Step into an ominous world of witches, warfare, murder, and madness this season at the Blackfriars Playhouse with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a relentless examination of the darkest depths of the human condition. This twisted tale begins with a supernatural prophecy that sets in motion a bloody course of events for Macbeth and his Lady as they descend into treachery and turmoil.
Oscar Wilde's brilliant and wicked The Importance of Being Earnest, is a comedic masterpiece that unravels a web of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and clever deceptions. When two young gentlemen decide to adopt fictitious personas to escape the constraints of societal expectations, a whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings ensues. As love interests collide and secret pasts are revealed, Wilde weaves a delightful tapestry of wit, absurdity, and biting satire.
In this uproarious comedy, Sir John Falstaff finds himself entangled in the shrewd schemes of two clever Windsor wives who unite to outwit one of Shakespeare's most endearing scoundrels. Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan domestic life and featuring an eclectic ensemble of zany characters, this irresistible comic confection weaves together romance and farce to create a joyful story of community and family.
In the treacherous mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent takes a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client, who also just happens to be the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known: Count Dracula! Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a Bram-new comedy by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references. This 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud take on Bram Stoker’s iconic story is perfect for audiences of all blood types.
The ultimate tale of transformation, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol transports miserly Ebenezer Scrooge high above the streets of Victorian London, where Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunt his dreams…accomplishing, in one fateful night, what a lifetime of grasping and greed could not do: the warming of his cold, cold heart. Join a holiday tradition beloved by families and friends of all ages!
Friday Night Lights On is the perfect pre-show "appetizer" before enjoying the full meal that is an ASC production. FNLO is a series of engaging Friday night lectures, workshops, and panels featuring an exciting line-up of scholars, industry experts, ASC familiar faces, and powerful partnerships.
"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. Up next:No Kidding Shakespeare Camp's final staged reading on Aug 4!
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!
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!
Prepare to be dazzled as ASC joins forces with some of our favorite local bakeries and cafés to bring you an unparalleled show experience! Enjoy a snack box filled with local culinary delights during select performances throughout 2024. Pre-order is required for this snack box.
ASC has partnered with local wineries and breweries for a special pre-show experience. Enjoy a tasting of the best libations in the area in our upper lobby on select performance dates throughout the year.
Spend Halloween night with the American Shakespeare Center for a show so funny, it's scary! Enter the Blackfriars Playhouse—if you dare—for a special showing of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a laugh-out-loud retelling of Bram Stoker's iconic vampire classic. Perfect for audiences of all blood types, join Count Dracula for a spooky night out like no other. Even better, tickets are available at a bloody good discount!
Help make Shakespeare accessible to all students! Participate in ASC's "Shakespeare for Students" t-shirt fundraiser to help underwrite the costs of student matinee tickets for schools in need. Every dollar raised from the purchase of this special t-shirt will contribute to this goal.
Spend your Friday nights at the Blackfriars Playhouse! Each Friday from 5-6 PM enjoy a series of lectures, workshops, and panels featuring a line up of scholars, industry experts, ASC familiar faces, and powerful partnerships. Get tickets today!
The American Shakespeare Center proudly announces the appointment of Vanessa Morosco as its new Executive Director, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s journey.
Get 25% off every ticket you purchase for an entire year! Join the Blackfriars Circle, an annual membership program designed to bring you the benefits of a subscription but with more flexibility.
Have a question for us? Looking for more information about your upcoming visit to the Blackfriars Playhouse? Visit our general FAQ page to find answers to many commonly asked questions!
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