Pre-show Event on Select Saturdays

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Shakespeare Uncorked at the American Shakespeare Center – actors Kenn Hopkins Jr. and Summer England in historical costumes toasting with vintage goblets, promoting a pre-show wine and beer tasting featuring Virginia craft beverages.

Wine & Beer Tastings at the Blackfriars Playhouse

Sip, Savor, and Experience Staunton’s Best Theatre & Craft Beverages

Looking for a unique night out in Staunton, VA? Elevate your theatre experience with Shakespeare Uncorked, a pre-show wine and beer-tasting event at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. In partnership with Virginia’s top wineries and breweries, we bring you a premium tasting experience before select performances at the world-renowned Blackfriars Playhouse.

These tastings sell out quickly—reserve your spot today!

What to Expect

  • Taste Virginia’s Finest: Enjoy hand-selected craft beers and local wines from top Virginia producers.
  • Unforgettable Atmosphere: Sip in the stunning Blackfriars Playhouse upper lobby before the show.
  • Exclusive Keepsake: Your ticket includes a limited-edition souvenir glass to remember the night.
  • Walk-Up Availability: Last-minute plans? Walk-up tastings are available until 6:45 PM (pending availability).

2025  Shakespeare Uncorked Schedule

  • Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery – Pair it with Little Women
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Brothers Craft Brewing – Pair it with The Comedy of Errors
  • Saturday, July 12, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Show and Partner Coming Soon.
  • Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Show and Partner Coming Soon.
  • Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Show and Partner Coming Soon.
  • Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 6:30 PM – Show and Partner Coming Soon.

Show and Partner info coming soon—stay tuned!

Tickets & Pricing

  • $25 per person – Includes a souvenir glass
  • Space is limited—book now before it sells out!

Book your Shakespeare Uncorked Experience today

Gallery

A bartender pours a small sample of Devil’s Backbone beer into a cup during Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.

Experience the best of craft beer and live theatre. At Shakespeare Uncorked, guests enjoyed a guided beer tasting with Devil’s Backbone before an evening of immersive Shakespearean performances at the American Shakespeare Center. Photo by October Grace Media.

Attendees at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 sit at a long table with small beer samples and snacks, listening to a beer expert discuss Devil’s Backbone brews at the American Shakespeare Center.

Sip, savor, and celebrate Shakespeare. At ASC’s Shakespeare Uncorked, guests explored the flavors of Devil’s Backbone craft beers in an intimate tasting event before the show. Photo by October Grace Media.

A display of Devil’s Backbone beer, including Vienna Lager and Juicy Magic IPA, at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023. A sign highlights a charitable campaign donating $1 per six-pack to feed Virginia families.

Guests at Shakespeare Uncorked sampled Devil’s Backbone favorites, including Vienna Lager and Juicy Magic IPA. Photo by October Grace Media.

Two attendees at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 raise their beer samples in a toast, enjoying the Devil’s Backbone tasting experience at the American Shakespeare Center.

Guests at Shakespeare Uncorked celebrated friendship, storytelling, and the flavors of Devil’s Backbone in Staunton, VA. Photo by October Grace Media.

Julia Sommer, A bartender at the American Shakespeare Center. pours a glass of white wine at the concessions counter while guests chat and order drinks at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023.

Julia Sommer, A bartender at the American Shakespeare Center. pours a glass of white wine at the concessions counter while guests chat and order drinks at Shakespeare Uncorked. Photo by October Grace Media.

A smiling couple holds Devil’s Backbone beers at Shakespeare Uncorked, enjoying the event at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.

Cheers to craft beer and Shakespeare! Guests at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 enjoyed Devil’s Backbone brews while gathering for a night of theatre at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA. Photo by October Grace Media.

A bartender pours a small sample of Devil’s Backbone beer into a cup during Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.
Attendees at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 sit at a long table with small beer samples and snacks, listening to a beer expert discuss Devil’s Backbone brews at the American Shakespeare Center.
A display of Devil’s Backbone beer, including Vienna Lager and Juicy Magic IPA, at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023. A sign highlights a charitable campaign donating $1 per six-pack to feed Virginia families.
Two attendees at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 raise their beer samples in a toast, enjoying the Devil’s Backbone tasting experience at the American Shakespeare Center.
Julia Sommer, A bartender at the American Shakespeare Center. pours a glass of white wine at the concessions counter while guests chat and order drinks at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023.
A smiling couple holds Devil’s Backbone beers at Shakespeare Uncorked, enjoying the event at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.