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    American Players Theatre

    4.6 (63 reviews)

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    Perfect evening
    PJ C.

    What an awesome setting. We had heard neighbors talk about seeing shows here but we were never that interested in going. Perhaps it was the types of plays this company specialized in that kept us away. Finally these same neighbors asked us to go to a comedy, more of our speed, on a beautiful Sunday evening. Though it is a bit of a drive from Monona it was worth it. We really loved the whole picnicking concept before the show with all of the tables, even shelters and grills. The picnic wooded area is very nice. We had knew the mosquitoes can be fierce in this area (we have hiked nearby and know it is true). I have never been to an outdoor venue that had racks of bug spray for you to use as you hike up the hill to the theater. I am happy to say that for some reason there were no mosquitoes on the night we were here. Once we made the trek uphill we were wowed by the small and intimate theater in the woods. Wonderful. Of course if it were raining it would be a very different experience. The show itself was hilarious and the actors excellent. A fun evening of entertainment in a unique setting. We will definitely go again...

    The amphitheater and stage
    Spencer S.

    The American Players Theatre near Spring Green, Wisconsin has been called the best classical theatre in the country. It is a beautiful outdoor theater located in the hills around Spring Green. We saw a production of Raisins in the Sun. The actors were excellent. Lighting, staging and set were first rate. These are professional actors and professional, directors. This is not community theater. What a gem! I highly recommend APT!

    Food from Hubbard Ave Diner - they catered at APT.  We BYOB'd from Wollersheim.
    Paige L.

    Looks like this is one of the only places I've visited that has 5 full stars on Yelp. WELL DESERVED. Parking - Free and lots of space. A short walk (5 mins) uphill to the theatre. There's also a shuttle. Pre-show picnic - Bring your own snacks / meal / whatever you want. Lots of picnic tables. We opted for catered food at APT from Hubbard Avenue Diner. All of the dishes were fantastic, especially the baguette, chicken salad, dip, and brie. APT is not too far from the Wollersheim Winery (30 mins) if you want to pick up a bottle to share with your picnic party. APT is a PERFECT date spot. Highly recommend this location for any special date, anniversary, or celebration. There was a family next to us celebrating what appeared to be grandma's birthday with cupcakes to share. Seems like a nice venue for all ages. Only downside is the bugs. You can BYO bug spray or use theirs on your way up the hill. I'd recommend bringing your own if desired as everyone is trying to use the spray they provide. But hey, not a bad price to pay for an absolutely beautiful outdoor theatre. You might be able to hear the whippoorwills! They have aced the details. We were there on a hot summer night. The bathrooms were clean, available in multiple locations (bottom of hill near picnic area and top of hill near theatre) and the bathrooms even have AC. The most important part -- the performance - Wow! I wouldn't consider myself to be a huge theatre fan, but this group was absolutely incredible. We saw Twelfth Night and I was truly impressed. The set was simple, costumes were intricate, and the acting was sublime. The cast seems passionate about their work and APT is truly a treasure in the woods. Can't wait to see another show here the next time I'm in Wisconsin!

    'Born Yesterday' set
    Samantha P.

    An outdoor theatre that's definitely worth the mini hike up to it. Wow. Nestled in some rolling Wisconsin hills, APT is a great place to take friends and family of all ages. There are tons of tables around that avid goers will set up for a BYO pre-theatre picnic - tablecloth, picnic basket full of tasty finger foods to pass, and a bottle of wine or two. Be sure to get there at least an hour before show time to enjoy it all. I went with a friend and her family who gave me some helpful tips: be prepared for bugs and cooler temps in the summer! The show didn't start until 7:30, so you can imagine it's not nearly as warm as earlier in the day. If you forget some bug spray, no worries. APT provides cans of spray on the trails up (so nice!). After the hike up to the theatre, you'll find restrooms and concessions available, funds from which support ATP. The theatre itself is set up amphitheater style, so everyone has a decent view. We saw 'Born Yesterday': a 1920's comedy with a gorgeously done set. The actors brought the characters to life perfectly and had the audience both laughing and in suspense. Also, outside DOES mean outside. They sometimes continue the production in the rain, so check the weather before heading there!

    Set for "The Royal Family"
    Kelsey I.

