Actors' Theatre of Columbus

Actors' Theatre is back. Yahoo. After being forced to take a hiatus last season due to the pandemic, it was great being back in Schiller Park for live theatre.The audience was respectful of everyone's "space" and the restrooms were following strict Covid protocols.Legacy Barbecue is back for another season with their delicious bbq.The group is currently performing Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Personally, I had trouble following large parts of the play due to the sound. I'm not convinced their new audio system is an improvement over the old wireless mics that each actor wore, but I guess that's progress. It was also a bit confusing with 8 performers filling 18 roles - with individual actors playing both male and female roles.Overall, however, it was a great night; it was great being back in the park and it was great seeing the actors on stage again. Looking forward to the next production.

I expected to grade this four stars. Previous performances of this summer's must-do, four stars--if not three--is apt. Three though is a bit harsh for a free, community centered play--it's Columbus after-all, not LA or New York; though there has been a few summers of my discontent. This year's though was excellent, at least for Richard III now playing Thursday through Sunday until August 2nd. Cleverly set and costumed as a 1950s gangster tale, the play is still acted in its original language. The character are dressed in gangster suits and mob queen dresses foreground a mid-20th century cityscape. I love the creative change of some characters to accommodate the setting --Richard's servant here is a clipboard holding personal assistant, the court recorder is now a notepad nosey daily reporter, the regal messengers become heavy with a Brooklyn accent, the executioners are gun toting hit men. It all worked and was entertaining this year. I also applaud the acting. The lead, Dickie 3, was played well by Geoff Wilson. I also loved Beth Josephsen as Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV's queen consort. She really remade Elizabeth as a strong mob-wife who could go shoulder to shoulder with the men. Of course you may not be familiar with Shakespeare's plays, or like them from force readings during school. Seeing it is different; you need not worry about archaic turns of phrase or Tudor court diction. You can easily follow along with context and tone of voice. The plays are meant to be seen acted anyways, not read. Of course some background could help so I suggest reading the history of Richard 3 online, or watching a documentary beforehand so you'll better understand. With two Henry's, two Richards, two Edwards, three Elizabeth's as well as the fact that each noble can go by their endowed name as well it can get confusing. ( there is a reason why they make you memorize the Kings of England in Shakespeare classes.) They do more then Shakespeare. Later in the season they will do a comedic run-through of literature that sounds like good parody and satire. I'll be there. It is free but please donate. You can bring a chair but I prefer a blanket and a spot near the stage. Don't forget bug spray. I was eaten alive because I forgot; my kingdom for some DEET.

How can you not love free Shakespeare being performed in a beautiful park? The Actors' Theatre Company is one of central Ohio's (and not just the city's) premier public theatres, which take place throughout the summer on the gazebo at Schiller Park in German Village. We can blame the whole wonderful thing on a dog. 25 years ago, two German Village residents would walk their dog in Schiller Park and petitioned the city to produce free plays on the unused bandstand. Their love of Shakespeare turned into a summer tradition of Shakespeare in the Park, which eventually led to the founding of The Actors' Theatre Company. The first play, a Midsummer's Night Dream, drew more almost 5,000 people and continues to grow. Through company has grown from an amateur, volunteer group to an extremely reputable, professional (non-profit) company. Funding is derived from the German Village Society and other agencies, such as the Ohio Arts Council, GCAC; and corporations such as Nationwide Insurance. The plays are wonderful! Not just because they are free, but because the company is composed of professional and seriously talented actors. The season runs from May through August and takes place in the evenings. There is no formal seating for the productions, but chairs are permitted behind the walkway, while blankets are the seating of choice in front of the stage. Even though the performances are seasonal, this is truly a bright spot in Columbus's art world.

This is one of the best things to do on a weekend night in the summer. Not only is it great entertainment, it is FREE!!!! This is my second summer going to the park to watch the Actors' Theatre renditions of Shakespeare. Some of the plays are better than others but I am never really disappointed. I usually go with a group of friends and we all bring something to share with the group (food and drinks). We also all bring large blankets and pillows since you sit on the lawn. It is also now tradition that we go to Jenni's ice cream before the evening gets started. I was never much into Shakespeare but I still find this to be one of my favorite summer weekend outings. So bring your own goodies or buy from the vendor at the park, and enjoy your evening.

What can I say that has not been said? The Actor's Theater of Columbus, particularly their pay as you can spring - summer performances, are wonderful. My boyfriend and I recently attended "Captain Blood" and truly enjoyed the evening.Schiller Park and its ampatheater make for a nice setting. With the playground, pond, courts and paths remaining open throughout the show, l felt very much a part of the surrounding scene without being completely distracted. The ducks and bats flying over add character. Plus the recreation center bathrooms and a snack stand (think popcorn, ice cream and water) are available through the end of intermission.Such open access to theater should be treasured, so grab your beach chair or blanket and enjoy the show.

This summer I believe The Theater Troupe has been hit hard financially by the rainy weather.That's very sad when you experience a summer treat through this theater as you would in New York city.....The sound system is much improved.I attended Captain Blood and just this past weekend Richard III......ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR!It's the commitment to a professional theater experience that those in our community work so hard to provide all of us.....for free.www.TheActorsTheatre.orgATTEND each of the Schiller Park shows....look for pieces at Easton and Columbus Commons!Attend! Donate! Support!We each need the Arts......The Arts need us!

So right off the bat, I love Schiller Park, so the location is great for me. Show starts at 8, we showed up juuuust before and were still able to get a decent spot in the blanket area (chairs are only allowed behind the footpath). I'd shoot for getting there at 7:30 if you want prime real estate in front of the stage, AND get a parking spot (we parked on the street). Show was great (Richard III), with a really strong showing from the actor in the titular role. I'm still giving it four stars because I love the idea, and am willing to chalk this up to being a fluke, but there were a TON of tech problems. Mics cutting in and out, actor's mics being left on when they go offstage (causing us to hear a "girl, do your thing!" in the middle of a pretty dramatic scene onstage), etc. I'm hoping it was just one night of issues, but other than that, it was great!

What a great experience! A "Pay what you want" theatre company in the beautiful Schiller Park, the Actor's Theatre is well produced, enjoyable, and offers a great opportunity to sit in the park with a picnic lunch and watch live performances. If someone suggests taking a night to go out for a show, take them up on it, and then walk down to Jenis or another German Village spot for a nice treat afterwards!One bit of warning - the only public bathrooms are in the Schiller Park rec center, and the center is closed after second intermission. Lines will be long and you should try to go early if at all possible.

this is da BOMB no cap fr fr its so the best play ever no cap lil bro this needs to stop telling me to add 85 characters but like this is fire no cap I enjoyed so sick

I went with friends Friday night to see Much Ado About Nothing. We left early because we had trouble hearing the actors. Something needs to be done to improve the sound system.