Hot Take: Shakespeare is meant to be acted, not read. As a 9th-grade English teacher, I think "Romeo and Juliet" belongs off the required reading list and back on the stage. Shakespeare's plays aren't specimens to examine under a microscope--they're living stories that come alive when talented actors perform them. Want proof? Experience Shakespeare the way it was meant to be enjoyed: outdoors on a summer evening, drink in hand, shouting "Huzzah!" with the crowd as a talented local troupe breathes fresh life into centuries-old scripts. That's exactly what my daughter and I found on an enchanting Sunday evening at Stan Hywet Hall, where the Ohio Shakespeare Festival's "As You Like It" came to life as dark rain clouds mercifully passed overhead, sparing us a downpour. From twinkle-lit brick pathways to moss-covered stone walls and turrets where actors rested between scenes, the gardens of Stan Hywet transport audiences away from the everyday into the magical world of the Bard. Here, love strikes instantly, dialogue dances in rhyme and meter, and fools somehow manage to speak the deepest truths. Though Shakespeare's language sounds foreign to modern audiences, OSF's expressive physicality and vocal intonation make the story easy to follow. Rather than translating Shakespeare, the company invites audiences to understand him naturally. The physical comedy of Touchstone, played with perfect timing by the purple-bearded Brian Pedaci, and Audrey, hilariously portrayed by Hannah Storch, drew waves of laughter from the audience. As Orlando, Trevor Buda impressed--and occasionally terrified--me with his athleticism. When Orlando swung beneath the balcony from a cleverly concealed set of monkey bars, I wondered whether the structure would hold. Fortunately, Buda also doubles as one of the company's carpenters, so he clearly trusted his own handiwork. Buda's earnest, gentlemanly Orlando paired beautifully with Sabrina Maristela's energetic and thoroughly lovable Rosalind. They even made a skeptic like me believe in love at first sight--at least for three fanciful hours. What lingers with me a few days later, though, is the feeling that this company genuinely enjoys performing together. The ensemble feels less like a cast and more like a family inviting you into its after-supper, before-bed entertainment. That sense of warmth and close-knit community is especially refreshing in an age when genuine shared experiences seem increasingly rare. "As You Like It" runs Thursday through Sunday evenings through July 26. Arrive early for the Green Show, where a dozen performers offer a relaxed, audience-driven pre-show that adds another half hour of laughter before the main event. "Macbeth" will follow from August 6 through August 23 (2026). Don't let the trauma of reading "Romeo and Juliet" next to the creepiest boy in your ninth-grade English class keep you from discovering what Shakespeare was always meant to be. Spend an evening laughing under the stars, surrounded by gardens, actors, and neighbors. Let the Ohio Shakespeare Festival convince you that Shakespeare is still well worth the effort. read more

This is really fun. I attended one of the summer performances at Stan Hwyet Hall, so not at their indoor theater, but it's the same overall group. The actors were enthusiastic and talented, and the performance was very well done. They stick to the language, but did a great job translating some of the passages through tone and body language. The Green Show prior to the main show was a lot of fun - humor and dancing and mock fighting, with some improv thrown in to really show their range. Definitely a fun experience! read more

Ohio Shakespeare Festival - Outdoor performance space - Performing Arts Near Me - AKRON, Ohio

Nice and unique old theater! You must go to see the theater shows. Very well done, the acting is great, sets and costumes are great. They also have a nice bar for drinks. However, excuse the dust as the ceiling is in need of some repair and the building owner is working to make repairs. read more

Ohio Shakespeare Festival - Performing Arts Near Me - AKRON, Ohio

I recently attended the OSF production of The Woman in Black, and had a great time. From arrival, the parking was easy, and there is a free garage across the street. The elevator there was non-existent, so stairs and mobility could be an issue for some folks. There is a ground level lot at the theatre, but it was full due to a wedding. After parking and arriving at the lobby (6th floor), the bar/reception area was carefully decorated to the play. Drinks and snacks were priced more than reasonably. Staff were professional and gracious, and our Usher was Kelsey. Over the years, I have not only been Ushered, but also been helped, guided, directed, and on occasion, herded as the situation required. I must say that Kelsey was most excellent as an Usher. Now, USHER the Musician has won the Grammy for music, and Kelsey the Usher should win the Grammy for Ushering, but that won't happen because it would confuse people. The theater was clean, and the staff was well trained and managed. The focus was on customer service and that set the stage (pun intended for a great experience. As for the play itself, I was left in awe at the versatility of the actors. This is essentially a cast of only two actors, and they not only carried the dialogue for the duration of the play, they interchanged a host of characters with in their roles. And on top of all of that, the actors largely choreographed scene changes. Amazing. For the production, they had some special effects that I, as an audience member not only appreciated, but can't still figure out how they did it. Overall, it was a great night, and quite well done. read more

