American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia
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Information about the American Shakespeare Center
The American Shakespeare Center was a highlight of my recent trip to Virginia. Lovers of Shakespeare will be thrilled with a live performance by this great troupe but the plays here are ideal even for those who aren't hardcore fans of the Bard. These excellent professional Shakespearean actors create an experience that far exceeds anything experienced at a college or local Shakespearean production. Staunton, Virginia's location makes a visit to Blackfriars Playhouse an easy option when touring historical attractions like Williamsburg and Monticello.
About the American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse
According to their website: "The American Shakespeare Center is an internationally acclaimed theatre company that performs Shakespeare's works under their original staging conditions -- on a simple stage, without elaborate sets, and with the audience sharing the same light as the actors. Home to the ASC's resident troupe and the ASC on Tour, the Blackfriars Playhouse has been established as one of America's premier Shakespeare destinations."
In addition to wonderful live peformances, the ASC also sometimes presents lectures and special workshops for audiences as well as offering three week concentrated professional training programs for actors and advanced students. Teachers programs, podcasts, student matinees, and special youth camps round out the offerings by this dedicated organization.
The environmentally minded will be glad to know that the ASC is a "Certified Virginia Green Attracation".
In addition to wonderful live peformances, the ASC also sometimes presents lectures and special workshops for audiences as well as offering three week concentrated professional training programs for actors and advanced students. Teachers programs, podcasts, student matinees, and special youth camps round out the offerings by this dedicated organization.
The environmentally minded will be glad to know that the ASC is a "Certified Virginia Green Attracation".
My experience seeing a Shakespearean Play at the Blackfriars Playhouse
We saw "Twelfth Night" at the Blackfriar's Playhouse when we were visiting all the usual historical attractions in Virginia. Our group included one 11-year old, some teens, some college students, adults in their forties, and one grandma in her sixties. We chose a comedy, thinking that the younger members of the group would find that most enjoyable. Our group is not an "art-sy" group, per se - we enjoy live productions but we also know most of the lines from the movie "Wayne's World". We're more likely to see Cirque Du Soleil or "Phantom of the Opera" on stage than to go to the ballet, although we have been to a ballet.
The Blackfriars Playhouse is a re-creation of the indoor theater that William Shakespeare and his colleagues built at the Blackfriar's Monestery. The theater only seats 300 and the productions are performed with the lights on so the audience is very close to the actors. The theatre itself is very cool but the experience only gets better once the actors take to the stage. Our group was delighted to find such excellent actors in such an unexpected corner of the world. The performance was vibrant, lively, and fun. In fact, it was such a treat that we're planning to go back when we can enjoy a long weekend right in Staunton.
An added treat was the music before the performance and during the intermission. They did a short skit that somehow combined a request to silence our cell phones and a sort of Shakespearean take on "The Dating Game" in a way that was just hilarious.
I was happily surprised when all of the young people said that seeing the play at the Blackfriars was a highlight of the whole trip. Based on our experience, I feel very comfortable recommending that homeschooling families with older children and teens consider seeing a play here to add an English literature element to a Virginia vacation that would typically just focus on American historical attractions. And while seeing a Shakespearean play here certainly has educational merit - it was also just a really fun evening that you don't have to be an English major to enjoy.
If reading this has you even a little interested in the American Shakespeare Center, I recommend that you go ahead and get tickets for a performance at the Blackfriars Playhouse - you'll be glad you did.
Tip: Ask about discounts on tickets. We got a group rate but they also offer AAA discount, senior discount, child discount, and student discounts. Discounts are only available for phone and box office purchases - they're not available for online purchases.
The Blackfriars Playhouse is a re-creation of the indoor theater that William Shakespeare and his colleagues built at the Blackfriar's Monestery. The theater only seats 300 and the productions are performed with the lights on so the audience is very close to the actors. The theatre itself is very cool but the experience only gets better once the actors take to the stage. Our group was delighted to find such excellent actors in such an unexpected corner of the world. The performance was vibrant, lively, and fun. In fact, it was such a treat that we're planning to go back when we can enjoy a long weekend right in Staunton.
