STAUNTON, Va.: American Shakespeare Center (ASC) has announced their return to live performances in May with a repertory season of three Shakespearean classics. The company’s new cohort of actor-managers will cast and direct the works as part of their Actors’ Renaissance series, which is rooted in Shakespeare’s rehearsal practices and business model. The season was chosen by actor-managers Brandon Carter, John Harrell, Chris Johnston, and Zoe Speas.
The season will begin with Macbeth (May 13-Sept. 5), which will play outdoors at a location in Staunton that will be announced at a later date.
Next up will be Henry V at the Blackfriars Playhouse, June 17-Sept. 4. Carter will return as Henry V after starring in Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 in 2020; ASC’s research indicates that Carter is the first Black man in the U.S. to play Henry in all three works.
Playing in repertory with Henry V in the Blackfriars will be All’s Well That Ends Well, beginning Aug. 5.
Both the Blackfriars Playhouse and the outdoor venue will comply with county and state health regulations, including socially distanced seating, hand sanitizer stations, and required masks. Touchless ticketing and digital playbills will also be available.
The American Shakespeare Center’s mission is to recover the joy and accessibility of Shakespeare’s theatre, language, and humanity by exploring the English Renaissance stage and its practice through performance and education.
