Actors' Theatre Of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio
The ritual starts before sunset at Schiller Park. You pick a spot on the lawn facing the open-air amphitheatre, the lights come up, and Actors’ Theatre of Columbus leans into Shakespeare or a classic thriller while the neighborhood settles in around you.
This nonprofit company is known for summer productions in the park, with a repertoire that mixes Shakespeare with literary adaptations and modern classics. Performances are outdoors at the Schiller Park Amphitheatre in German Village, so the backdrop is trees, crickets, and the occasional dog trotting past with its person. It feels informal and welcoming, but the work onstage is polished and story-forward.
General admission is free, keeping the barrier to entry low. If you prefer to lock in a great view, the company offers premium reserved seating for purchase at the front of the house. Most shows are scheduled on summer evenings and the exact nights can vary by title. Weather can nudge plans, so it’s smart to check the day’s performance status before you head over.
Beyond the shows, Actors’ Theatre runs The Globe School with camps and classes in the same park setting. It’s a practical way to get young people and adults inside the nuts and bolts of theatre while staying close to the troupe’s summer home base.
- Location: Schiller Park Amphitheatre in German Village
- Admission: Free general admission; premium reserved seats available for purchase
- Season: Outdoor summer productions; dates and titles vary by year
- Showtime: Evening performances; hours vary, check ahead
- Known for: Shakespeare in the park, classic theatre under the stars, education through The Globe School
If you’re looking for live theatre that lets you choose between a no-cost lawn seat and a paid reserved spot, and you like the idea of a show unfolding in the middle of a neighborhood park, this fits the bill.
Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team