An added treat was the music before the performance and during the intermission. They did a short skit that somehow combined a request to silence our cell phones and a sort of Shakespearean take on "The Dating Game" in a way that was just hilarious.
I was happily surprised when all of the young people said that seeing the play at the Blackfriars was a highlight of the whole trip. Based on our experience, I feel very comfortable recommending that homeschooling families with older children and teens consider seeing a play here to add an English literature element to a Virginia vacation that would typically just focus on American historical attractions. And while seeing a Shakespearean play here certainly has educational merit - it was also just a really fun evening that you don't have to be an English major to enjoy.
If reading this has you even a little interested in the American Shakespeare Center, I recommend that you go ahead and get tickets for a performance at the Blackfriars Playhouse - you'll be glad you did.
Tip: Ask about discounts on tickets. We got a group rate but they also offer AAA discount, senior discount, child discount, and student discounts. Discounts are only available for phone and box office purchases - they're not available for online purchases.
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Seat cushions are available, just in case your backside is not as impressed with authentic wooden theatre seats as you are. The "over 40" crowd sat at the ground level but the younger people preferred seats in the balcony. Because the theatre is fairly small, we all enjoyed a good view of the performance.
They don't have their own parking but there is a public lot on the corner of Beverely street. The town of Staunton does a great job of directing you to tourist locations. There were maroon colored signs with arrows on various light posts along the main routes through town.
The show was at 7:30 with the doors opening at 7:00 PM. We arrived around 6:45PM to park and get our tickets and that timing was perfect. The balcony seating is "first come / first serve" so you'll want to arrive early enough to get a good seat.
I asked the box office person how we should dress and he said, "Dress like you would to go to a movie theatre - it is fairly casual". Even though it was summer, our gentlemen all wore pants (not shorts) and nice sports shirts. Our ladies wore slacks and blouses or sundresses. This is a little nicer than what we would wear to our local movie theatre and it seemed to be about right, when compared to other guests.
Their motto is "We do it with the lights on" because they use "universal lighting" which means that the performers can see the audience and they play to the audience at times. The theatre is small and you feel very close to the performance.
Children must be at least 7 years old to attend.
Wheelchair seating and hearing enhancement devices are available but you should order your tickets by phone (rather than online) and let the box office know about your special needs so that they are prepared for your visit.
Cameras and tape recorders are forbidden during the performances.
There are beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - for sale on the stage during the intermission. There are a few promotional items like "We Do It With the Lights On" tee shirts available for sale in the lobby.
Have you been to Blackfriars Playhouse?
Tell us about your experience at Blackfriars Playhouse or your other favorite tourist attractions in Virginia.
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CruiseReady May 14, 2011 @ 7:19 pm | delete
- I've not been to any tourist attractions in Virginia, but would sure like to go to this one. You gave a great review and description of it. Nice job.
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Information & Practical Details About A Trip to the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia.
Everything you need to know before you go.
Seat cushions are available, just in case your backside is not as impressed with authentic wooden theatre seats as you are. The "over 40" crowd sat at the ground level but the younger people preferred seats in the balcony. Because the theatre is fairly small, we all enjoyed a good view of the performance.
They don't have their own parking but there is a public lot on the corner of Beverely street. The town of Staunton does a great job of directing you to tourist locations. There were maroon colored signs with arrows on various light posts along the main routes through town.
The Blackfriars Playhouse is located in a great part of Staunton and you'll find some wonderful restaurants within walking distance, if you'd like to enjoy a meal or treat before or after your chosen performance.
The show was at 7:30 with the doors opening at 7:00 PM. We arrived around 6:45PM to park and get our tickets and that timing was perfect. The balcony seating is "first come / first serve" so you'll want to arrive early enough to get a good seat.
I asked the box office person how we should dress and he said, "Dress like you would to go to a movie theatre - it is fairly casual". Even though it was summer, our gentlemen all wore pants (not shorts) and nice sports shirts. Our ladies wore slacks and blouses or sundresses. This is a little nicer than what we would wear to our local movie theatre and it seemed to be about right, when compared to other guests.
