A Theater Like No Other
Experience the Magic of Shakespeare at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA
In the heart of historic Staunton, Virginia, the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse offers a theatrical experience that transports you back in time. As the world's first re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater, it breathes new life into the Bard's works in an authentic and immersive setting. Under the Executive Director Vanessa Morosco, who arrived at Blackfriars in 2024, the theater offers ongoing performances of the highest quality.
Photos: The Cast of The Importance of Being Earnest at the American Shakespeare Center (2024). Photo by October Grace Media.
Authentic Elizabethan Experience
The Blackfriars Playhouse stands as a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy. Opened in 2001, this stunning first re-creation of the original Blackfriars Theatre in London brings history to life with every performance.
Location and Contact:
Address: 10 S Market Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Website: americanshakespearecenter.com
Phone: 877-MUCH-ADO
Step into a world where the past and present collide:
Architecture: Oak framing, candlelit chandeliers, and intimate gallery seating transport you to Elizabethan times.
Audience Engagement: True to Renaissance style, actors perform with the lights on, creating a direct connection with the audience.
Live Music: Many performances feature live music on period instruments, enhancing the atmospheric experience.
Photos: Angela Iannone as Lady Bracknell, Summer England as Gwendolen Fairfax and K.P. Powell as Jack Worthing at the American Shakespeare Center (2024). Photo by October Grace Media.
Photos: K.P. Powell as Macbeth and Leah Gabriel as Lady Macbeth at the American Shakespeare Center (2024). Photo by October Grace Media.
Captivating Performances
The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) presents a rotating repertory of plays that will delight theater enthusiasts. The 2024-2025 season promises an exciting lineup:
Macbeth: Shakespeare’s look into the depths of the human condition
The Importance of Being Earnest: a masterpiece comedy
The Merry Wives of Windsor: A comedy around the schemes of two Windsor wives
Dracula: A comedy of terrors
A Christmas Carol: The beloved holiday tradition by Charles Dickens
Photos: K.P. Powell as Macbeth at the American Shakespeare Center (2024). Photo by October Grace Media.
Why Attend a Performance at Blackfriars Playhouse?
Intimate Setting: With seating for about 300 guests, every seat offers a close view of the stage.
Talented Cast: Professional actors deliver powerful performances that honor the original texts.
Educational Insight: The ASC provides contextual information and engages the audience in the nuances of the plays.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
ASC recovers the joys and accessibility of Shakespeare by exploring the English Renaissance stage and its practices through performance and education. This includes study guides so theater goers can learn more about Shakespeare, as well as a generous catalog of programs:
Friday Night Lights On: Engaging pre-show lectures, workshops, and panels.
"No Kidding" Programs for Adults: Opportunities for adult theater lovers to read, rehearse, and perform classic plays, including a summer camp for adults!
Virtual Playhouse Tour: Explore the theater from the comfort of your home.
Homeschool Days
College & University Groups
ASC Drama Club
The theater has a broad variety of offerings showing an robust investment in a broad audience of theater fans. We will be exploring these in a separate post soon, but if you can’t wait - click the button below to go directly to the theater’s educational programs.
Plan Your Visit
Performance Schedule:
Showtimes vary by day and production. Check the performance calendar for current listings.
Ticket prices range based on seating and showtime. Discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel.
Find the latest showtimes and ticket prices here.
Theater Amenities:
Seating options include the Lord's Chairs on stage, the Galleries, or the Pit.
The Playhouse is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations available upon request.
Light refreshments are available before the show and during intermission.
Explore Staunton's Historic Charm
While in town, enhance your experience by visiting other local attractions:
Take a guided tour of Staunton's rich history and architecture.
Stop by for a cool treat at The Split Banana
Enjoy a glass of natural wine at Accordia
Relax at The Green Room, just a 6 min walk from the theater, for brews and eats.
The Blackfriars Playhouse is more than a theater; it's a portal to another time. Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast or new to his works, the experience is both enlightening and entertaining. Let the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse captivate your imagination—where history and theater come alive.
Stay Connected with the American Shakespeare Center
Website: americanshakespearecenter.com
Facebook: @AmericanShakespeareCenter
Instagram: @shakespearectr
