Actors’ Theatre of Columbus returns this Summer with their outdoor classic theatre under the stars in German Village’s Schiller Park.
The theme for the 40th anniversary season is “Royals Redux” – a look at the sovereignty and subversion of the ruling class and social elite.
photo by Dave Koczur
ATC’s summer season features two king-sized plays of Shakespearean proportions including Hamlet, 1603 (May 26 – June 19) and Queen Margaret (July 21 – August 14), plus Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities (June 23 – July 17), and August Wilson’s King Hedley II (August 18 – September 4), a first-ever collaboration with PAST Productions Columbus to conclude the season.
“The plays we are presenting this season examine power structures, power moves, and powerful people,” shared Artistic Director Philip J. Hickman. “How do we make or break change when things go wrong? These plays present fresh, unique takes on stories that are compelling, provocative, romantic, and sometimes very funny.”
Auditions for the 2022 season will be held in person March 12-13 at the German Village Meeting Haus (588 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH). Video auditions will also be accepted. To learn more, or schedule an audition time, visit https://theactorstheatre.org/auditions/.
Theatre in the Park with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus Show Schedule
HAMLET, 1603 by William Shakespeare
Directed by Sarah Neville
May 26 – June 19
A grieving son; a father’s ghost; a mother’s untimely remarriage: Shakespeare’s tragedy of Hamlet has long been among his best-known and most-celebrated plays. But before the familiar tale of delayed revenge, long scenes, and introspective speeches came Shakespeare’s earlier, younger, and much faster version.
A (old) new take on the play audiences think they know, Hamlet, 1603 offers a rare opportunity to experience the exciting first draft of Shakespeare’s most famous work.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud, Directed by David J. Glover
June 23 – July 17
One of the darkest and most romantic of Dickens’ novels, A Tale of Two Cities is set in the late 18th century against the background of the French Revolution. In a time when governments all over the world are facing down political unrest and fierce protests, this revolutionary story has never been more relevant.
The complex plot involves Sydney Carton sacrificing his own life on behalf of his friends Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette. While political events drive the story, lambasting aristocratic tyranny and revolutionary excess—the latter memorably caricatured in Madame Defarge, who knits beside the guillotine, this adaptation reflects that ambition by having thirty characters played by just eight actors.
Caleb Curby as Charles Darnay with, from left to right, Alexa Clint as Lucie Manette and Chad Baker as Sydney Carton in the 2022 Actors’ Theatre of Columbus production of A Tale of Two Cities (photo credit: Jabari Johnson).
QUEEN MARGARET by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Jeanie O’Hare, Directed by Philip J. Hickman
July 21 – August 14
Queen Margaret is a new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Henry VI plays, focusing on the life and story of Queen Margaret of Anjou, one of history’s most influential women. The play is a simmering blend of romance, betrayal, and rebellion told with wit and power.
The story unfolds as Margaret grows from a young queen bound by the constraints of tradition to the ruling force in the War of the Roses, protecting her son in a chaotic time of political strife and providing a future for her nation.
AUGUST WILSON’S KING HEDLEY II
A co-production with PAST Productions Columbus, Directed by Patricia Wallace-Winbush
August 18 – September 4
King Hedley II is set in 1985 and tells the story of an ex-con in post-Reagan Pittsburgh trying to rebuild his life. The play touches on economic disparity, the violence of the times, and how secrets and generational curses can tear a family apart.
Attending Actors’ Theatre of Columbus performances
Outdoor summer shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged and vital to the continued success of Actors’ Theatre. Suggested levels of donation and ways to donate are available on the website.
Performances are Thursdays through Sundays and begin at 8:00 p.m. Pack a picnic, bring your family or friends, and enjoy the evening!
The summer performances are under the stars (dress accordingly), and occasionally, under adverse weather conditions. The decision to cancel a performance is not made until 7:30 pm and will be posted on the website and Facebook page.
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Schiller Park
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admin says
I’m not affiliated with The Actors Theatre. I found the email on their website. info@theactorstheatre.org
admin says
I’m not affiliated with The Actors Theatre. I found the email on their website. info@theactorstheatre.org
darwin jirles says
how do i contact actors theater for the lost and found darwin jirles
darwin jirles says
do you have a lost and found ? i left my binocuars at a performance in schiller park friday july 13th my e-mail is dar.jirles@gmail.com i would like a reply thanks darwin jirles
admin says
Hi – I’m not affiliated with the program, so you should contact someone at The Actors’ Theatre. Best of luck!
Brandy L Saunders says
Hello! My son Jacob is high functioning ASD, Autism Spectrum “Differences” and currently attends CSCC. He’s taking intro to theatre this summer semester and this will be the first play he’s ever seen. If there’s any way we could meet with cast and or the director, that would be greatly appreciated.