Park Tour Logo (1)From the time that I was a very small girl I went to plays, concerts and operas with my family and now as a parent I try to do as my parents did and expose my children to the arts from a very early age.  Taking a family of six out to the theater or to a concert is rather hard on the wallet though, so I’m always happy when I find ways to expose them to art without spending a bundle.  I’ve heard about the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE Shakespeare in the park for many years now, but last year was the first time we made it to a performance.  I don’t know why it took me so long to get to one!  We went to the Linden Grove Cemetery in Covington and saw a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and it was outstanding.  I was worried that my children were not ready for Shakespeare, but Cincy Shakes tailors these free summer performances so that they are engaging and fun for the entire family.  And the city of Covington made the experience even more exciting with activities for the children before the show.  All three of my sons really got into the play and enjoyed themselves, and we did too.  I’m can’t wait to go again this summer!  Here’s all the details about Free Shakespeare in the Park so you can make plans to catch a play for free this summer too…

­Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents the 10th Annual FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour!

July 29- September 1, 2016

Shakespeare in the ParkCincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present the tenth annual FREE Shakespeare in the Park summer tour at local parks around Cincinnati and beyond this summer!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to announce the dates of the 2016 FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour! This year’s tour has over 30 performances stops (and growing) across three states of brand new productions of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area at local community parks and venues.  These performances are FREE and open to the public.  The cast features six actors from CSC Resident Ensemble.  Following the Park Tour, these shows will travel and tour to local schools, community centers, venues and other performing arts locations through May 2017.  Last year, CSC’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour had nearly 10,000 people in attendance!

The productions this year will incorporate some exciting and some brand new costume and scenic design. “Macbeth” directed by Kristin Clippard is set in a Scottish wilderness, inspired by the Pict warrior tribes of medieval Scotland. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” directed by Caitlin McWethy is hip-hop infused with original music created in collaboration with Elementz.  “Romeo and Juliet” directed by Jeremy Dubin is set in modern day featuring a superhero costume ball for the Capulets’ party where Juliet meets Romeo for the first time. All shows will have actors voices amplified on microphones and speakers.  Both shows are suitable for children and families of all ages and are under 2 hours each.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is constantly working to expand their reach even further into the region. We have one of the largest programs for free outdoor Shakespeare in the nation, both in number of stops and the size of the region we reach. For a complete list, including show titles and info on the venues, visit this page: http://cincyshakes.com/events/free-shakespeare-in-the-park/

Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and there is no ticket or RSVP required.  All performances are open to all and are general admission, open seating.  Arriving early is recommended for best seating and lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.  For questions regarding inclement weather or for details and rules regarding outside food and drink (including or excluding alcohol), please contact the individual parks and venues.