As You Like It
Courtesy Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Now’s your chance to see “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the way God, or at least William Shakespeare, intended.
Shakespeare in the Park
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
July 11–August 31
FREE performances in parks in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Miami, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Kenton, Mason, and Boone Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Wayne counties in Indiana.
See the full schedule online.
“Back in Shakespeare’s day, most theatre happened under an open sky,” says Jeanna Valla, director of marketing with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company..“The Globe’s roofless stage let weather, street noise, and moonlight blended right into the story. We recreate that same energy in our outdoor shows. Shakespeare even timed many finales for nightfall, relying on the sky’s slow fade-to-black to sharpen the drama–an ingenious solution in his 1500s world without electric lights!”
This summer, you can step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” promises laughter, wonder, and memorable moments under the stars in parks across the region.
“Hitting 40 different parks means every stop is its own one-night-only experience, and that rush never gets old.” says Valla. “We also love that many folks discover a new-to-them neighborhood just to catch the show on a particular night that works with their schedule. Knowing our performance drew them to a local park or venue they’ve never visited before is the best kind of bonus.
Courtesy Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
This production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is directed by CSC’s Candice Handy, who recently directed “The Tempest” on the mainstage and “Hamlet” in the parks last summer. She also led last season's critically praised mainstage production of James Baldwin's “The Amen Corner,” as well as CSC's 2022 unforgettable staging of August Wilson's “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.”
The free Shakespeare in the Park performances bring the excitement of Shakespeare’s plays directly to the community. These productions, featuring one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays, are open to all, with no tickets or RSVP required. Audiences can simply bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. For questions regarding a specific location’s policies on parking, outside food and drink, etc., please contact the venue directly or visit our website at cincyshakes.com/park.
“If formal theater etiquette is not your thing, FREE Shakespeare in the Park is pure low pressure,” says Valla. “The actors are mic’d and amplified, so kids giggling, dogs wandering, or traffic humming nearby won’t drown out a single punchline. Come as you are, bring a blanket or a camp chair, share snacks with the folks next to you, and settle in for Shakespeare under the open sky in your neighborhood.”
This annual tradition reflects CSC's commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of live theater in a casual and welcoming environment. Because of this CSC offers audio described and sign language interpreted performances of FREE! Shakespeare in the Park.