason spent ten years at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center, where he served as Senior Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of National Players. In the past twenty-five years Jason has directed over eighty productions, mentored hundreds of early-career theatre makers, and established various educational programs. He is an Acting Company alumnus, a proud member of the PSF Board, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit & Business Partners Council, and the executive committee of the Shakespeare Theatre Association. Jason holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State and an MFA in Directing from Boston University.
KIM CARSON (Director of Education & Community Engagement) Before joining PSF, Kim served in the Allentown School District and Saucon Valley School District, and for the last 20 years, has worked as a professional actor, director, and playwright. Credits include 59 E 59, Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Co, Fulton Theatre, Peoples Light, John W. Engeman Theatre, Virginia Stage, Delaware Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Co, Theatre Exile, and many more. Kim has received two Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre in Philadelphia.
FATHER KEVIN NADOLSKI, OSFS, Ph.D. (Chief of Staff & Vice President of Mission for DSU) Fr. Kevin, OSFS, was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Temple University, Catholic University of America, and DeSales School of Theology, Fr. Kevin holds degrees in journalism, divinity, and education administration. He also holds a Ph.D. from Fordham University in administration and supervision of education.
Fr. Kevin has worked as a teacher and principal in Catholic high schools and also served as vocation director, director of the seminary, director of development and communications, and assistant provincial for the Oblates in Wilmington, DE. He presently serves at DeSales University as chief of staff, vice president for mission, and assistant professor of education.