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Actors' Theatre Of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio

As the evening settles over the trees at Schiller Park, a simple amphitheatre becomes the setting for classic stories told outdoors. Audience members pick a spot on the grass, the lights come up, and Actors' Theatre Of Columbus gets to work with the kind of up-close, park‑bench intimacy that makes every soliloquy feel like it is meant for you.

This long-running Columbus company stages an annual outdoor season at the historic Schiller Park Amphitheatre in German Village. The repertoire centers on Shakespeare and other classic works, performed with a lean, park-friendly setup that keeps your focus on language, character, and the shared experience of watching live actors shape a story in real time.

Admission follows a Pay What You Will approach, a model that keeps the performances accessible while inviting support from those who can contribute. The result is a crowd that spans neighbors on a casual night out and dedicated theatregoers keen to catch new takes on familiar plays. It is common to see people arrive early, settle in on the lawn, and make an evening of it from the first warmup to the curtain call.

Beyond the shows, Actors' Theatre Of Columbus runs education programs at Schiller Park through its Globe School, offering camps and classes tied to the season. Whether you are curious about how Shakespeare’s text works on its feet or you have a young performer eager to try the stage, these sessions connect directly to what you see in performance.

  • Location: Schiller Park Amphitheatre in German Village
  • Season and hours: Outdoor summer season; hours vary, check ahead
  • Admission:Pay What You Will with donations encouraged
  • Known for: Shakespeare and classic plays performed outdoors under the stars
  • Education: Globe School camps and classes tied to the summer season

If you are looking for classic theatre you can watch from a blanket on the grass, with an atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood gathering, this is the Columbus tradition to put on your list.

Published: August 28, 2026