In Brief:
The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse brings the plays and the world of William Shakespeare to life in a truly authentic fashion. The Playhouse, built in 2001, faithfully re-creates the indoor theatre that Shakespeare and his fellow actors, The King's Men, used for indoor performances. The original Blackfriars Playhouse was located in London's former Blackfriars monastery. Today, Staunton's Blackfriars Playhouse takes audiences back in time to Shakespeare's heyday with performances, costumes and staging that mirror those of The King's Men.
Getting There:
The Blackfriars Playhouse is easy to find. It is located in the heart of Staunton's historic downtown area. Take Virginia Route 250 or Route 11 toward "Historic Downtown Staunton" (there are signs). The playhouse's parking garage, the New Street Parking Garage, is on the corner of New and Johnson Streets. The playhouse itself is around the corner from the garage, but you can reach it by walking out of the garage's east walkway.
Ticket Prices and Seating Options:
Ticket prices vary by seat type and location as well as the age of the theatre patron. Senior discounts are available. The lower level seats ("Lord's Chair" seats), which are on the sides of the stage, have seat backs, arm rests and cushions. If you sit in Section A, you can choose from a bench with cushion and seatback (or wall, in the back row of benches) or a "Gallants' Stool," right alongside the stage or in the "Lords' Balcony." Upper level seats are general admission, first-come, first-served, except for the seats in "Juliet's Balcony." Prices range from $20 - $40 ($18 - $37 for seniors).
Address and Telephone Number:
Things to Know About the Blackfriars Playhouse:
- You'll need to park around the corner in the New Street Parking Garage. Accessible parking is available on Market Street.
- Performances are lit by wall sconces and chandeliers, as they were in the days of William Shakespeare.
- You are allowed to enjoy refreshments at your seat.
- Some performances are designated as "Pay What You Will" events; you are invited to watch the show and pay whatever you like at the end of the play.
- The American Shakespeare Center at the Blackfriars Playhouse partners with Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel) to offer theatre workshops, if you prefer to travel with a group.
- The Playhouse offers both hearing-enhancement devices and wheelchair seating. Please advise the box office of your needs at least one week in advance.
- Theatre tours are available on every day except Sunday. Tours cost $5. Tour times vary by season, but at least one tour is offered each day.
About the Blackfriars Playhouse
The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of the indoor theatre used by William Shakespeare. At each performance, the audience is treated to an authentic Shakespearean theatre experience. Just as William Shakespeare and his fellow actors worked with natural lighting, no sets and recycled costumes, so, too, do the actors of the American Shakespeare Center.
In addition to performances, the American Shakespeare Center offers educational events throughout the year. Lectures, post-performance talks with actors and pre-show presentations of the plays enable audience members to learn more about William Shakespeare, Elizabethan theatre and the fine art of acting.
