No Shakespeare Day would be complete without the guest of honor. Sure, the legacy of William Shakespeare and his works lingers everywhere we look. It’s the reason we’re all here on any other day of the year, not just today.

But we started a tradition some years ago, with the help of Shakespeare’s good friend Ben Jonson. We like to invite the guest of honor to the party. He conjured ghosts, so can we. Today of all days we like to imagine he’s listening to what we’re offering, and that he appreciates it.

Thank you, Shakespeare.

Now, as the kids, say, #LFG!

Soul of the age!

The applause, delight,

the wonder of our stage!

My Shakespeare, rise!