BLACKFRIARS PLAYHOUSE-AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER
540-851-1733 Toll-free: 877-682-4236
www.americanshakespearecenter.com 10 South Market Street, Staunton, VA 24401
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a regional theatre company that is internationally acclaimed for performing Shakespeare’s works under their original staging conditions. The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only recreation of the original indoor Blackfriars Theatre in London that was demolished in 1655.
The Blackfriars Playhouse has been established as one of America's premier Shakespeare destinations with a stunning re-creation of the first indoor theatre in the English-speaking world. The American Shakespeare Center gives its audiences some of the same experiences that an Elizabethan playgoer would have enjoyed by following the basic principles of Renaissance theatrical production including audience and actors sharing the same pool of light, one actor playing multiple roles in a show, men playing female characters and vice versa), and minimal sets.
The company also has a touring group that performs at festivals, colleges, high schools, and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. The shows are produced as Shakespeare’s troupe performed them—on a bare stage and surrounded by audience members who share the same light with the actors in a highly interactive style.
PARKING: 13 designated accessible parking spaces, located 1 1/2 blocks away. Nearby ramps well marked. RV parking.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION: Paved paths accessible to persons with mobility disabilities. Slight upgrade may require assistance for persons in wheelchairs. Length of paths 50 ft.
ENTRANCE: Located on street level in front of building. Doors easily opened, assistance is available.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located all 3 floors. Available without steps. Doors open in. No turns to enter. Wheelchair accessible stalls have doors opening in, and handrails. 19 in. toilet seat height. Wrapped pipes. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions. Unisex or companion assisted rest rooms available. Rest rooms identified by raised figures with pants or skirt on the door to designate men or women.
ELEVATOR: In front lobby. Serves all levels. Buttons in braille and raised. Door stays open 10 seconds. Audible floor change signal.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: Accessible phones located all floors. Lowered phones. Amplified headsets.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
Service dogs are permitted in the Blackfriars Playhouse. Please let the ASC Box Office know if a service dog will accompany you in advance of your visit.
For guests with mobility disabilities, we offer wheelchair accessible seating on the first and second level for all our performances. Please contact the Blackfriars Playhouse Box Office to reserve wheelchair accessible seating.
For guests with hearing disabilities, there are ASL Interpreted performances. Link to sign up for notifications of these performances. Hearing-assistance receivers and printed copies of our playtexts are available at no charge. Please reserve your copy when you order your tickets to ensure availability.
For guests with visual disabilities, there are signs in large print, with contrasting background, printed on a non-glossy surface. You may request a complimentary companion ticket.
STAFF TRAINING: Ushers have been trained to serve guests with mobility, visual, or hearing disabilities. We have a standard manual with the assistance of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30AM-6:00PM* Sun: Noon-5:00PM *On show nights hours extend to 6:30PM. AAA Members and Military Personnel save 10% off any regularly-priced ticket. These tickets must be ordered by phone or in person in order to receive a discount.
Link to what is currently playing.
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