Their motto is "We do it with the lights on" because they use "universal lighting" which means that the performers can see the audience and they play to the audience at times. The theatre is small and you feel very close to the performance.
Children must be at least 7 years old to attend.
Wheelchair seating and hearing enhancement devices are available but you should order your tickets by phone (rather than online) and let the box office know about your special needs so that they are prepared for your visit.
Cameras and tape recorders are forbidden during the performances.
There are beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - for sale on the stage during the intermission. There are a few promotional items like "We Do It With the Lights On" tee shirts available for sale in the lobby.
They don't have their own parking but there is a public lot on the corner of Beverely street. The town of Staunton does a great job of directing you to tourist locations. There were maroon colored signs with arrows on various light posts along the main routes through town.
The Blackfriars Playhouse is located in a great part of Staunton and you'll find some wonderful restaurants within walking distance, if you'd like to enjoy a meal or treat before or after your chosen performance.
The show was at 7:30 with the doors opening at 7:00 PM. We arrived around 6:45PM to park and get our tickets and that timing was perfect. The balcony seating is "first come / first serve" so you'll want to arrive early enough to get a good seat.
I asked the box office person how we should dress and he said, "Dress like you would to go to a movie theatre - it is fairly casual". Even though it was summer, our gentlemen all wore pants (not shorts) and nice sports shirts. Our ladies wore slacks and blouses or sundresses. This is a little nicer than what we would wear to our local movie theatre and it seemed to be about right, when compared to other guests.
Their motto is "We do it with the lights on" because they use "universal lighting" which means that the performers can see the audience and they play to the audience at times. The theatre is small and you feel very close to the performance.
Children must be at least 7 years old to attend.
Wheelchair seating and hearing enhancement devices are available but you should order your tickets by phone (rather than online) and let the box office know about your special needs so that they are prepared for your visit.
Cameras and tape recorders are forbidden during the performances.
There are beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - for sale on the stage during the intermission. There are a few promotional items like "We Do It With the Lights On" tee shirts available for sale in the lobby.
How to Get the Most out of Your Blackfriars Playhouse Experience
Awesome Ways To Make Your Visit Even More Enjoyable
As you can probably tell, I had a great time at the Blackfriars Playhouse and can't wait to go back. And I just received an email from the American Shakespeare Center with the top ten ways to make a visit to the Blackfriars Playhouse even better:
10.Arrive up to 30 minutes before "curtain" - In Shakespeare's day, the playhouse was a bustling center of cultural activity which included music and dance; today's Blackfriars Playhouse is no different. Each performance features a musical and preshow that you'll love 15-25 minutes before the show.
9.Introduce yourself to at least one person - Shakespeare's playhouses were major meeting spots. Who knows who you'll end up sitting next to? The Blackfriars Playhouse is a community builder, and we'll leave the lights on for you to enjoy the communal experience of Renaissance theatre.
8.Take a tour - Want to take pictures of the playhouse? Want to see where the actors rehearse? Want to learn a little more about Renaissance staging conditions? Blackfriars backstage tours are where all that can happen. Patrons who take the tour say that it makes our performances even more amazing than they already are.
7.Buy a drink or a snack - We encourage you to partake in food and drink in the playhouse. We have beer, wine, water, soda, and a host of high-quality snacks that will make every time you visit us a party.
6.Sit on the stage - Want to get closer to the action? Come right up onto the stage and share the space with the actors and their craft. Or if you want to get really crazy, you can sit on Juliet's balcony, too.
5.Take advantage of the light - Look at everyone! Explore your own humanity by spying on everyone else. With the house lights on, enjoy the contagious nature of laughter or the looks on people's faces of shock and disbelief.
4.Read the program - Written by artists, scholars, and dramaturgs, the program is much more than an excuse to put ads in front of you; they'll also bring you closer to our productions.
3.Bring some friends - Do you have a group of people with whom you would like share some of the best theatre ever? Bring them along for a night they'll never forget. And if your group is big enough, we have some deals made just for you.
