BRING ASC HOME
WITH BLKFRSTV

See the work that Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal just called
“the most ambitious plans for web-based theatre in the US!”

Much Ado About Nothing. Photo by Lindsey Walters.

JOIN US THIS JUNE FOR
A VENETIAN TRIO

Explore the politics of evil, greed, jealousy, and social exclusion...

Topher Embrey. Photo by Lauren Parker.

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Special performances, talk backs, lectures, and more!

Much Ado About Nothing

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

"★★★★★...American Shakespeare Center plays the hell out of this comedy...full of slapstick and physical comedy... this is the play Shakespeare wrote, an epic battle of the sexes and of wit..." — DC Theatre Scene

Now Streaming
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Henry IV, Part 1

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

"...collectively and individually, the members of the Actors' Renaissance Season company at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) have given us a most inventive and insightful HENRY IV, PART 1 at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia..." — Shakespeareances.com

Now Streaming
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Henry IV, Part 2

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

"A satisfying experience, intelligently conceived and well rendered...powerful moments...perfectly in tune...Harrell’s approach to [Falstaff is] fierce, focused..." — DC Theatre Scene

Now Streaming
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A King and No King

by FRANCIS BEAUMONT & JOHN FLETCHER

"I LOVED IT!...Equal parts Arrested Development, Veep, The Office and The Big Bang Theory, A KING AND NO KING leaves audiences gasping in flabbergasted laughter...This show is wickedly funny!" — Shakespeareances.com

Coming Soon to BlkFrs TV
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Othello

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Evil is everywhere in Shakespeare’s great tragedy, as the love of Othello and Desdemona is destroyed by envy and jealousy, and truth twisted by innuendo. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the deadly machinations unfold.

June 19 - November 28
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The Merchant of Venice

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Two of Shakespeare’s most indelible characters—Shylock and Portia—come to life in this saga of greed and vengeance, justice and mercy. Against a backdrop of intolerance suddenly buffeted by change, the play weaves interconnected tales of friendship, love, and family.

June 26 - November 29
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Volpone

by BEN JONSON

In Jonson’s comic masterpiece, the residents of extravagant Venice are transformed into animals by an infection of greed, as the rich, sly Volpone tries to trick his neighbors out of an inheritance through masks, feigned illness, and miserly mischief.

August 15 - November 27
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Twelfth Night 90

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

A merry 90-minute, no-intermission romp through one of Shakespeare’s most joyous rom-coms!

July 4 - August 27
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Keene

by ANCHULI FELICIA KING

Companion Play to OTHELLO

Two young scholars of color, adrift in a sea of white at a Shakespeare conference that could shape their careers, grapple with their longing for recognition, the scrabbling competitiveness of their peers, and their own hilarious personal demons in this laugh-out-loud funny, thought-provoking play. A Shakespeare's New Contemporaries companion to Othello. 

Sept. 24 - Nov. 28
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Anne Page Hates Fun

Dr. Ralph Presents

Renowned Shakespeare scholar and ASC Co-Founder and Director of Mission Ralph Alan Cohen provides his unique and cunning insight prior to the evening’s performance.  Including appearances from special guest speakers and artists, Ralph’s charm and good humor make this entertaining and enlightening lectures series a Blackfriars Playhouse favorite.

Friday Nights at 5pm Beginning in June
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Playhouse Tours

Our experts in Renaissance plays and staging will take you up, down, and all around the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor playhouse and share secrets and anecdotes from the past and the present.

Year Round
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Discovery Space

On Sunday mornings, ASC Education staff or special guests lead you on an exciting adventure to explore one of the season's shows through an ever-changing lens!

Most Sunday Mornings Beginning in June
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Discovery Space

Plan Your Trip to ASC:

HENRY IV - PARTS 1 AND 2

See the entire saga of Prince Hal and Falstaff - both parts are now streaming on BlkFrs TV! Get a ticket today & receive your secure link to bring the adventure home with you...

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KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

10% of all funds raised through the sale of digital tickets and contributions to the Keep the Light’s On campaign are dedicated to an Employee Relief Fund for ASC’s staff and artists currently on furlough.

THANK YOU >>

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

is now streaming on BlkFrs TV! Get a ticket today & receive your secure link to watch Shakespeare's rom-com at home! Plus - stay tuned for the rest of the Actors' Renaissance to come online...

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Explore Streaming Video

Since audiences can’t come to the Blackfriars til June, ASC is bringing the Playhouse to you!

Learn More >>

Buy A Subscription

Save up to 35% when you buy a subscription package to use this summer/fall!

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2020 Artistic Year

Single tickets for our 2020 seasons are on sale! Peruse the 2020 calendar...

Explore 2020 »