Shakespeare in the Park

Montford Park Players actors sitting in a cluster in Shakespeare in Love.
Montford Park Players actors on stage during a performance of Shakespeare in Love.

One of Asheville’s most cherished gems, the Montford Park Players is North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare theatre company. For fifty years they have provided quality productions of classic drama featuring local actors with the support of local technicians.

Montford Park Players’ Shakespeare in the Park productions are held in an informal outdoor setting at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay Street, in in the Montford Community Center Complex near downtown Asheville. Shows start at 7:30 pm on Fridays through Sundays unless otherwise noted.

The performances are free to attend! However, donations of $10 to $15 per person are encouraged. Chair rentals are available for $7. The outdoor setting is perfect for picnics, and concessions are also available.

2024 Montford Park Players Schedule

  • May 10-26: Edward III.
  • May 31-Jun. 23: Richard II.
  • Jun. 28-Jul. 21: Henry IV 1.2. 
    • Part 1 will be performed on the following dates (Fridays – Sundays): June 28, 29, 30 and July 12, 13, 14. Part 2 will be performed on the following dates (Fridays – Sundays): July 5, 6, 7 and July 19, 20, 21
  • Jul. 26-Aug. 25: Henvry V.
  • Aug. 30-Sept. 22: Henry VI. 1.2.3.
  • Sept. 27-Oct. 27: Richard III.

Audience Tips

Bring an umbrella! The amphitheater offers no covered seating, so you should be prepared if a light rain happens to cover the area. While weather cancellations do occur, they are usually limited to heavy thunderstorms.

Find your seat early. If you love being close to the action, be sure to arrive early! You can also reserve tickets (and comfortable chairs) online. However, the amphitheater provides excellent views and acoustics regardless of where you are, so don’t worry if you happen to arrive a bit late.

Take a picnic and cooler. Outside food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are allowed at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre! They also sell salty and sweet snacks and beer and wine. Guest vendors such as The Hop are frequently found throughout the season as well.

Carry bug spray. Bugs can be an issue on many summer nights, so come prepared to protect yourself and your family with bug spray.

Parking is free. There are multiple parking lots located just outside the outdoor amphitheater

Follow the social media feeds. Follow the Montford Park Players at MontfordParkPlayers.org or on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information and cancellation notices.

Directions

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown. Plug in “Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville, North Carolina 28801” to your GPS for directions from your location.

Additional Information

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit that strives to bring performances to people of all means, the company’s support comes from audience donations, playbill advertisements, and various contributions from local businesses and patrons. The actors and technicians of the Montford Park Players are all volunteers and in any given year, about two hundred people donate their time, talent, and expertise to the productions. You can provide financial support at MontfordParkPlayers.org/donate/.

Call (828) 254-5146 or visit www.montfordparkplayers.org for more information.

Last updated on June 27, 2024.