The heat is on at the Blackfriars Playhouse. This summer, the stories crackle with wit, spark with romance, and burn with unforgettable drama. Step into the world of Sense & Sensibility and The Winter’s Tale, where every performance is a front-row seat to the season’s hottest theatre.
Whether you’re bringing your book club, treating your mom on Mother’s Day, or carving out space for your own soul to breathe, there’s a seat for you at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Your journey begins here—download the Summer 2025 Calendar and plan a season that connects, surprises, and delights.
What’s Onstage This Summer
Sense & Sensibility
By Jane Austen | Adapted by Emma Whipday with Brian McMahon
Directed By Jemma Alix Levy
Experience the elegance and wit of Jane Austen’s Sense & 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.
Performance Run: May 1 – August 2
Pay-What-You-Will: Thursday, May 1
Opening Night: Friday, May 2
ASL interpreted Performance: Friday, May 16
The Winter’s Tale
By William Shakespeare
Directed By Raphael Emmanuel
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.
Performance Run: June 5 – August 2
Pay-What-You-Will: Thursday, June 5
Opening Night: Friday, June 6
More Than Just Performances
These experiences aren’t on the calendar, but they shape the season.
From charcuterie and wine to artist talks and educational intensives, here’s what’s happening offstage this summer:
Bard & Bites
A show-worthy spread from North Ridge Café available before select Sunday matinees. Pre-order required ($17).
- May 4
- May 11 (Mother’s Day) – treat the leading lady in your life
- May 25
- June 15 (Father’s Day) – make it a memory, not just a gift
- June 29
Shakespeare Uncorked
A perfect pairing—Virginia wine and Virginia Shakespeare. Each event includes a curated tasting.
Elevate your theatre experience with Shakespeare Uncorked, a pre-show wine and beer-tasting event at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse.
Lights ON Blackfriars
Conversations worth arriving early for.
This pre-show series invites you behind the scenes and into the minds of the artists, scholars, and community voices who bring each production to life. From dramaturgical deep dives to cultural context, Lights ON Blackfriars explores the choices behind the storytelling and connects the play onstage to the world around us. These lively conversations begin at 5:00 PM and run approximately 45–60 minutes.
- May 2 – A conversation with Director Jemma Alix Levy on Sense & Sensibility
- June 6 – A conversation on The Winter’s Tale, with Director Raphael Emmanuel, and Dr. Peter Kirwan (editor of the Arden 4 edition of The Winter’s Tale)
Playhouse Tours
Take a walk through time with a behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre. Offered all summer.
Learn More about Playhouse Tours
For Educators: Summer Teacher Seminar
Comprehensive Teacher Seminar Intensive
July 16–20 (Wednesday–Sunday) | Staunton, VA
Tuition: $1,700
A five-day immersive professional development experience designed for educators who want to teach Shakespeare with confidence, clarity, and joy. Explore original staging conditions, interactive rehearsal techniques, and ASC’s performance-based approach—all while collaborating with fellow teachers and ASC artists.
- Includes hands-on sessions, resource materials, and lesson plan development
- Discounts available for self-funded educators, returning participants, and school cohorts of 3+
- Space is limited—reserve early: education@americanshakespearecenter.com
Fall 2025 Foundational Seminars
These one-day workshops introduce educators to ASC’s active, performance-focused methodology. Perfect for those new to our approach or looking to refresh their classroom tools.
- Seminar I: Saturday, September 20 – Teaching Shakespeare
- Seminar II: Saturday, November 1 – Teaching Shakespeare
- Tuition: $325 (includes ticket to that evening’s performance)
Discounts available for self-funded teachers and district cohorts. Email us at education@americanshakespearecenter.com for details.
For Students: ASC Theatre Camp 2025
Young artists (ages 13–19) live on campus at Mary Baldwin University and take the stage at the Blackfriars Playhouse for a once-in-a-lifetime summer theatre experience.
- Henry VI, Part 1 (directed by Hailey Pearce)
- Henry VI, Part 2 (directed by Milissia Koncelik)
- Final Performance Festival: July 2
- Henry VI, Part 3 (directed by Milissia Koncelik)
- Richard III (directed by Austen Bell)
- Final Performance Festival: July 27
Apply now and step into the story.
For Schools and Homeschool Families: Student Matinee
Student Matinee Date:
Sense & Sensibility
By Jane Austen | Adapted by Emma Whipday with Brian McMahon
Wednesday, May 14 – Homeschool Day
Optional Workshop: What Would Jane Do?
A hands-on exploration of Regency letter writing, social customs, and how Jane Austen used both to shape her characters and themes.
To reserve seats or inquire about workshop pricing, contact Groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com
Planning a Group Outing?
Groups of 10 or more—book clubs, girls’ night out, summer camps, or social groups
Contact groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com for personalized support and discounted group rates.
Your seat is waiting.
Download your calendar. Choose your dates. Make it a summer you’ll never forget.