2.Don't read the play - Shakespeare wrote these plays to be experienced on a stage. They're about having a great time, not homework. Come see our productions with a fresh and open mind, or try to forget everything you you've learned about Shakespeare and just have fun.
And the number one thing to do to get the most out of your Blackfriars Experience is...
1.Stay and talk with the actors - Every Thursday, we offer you the chance to stay after the performance and hang out with our actors. Ask them anything! They love the attention and the chance to be themselves with the audience.
10.Arrive up to 30 minutes before "curtain" - In Shakespeare's day, the playhouse was a bustling center of cultural activity which included music and dance; today's Blackfriars Playhouse is no different. Each performance features a musical and preshow that you'll love 15-25 minutes before the show.
9.Introduce yourself to at least one person - Shakespeare's playhouses were major meeting spots. Who knows who you'll end up sitting next to? The Blackfriars Playhouse is a community builder, and we'll leave the lights on for you to enjoy the communal experience of Renaissance theatre.
8.Take a tour - Want to take pictures of the playhouse? Want to see where the actors rehearse? Want to learn a little more about Renaissance staging conditions? Blackfriars backstage tours are where all that can happen. Patrons who take the tour say that it makes our performances even more amazing than they already are.
7.Buy a drink or a snack - We encourage you to partake in food and drink in the playhouse. We have beer, wine, water, soda, and a host of high-quality snacks that will make every time you visit us a party.
6.Sit on the stage - Want to get closer to the action? Come right up onto the stage and share the space with the actors and their craft. Or if you want to get really crazy, you can sit on Juliet's balcony, too.
5.Take advantage of the light - Look at everyone! Explore your own humanity by spying on everyone else. With the house lights on, enjoy the contagious nature of laughter or the looks on people's faces of shock and disbelief.
4.Read the program - Written by artists, scholars, and dramaturgs, the program is much more than an excuse to put ads in front of you; they'll also bring you closer to our productions.
3.Bring some friends - Do you have a group of people with whom you would like share some of the best theatre ever? Bring them along for a night they'll never forget. And if your group is big enough, we have some deals made just for you.
2.Don't read the play - Shakespeare wrote these plays to be experienced on a stage. They're about having a great time, not homework. Come see our productions with a fresh and open mind, or try to forget everything you you've learned about Shakespeare and just have fun.
And the number one thing to do to get the most out of your Blackfriars Experience is...
1.Stay and talk with the actors - Every Thursday, we offer you the chance to stay after the performance and hang out with our actors. Ask them anything! They love the attention and the chance to be themselves with the audience.
Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia
American Shakespeare Center
Exterior view of the American Shakespeare Center
Address and Contact information for the American Shakespeare Center
Where to buy tickets to see a play at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Location;
The Blackfriars Playhouse is
10 S. Market Street
Staunton, VA 24401
For tickets call:
Local: 540-851-1733
Toll free: 877-Much-Ado (877-682-4236)
The Blackfriars Playhouse is
10 S. Market Street
Staunton, VA 24401
For tickets call:
Local: 540-851-1733
Toll free: 877-Much-Ado (877-682-4236)
Google Maps
More Information to Help With Your Vacation Planning
- What's Playing at the Blackfriars Playhouse?
- Find out what plays are currently being performed at the Blackfriars Playhouse by the American Shakespeare Center's troupe of actors.
- Tripadvisor.com visitor reviews of the American Shakespeare Center.
- Find out about other people's experiences at the Blackfriar's Playhouse.
- Staunton, Virginia Visitor's Guide
- Staunton is in the Shenandoah Velley, not too far from Monticello. Visitors to Virginia will certainly want to spend some time in this historic city.
- Build A Better Mouse Trip Travel
- My travel agency focuses primarily on Cruise and Walt Disney World Vacations but we'd also be happy to help you plan your trip to the Blackfriars Playhouse
American Shakespeare Center Blog
Engaging with Shakespeare's staging conditions makes his plays accessible and full of joy for everyone. Join in their ongoing discussion about the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries and the staging of their plays.
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