    The best gem of a theatre that I've discovered nation-wide. It's such a special experience that my family has no problem with commuting 1.5 hours to get to it at least once a summer. The evening is simply magical. If you are a theatre enthusiast at all, American Players Theatre will make you think, laugh, and fall in love with the art all over again. With a concentration on classical plays, with playwrights like Shaw, Shakespeare, and Tennessee Williams making top billings most seasons, each scene feels timeless. They are executed by skilled and real actors in exquisite costumes (seriously... exquisite) on incredible sets. And the direction and lighting are perfect support. Plus, bringing a picnic lunch and shopping the stores before and after makes American Players Theatre a real destination. The outdoor seating is very nice-- pack a table cloth! Then begins the march Up the Hill, and the magic begins!

    Nicholas M.

    This is a magical place. Set in the unglaciated region of Wisconsin, nestled in a thick green sea of oak, brich and poplar, APT is my favorite summer Shakespeare venue. www.playinthewoods.org

    Cans of Off! provided free of charge :)

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    Ask the Community - American Players Theatre

    Review Highlights - American Players Theatre

    I love how APT brings Shakespeare to life so it's easier for modern audiences to understand and appreciate.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Shitty Barn

    The Shitty Barn

    4.8(6 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $

    Everyone that has been to the Shitty Barn loves it and now I know why. Bring your favorite picnic…read morefood, grab a beer, place your folding chair in a line to the entrance in order of arrival, (simple and organized), then enjoy an intimate show with 80-100 others. Proof of vaccine or negative test required and masks on indoors. We saw the Ratboys and Wild Pink which were Excellent!! A true gem of a venue. Thank you to the owner for keeping this establishment open, supporting live music, and making folks in the area very happy. Just go.

    The Shitty Barn is everything BUT a shitty barn! It's truly a magical venue for live music. Arrive…read moreearly to get a good seat, although there really isn't a bad seat in the barn. I recommend bringing a lawn chair to sit on. They do have a few stadium style seats on the right side but it's recommend to have your own. There is one thing I want to say, please be respectful and bring a small chair, there is limited seating and it's flat. I've been a few times and there is always someone with an obnoxiously oversized chair that makes it hard for people behind them to see. Before the show you can get delicious farm fresh food from Enos Farm. I look forward to their tacos every show! You can also enjoy a cold beer, or wine, but make sure to bring cash as its cash only and no ATM on site. We always have a great time and are loo forward to going back each year!

    Photos
    The Shitty Barn - Beverage service

    Beverage service

    The Shitty Barn - Night Moves 08.26.15

    Night Moves 08.26.15

    The Shitty Barn - Sh*tty Barn - Session - live music - Wisconsin Barn - Spring Green Wisconsin

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    Sh*tty Barn - Session - live music - Wisconsin Barn - Spring Green Wisconsin

    The House On the Rock - Area that looks like a bunch of little shops

    The House On the Rock

    3.9(336 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    My cousin really wanted to come here and I didn't even know what it was. We drove here from St…read more Louis to come see this attraction. I came in blind, not knowing what it was. It was super impressed. It literally kept going on and on and on. so many fun interesting things. We stopped and got a hotdog at the cafeteria, which was nice because we were getting a little hungry and thirsty on this long walk. I would recommend bringing dollar bills so you can buy coins and put them into the different coin operated machines that they have. They have a lot of those around the entire facility and it's one of the only interactive options. Obviously everything looked really cool. I think that the only thing that would make it better would be to have a more interactive aspect to some of the parts, but I'm not sure how they would do that and I don't think they're gonna change anything. It's still well worth a visit.

    This place is immense! We walked over 3 miles to see all the collections amazed by former owner…read moreAlex Jordan. It can be overwhelming if you have sensory issues, so keep that in mind. Lots of lights and lots sounds, not to mention the number of things to look at. Plan for walking up and down hills and walkways/stairs. Some areas are too narrow for mobility aids and might be a tight fit if you are plus sized, like I am. That said, it was worth every step to see it all. The automated music machines, infinity room, and the carousels were my favorite parts. I'm sure there's plenty I didn't notice, so I would return to take in more of it. Be prepared for irregular temperatures throughout the experience, as you move between indoors and outdoors and gated locations versus not. There are many restrooms along the way, as well as a cafe halfway through where you can rest and recharge. We didn't stop there, but it smelled great as we walked through. Get your tokens at the front desk to save a little money. You'll need them for the automated music machines. I bought 15, but I could have used 5-10 more. Luckily, you still get to watch and listen when others use their tokens.

    Photos
    The House On the Rock - Whale and kraken

    Whale and kraken

    The House On the Rock - Carousel horses

    Carousel horses

    The House On the Rock - Queen and kings crowns

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    Queen and kings crowns

    American Players Theatre - theater - Updated June 2026

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