Select Fridays at 5 PM

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ILLUMINATING THEATRE. IGNITING DISCUSSION.

Formerly Friday Night Lights ON – Same Engaging Conversations, New Name

Friday Night Lights ON is now Lights ON Blackfriars—bringing the same insightful discussions, expert panels, and behind-the-scenes explorations, now with a name that reflects the depth and reach of these events beyond just Friday nights.

Engaging Conversations Before Performances at Blackfriars Playhouse

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.

Looking for an insightful theatre experience in Staunton, VA? Lights ON Blackfriars offers live discussions with expert panels, immersive workshops, and behind-the-scenes insights into Shakespeare and theatre.

Select Fridays | 5-6 PM | Blackfriars Playhouse

Join Shakespeare scholars, theatre industry experts, and the artists who bring ASC’s productions to life for in-depth discussions before performances. These events provide deeper context on productions, performance techniques, and literary themes, making them perfect for theatre lovers, educators, and curious minds.

Why Attend Lights ON Blackfriars?

  • See Theatre in a New Light – Gain fresh insights before the performance with deep dives into themes, staging, and artistic choices.
  • Learn from the Experts – Hear from the minds behind the productions, from Shakespeare scholars to the artists bringing the plays to life.
  • Join the Conversation – Engage with a community of theatre lovers exploring new interpretations and perspectives.

Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking night out, a pre-show deep dive, or an engaging cultural event in Staunton, Lights ON Blackfriars brings you behind the scenes and into the story—before the curtain even rises.

Upcoming Lights ON Blackfriars Schedule

  • February 7 – Spring Opener!
    • A Conversation about Little Women and King Lear with Directors Constance Swain and Paul Barnes and Little Women playwright Erin Riley
  • March 7 – Meaning and Madness in King Lear with Dr. Susan Anderson
  • April 4 – A Conversation with Chris Johnston , Director of The Comedy of Errors

Check back often for additional events and guest speakers throughout the year. 

Join us before select performances at Blackfriars Playhouse for an evening of engaging conversation and in-depth theatrical exploration.

Got Big Ideas? Share Your Voice at Lights ON Blackfriars!

Do you have expertise, insights, or a fresh perspective on Shakespeare, theatre, or performance? Lights ON Blackfriars brings together Shakespeare scholars, theatre professionals, educators, and artists for live pre-show discussions, lectures, and workshops—and we’re looking for dynamic speakers to join the conversation.

If you have a lecture, discussion, demonstration, or workshop that aligns with Lights ON Blackfriars, we want to hear from you! Submit your idea through the form, and if it’s a great fit, we’ll connect to make it happen.

Get on stage. Engage with audiences. Inspire new ideas.

Apply to be a Lights ON Blackfriars Speaker

1 hour