ASC Cast of As You Like It, 2026. Photo by Madison Patterson.

Summer in Shared Light

Wonder & Wild Hearts

Photo by Madison Patterson.

Fall for Live Theatre

Mischief, Magic, & Monsters

Photo by October Grace Media.

GO BEYOND THE SHOW

Discover Playhouse Tours, Pre-Show Conversations, & Curated Tastings

Take the Playhouse Home

show pins, fashion-forward tees, and gifts from local makers.

As You Like It 2026

Escape to the Forest of Arden, where Rosalind takes charge, Orlando carves love into trees, and Shakespeare lets comedy run wild with moments that remind us sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself.

May 28 – August 8
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American Shakespeare Center's As You Like It 2026 Graphic featuring Geoffery Warren Barnes II and Morgan Rose Ford. Photo by Madison Patterson.

Our Town 2026

Life, love, marriage, loss—and the moments in between. In Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, the people of Grover’s Corners remind us that the smallest details often carry the deepest meaning. A timeless American classic that asks: Do we ever realize life while we live it?

June 25 – August 9
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ASC's Our Town, 2026, featuring Isabel Sanchez

The Tempest 2026

Betrayed and cast out, Prospero summons the storm that brings his enemies back into his grasp. Now he has to decide what to do with them. William Shakespeare's The Tempest returns for the Blackfriars Playhouse's 25th anniversary.

September 3 – November 13
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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein 2026

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein comes alive in David Catlin's haunting stage adaptation of the novel that defined Gothic Horror. Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant young scientist determined to unlock the secret to life itself.

October 1 – November 14
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Witch 2026

The Devil's in town with a bargain: power, love, & security for the price of your soul. The Villagers can't resist, but Elizabeth, branded a witch and cast aside, won't play his game. Jen Silverman's Witch is a darkly funny tale of temptation and defiance.

October 8 – November 14
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Lights ON Blackfriars

Pair your visit with Lights ON Blackfriars, a welcoming Saturday morning conversation with the artists and scholars behind the show. Learn more, ask questions, and head into the performance with a fresh perspective. Select Saturdays at 11 AM, after the Playhouse Tour.

Select Saturdays at 11 AM
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Dr. Peter Kirwan and Director Raphael Emmanuel at Lights ON Blackfriars for The Winter's Tale 2025. Photos by Madison Patterson.

Playhouse Tours

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!

Year Round
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Virtual Playhouse Tour

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!

Year Round
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Shakespeare Uncorked

Sip, savor, and experience a pre-show wine and beer tasting at the American Shakespeare Center. Enjoy Virginia’s best craft beverages from top wineries and breweries before select performances at Blackfriars Playhouse. Limited tickets available—reserve your spot today.

Pre-show Event on Select Saturdays
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Shakespeare Uncorked at the American Shakespeare Center – two people in historical costumes toasting with vintage goblets, promoting a pre-show wine and beer tasting experience featuring Virginia craft beverages.

"No Kidding" Programs for Adults

"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.

All Year Round
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Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop

Take a piece of Shared Light with you. Shop show pins, fashion-forward tees, and gifts from local makers. Every purchase brightens the chandeliers for new artists onstage, welcomes neighbors into community, and opens doors for students at the ASC. Open pre-show, at intermission, and online 24/7. Just click "MORE INFO" to shop now.

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Darin F Earl II and Aimee Amelia Greco wearing We do it with the lights on ASC hoodies outside the Blackfriars Playhouse.

Plan Your Trip to ASC:

2026 Donor Impact Update

From first dates and family traditions to camp scholarships, student matinees, music, memory, and the 25th anniversary of the Blackfriars Playhouse, Our Spring 2026 Donor Impact celebrates what your generosity makes possible. Thank you to all of the patrons, artists, teachers, campers, musicians, sponsors, and friends whose generosity keeps the Blackfriars Playhouse Bright.

Discover How You Keep the Playhouse Bright

Summer 2026 Directors & Cast

Join us for a milestone year at the Blackfriars Playhouse as we celebrate 25 years of shared light. This summer, join us for William Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT and Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN, as ASC brings these two worlds into repertory. Here’s your first look at the artists bringing it all to life.

Meet the Directors and Cast

RENAISSANCE SUPPER ON STAGE

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM for a one-night Renaissance Supper on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage. Enjoy a mead tasting, three-course supper catered by Aaron Gardner of Gardner’s Harvest, historical context from hosts Garry and Sally Walton, and a ticket to AS YOU LIKE IT on June 13 or 14.

Reserve Your Seat At The Table Today

Your Support Matters

At ASC, your support does more than keep the lights on—it makes magic happen. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, each gift fuels performances, education, and community events. Your donation is the heartbeat that keeps live theatre alive, creating unforgettable moments and touching lives.

Donate to Make a Difference

Blackfriars Circle Membership

Join the Blackfriars Circle for priority seating, discounted tickets, and early access to events at the American Shakespeare Center. Get behind-the-scenes access, member-only gatherings, and personalized service—all while supporting the magic of live theatre. Share your passion and elevate your experience.

Learn More About Membership

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions about your visit to the Blackfriars Playhouse?
Find everything you need on our general FAQ page, where we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries—whether it’s about tickets, seating, or what to expect during your theatre experience!

Visit our FAQ page