Kenn Hopkins Jr 2018. Photo by Lauren Rogers Parker.

A Sizzling Summer

Sweeping Drama, Fiery Romance, and Unforgettable Characters.

Modeled by Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by Alaina Shefelton.

Fall Into Story

First Loves, Fierce Friends, & Flags Aloft

Enrichment

Take your ASC experience to the next level

Sense and Sensibility 2025

Experience the elegance and wit of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Follow the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and the constraints of their world in a timeless tale of resilience and romance.

May 1, 2025 – August 2, 2025
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American Shakespeare Center's Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Adapted by Emma Whipday with Brian Mcmamon for the Summer 2025 Repertory Season.

The Winter's Tale 2025

Discover Shakespeare's tale of jealousy and redemption in The Winter's Tale, a story that spans realms and time. Witness the journey from tragedy to forgiveness in a production that will leave you moved by the power of love and reconciliation.

June 5 – August 2
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American Shakespeare Center's The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare for the Summer 2025 Repertory Season.

Romeo and Juliet 2025

Fall into the rush of first love with Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's iconic story of passion, defiance, and connection that can't be stopped. When two young hearts find each other in a world built on hate, they risk everything to hold on to what feels true.

August 28 – November 15
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Promotional image for Romeo & Juliet (Fall 2025) at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, dressed in purple and gold, offers a red rose beneath bold white title text. Photo by Alaina Shefelton.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona 2025

How far would you go for love - and would your best friend forgive you? In The Two Gentlemen of Verona, friendship collides with romance in a fast-paced tale of loyalty, love, and the foolish choices we make along the way.

September 11 – November 15
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Promotional image for The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Fall 2025) at the American Shakespeare Center. A small dog named Dawson Green-Moody sits on a red velvet chair beside the stylized title text on a black background. Photo by Alaina Shefelton.

The Pirate Ballad of Bonny and Read 2025

Two legendary pirate queens come to life in a museum, crash through the fourth wall, and pull one teen into a story of rebellion, sea shanties, and charting your own course. The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read is bold, brash, and ready to set sail.

October 16 – November 16
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Promotional image for the world premiere of THE PIRATE BALLAD OF BONNY & READ (Fall 2025) at the American Shakespeare Center. Ginna Hoben, in a red and gray pirate costume, holds crossed cutlasses beneath bold white show title text. Photo by Alaina Shefelton.

Lights ON Blackfriars

FNLO is now Lights ON Blackfriars—your pre-show deep dive into the plays and performances at ASC. Featuring Shakespeare scholars, theatre experts, and ASC artists, this series of insightful discussions, workshops, and panels unpacks the stories, staging, and themes that shape each production.

Select Fridays at 5 PM
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Panel discussion during Lights ON Blackfriars (formerly Friday Night Lights ON) at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, featuring four speakers engaging in a lively conversation on stage. The event showcases ASC’s interactive theater programming, connecting audiences with experts in Shakespeare and the performing arts.

"No Kidding" Programs for Adults

"No Kidding" Programs happen throughout the year to give adult theatre lovers (ages 18+) the chance to read, rehearse, and perform classic plays. Join in the fun and perform on the Blackfriars stage along with ASC Education Artists and other special guests.

All Year Round
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Playhouse Tours

Our ASC Education Tour Guides will take you up, down, and around the world's first re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre and share secrets and anecdotes from the past and the present!

Year Round
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Virtual Playhouse Tour

Interested in exploring our beautiful Blackfriars Playhouse, but can't attend an in-person tour? Purchase access to our Virtual Playhouse Tour instead! You'll be able to learn about our modern theater and its historical predecessor—with added locations inaccessible to the public on in-person tours!

Year Round
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Shakespeare Uncorked

Sip, savor, and experience a pre-show wine and beer tasting at the American Shakespeare Center. Enjoy Virginia’s best craft beverages from top wineries and breweries before select performances at Blackfriars Playhouse. Limited tickets available—reserve your spot today.

Pre-show Event on Select Saturdays
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Shakespeare Uncorked at the American Shakespeare Center – two people in historical costumes toasting with vintage goblets, promoting a pre-show wine and beer tasting experience featuring Virginia craft beverages.

Bard and Bites 2025

Savor a locally sourced charcuterie box featuring cured meats, cheeses, dried fruits, olives, macarons, and house-made baguettes—perfect for sharing before the show. Available by pre-order only for select performances. $17 per box. Reserve by 5 PM the Friday before your Sunday show. Pick up upstairs one hour before the performance.

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available by request.

May 25 – June 29
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Three theatergoers enjoy the Bard & Bites Box charcuterie during a show at the Blackfriars Playhouse, sharing a delicious, immersive experience.

Plan Your Trip to ASC:

Get your Summer Season Calendar

Pick up your printed copy at the Box Office—but what you see there is only half the story. The real inside scoop—the wine tastings, the charcuterie, the late-night conversations—is waiting on the blog below. Don’t miss what everyone else will be talking about.

Check out the Summer Season Events

See the Impact of Your Support

Thank you for lighting the way. Explore our 2024 Donor Impact Report to discover the lives changed, connections built, and community strengthened through your support at ASC.

Read the Impact Report

Trade Screen Time for Stage Time

Looking for a summer that inspires? At ASC Theatre Camp, your teen trades screen time for stage lights—building confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships.

Guided by professional theatre artists, campers step into a supportive community, take creative risks, and shine on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage. Give them the summer they’ll remember.

SEE SESSIONS & ENROLL NOW

Your Support Matters

At ASC, your support does more than keep the lights on—it makes magic happen. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, each gift fuels performances, education, and community events. Your donation is the heartbeat that keeps live theatre alive, creating unforgettable moments and touching lives.

Donate to Make a Difference

Blackfriars Circle Membership

Join the Blackfriars Circle for priority seating, discounted tickets, and early access to events at the American Shakespeare Center. Get behind-the-scenes access, member-only gatherings, and personalized service—all while supporting the magic of live theatre. Share your passion and elevate your experience.

Learn More About Membership

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions about your visit to the Blackfriars Playhouse?
Find everything you need on our general FAQ page, where we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries—whether it’s about tickets, seating, or what to expect during your theatre experience!

Visit our FAQ page