The Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) is an American touring acting troupe known for its fast-paced, seemingly improvisational condensations of vast topics. Their performances have been characterized by a distinctive style referred to as "New Vaudeville," which fuses both physical and verbal humor, with a blend of sophisticated and accessible comedy.
Dubbed the "Bad Boys of Abridgment," the RSC has crafted a repertoire of ten acclaimed stage shows, starting with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) in 1987. Subsequent productions include The Complete History of America (abridged), The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), The Complete Millennium Musical (abridged), All the Great Books (abridged), Completely Hollywood (abridged), The Complete World of Sports (abridged), The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), The Complete History of Comedy (abridged), and William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged). The RSC's dynamic reach extends beyond the United States and United Kingdom, with performances held in an array of international venues, including Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Singapore, Barbados, Bermuda, Israel, Qatar and Ireland.
Renowned for their engaging and accessible theatrical productions, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has also made its presence felt through broadcasts on NPR and the BBC.