The Beard of Avon is a play by Amy Freed, originally commissioned and produced by South Coast Repertory in 2001. In the play, Shakspere (Freed chose this spelling for her character) abandons his wife Anne Hathaway in Stratford-on-Avon after a visit from a touring company of players. He makes his way to London, determined to be an actor, and seeks out the theater troupe. After an audition scene that is a sendup of how directors and actors can treat one another, he is offered a silent "spear shaker" role. Through the troupe, Shakspere meets Edward de Vere, who, as a nobleman, would be ostracized if it were discovered that he writes plays for performances by commoners before the public. A deal is struck and a writing partnership is formed — to which Shakspere will eventually make considerable contributions.

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The Beard of Avon is a play by Amy Freed, originally commissioned and produced by South Coast Repertory in 2001.

In the play, Shakspere (Freed chose this spelling for her character) abandons his wife Anne Hathaway in Stratford-on-Avon after a visit from a touring company of players. He makes his way to London, determined to be an actor, and seeks out the theater troupe. After an audition scene that is a sendup of how directors and actors can treat one another, he is offered a silent "spear shaker" role. Through the troupe, Shakspere meets Edward de Vere, who, as a nobleman, would be ostracized if it were discovered that he writes plays for performances by commoners before the public. A deal is struck and a writing partnership is formed — to which Shakspere will eventually make considerable contributions.