Go to here! If you have not had the pleasure of Greystone Hall and the 6th floor theater - do yourself a favor and plug into to the theater season for Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Professional actors that provide a nice change from the plethora of popular musicals performed by other great community theaters. Greystone Hall was built by the Masons - wonderful building and amazing theater space. A hidden gem of Akron that EVErYBOdY should know about! She Kills Monsters was right up my alley as a D&D enthusiast, Dungeon Master, and actor. But, you don't need to be any of those to enjoy this show. What perfect premise for a funny and touching play dealing with grief, loss, and family. This production made great use of the theater space and the typically great stage combat skills on display from Ohio Shakespeare Festival actors. If you like action, this is the play for you. Check out the rest of their season: The Rocky Horror Show Saint Joan Miss Holmes read more

Ohio Shakespeare Festival - Performing Arts Near Me - AKRON, Ohio

We have had excellent experiences with OSF over the past year. I am a high school English teacher and scheduled a field trip for my students to see Romeo and Juliet and attend a verse workshop at Greystone Manor. My co-teacher pursued this idea after attending the production of The Three Musketeers last year. The R&J production was appropriately abbreviated and affordable (perfect for the attention span and budget of the students) and hearing from the actors was an excellent opportunity for students to experience Shakespeare performed rather than read. This spring, a colleague and I scheduled another day with OSF to see Macbeth and attend two different workshops. These were excellent and a highlight of our "All the World's a Stage" week. Many of the students loved connecting with these actors. As a teacher/organizer, Tess and her team are amazing to work with (they make it very easy and are extremely accommodating). Last night I had the opportunity to attend the OSF Greenshow of Romeo and Juliet at Stan Hywet. This was an amazing experience- outdoor theatre set in a beautiful location with excellent performances. If you've never done this, it's a must-do in the Akron area. Bring bug spray and drinks (they allow you to bring your own food and drink and enter early to picnic, which was fabulous). During intermission, I had the opportunity to speak to the actor playing Prince Escalus, and based on that conversation, I will be back for "All's Well" later in the summer. I know live theater costs more than a movie ticket, but it's so worth it! These people are talented, hard working, and fun. I love that the cast comes out to meet the audience (think receiving line as you exit). This is a nice touch. Pre-show was also very fun! For parents, this is PG-13. I almost brought my 11-yo and am thankful I didn't. If you don't already know, Shakespeare is rarely PG or G, and the actors interpret their performances in ways that are true to the text. Tess and team: never stop what you're doing. Your passion comes through and brings joy to the audience. read more

Ohio Shakespeare Festival - Performing Arts Near Me - AKRON, Ohio

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We have been attending OSF for about sixteen years back when it was held in front of the carriage house at Stan Hywet. We were ecstatic when OSF started doing two plays each summer. OSF has always been incredible and through the years OSF has gotten better and better. I think it is the dedication to their craft and the building of a very talented troupe. The depth of talent is tremendous and has grown over the years. Every year we have brought family and friends with us and introduced them to some great play. Everyone of them have become fans. This year Romeo and Juliet was no exception to the outstanding performances that have been given over the years. I wish I could share pictures of some of the scenes of this talented group but you're not allowed to take pictures :) OSF, thank you for such great memories. read more

Excellent acting, singing, dancing, sword fighting We have seen two different Shakespeare plays at the Stan Hywet stage and one Three Musketeers play at their indoor venue at Greystone Hall downtown Akron. Excellent! All of them! This acting company does an outstanding job of performing. The Green Show before the actual performance is worth the price of admission. The Shakespeare plays are true to the original -- none on that modern Romeo on a motorcycle crap. The Three Musketeers play was brilliantly performed with many sword battle and singing! Different, but it worked. Can't wait for next season as I prefer the outdoor theater at Stran Hywet, but we will go back to Greystone. read more

We have been going to the Shakespeare Festival for years and years. It never fails to be a wonderful evening. Come early and pack a picnic, but don't bring alcohol, they will check. If you bring anyone who is not a Shakespeare enthusiast, print them some notes so that they can easily follow along. It will make the play more enjoyable for them. read more

I go to the theater many, many times a year - but nothing up in Cleveland holds a candle to the OSF and the amazing work they do every summer in Akron. A night under the stars, some wine & one amazing cast. read more

The best way to spend a warm summer evening. The cast for every show is spectacular and amazingly talented...the 'Green Show' is worth the price of admission! The outdoor theater at Stan Hywet is the perfect venue for these performances. I'm only sorry they only do 2 different Shakespeare plays each summer...wish there were more! read more

I just found out about Ohio Shakespeare Festival and had my first taste July 20th, 2013. Absolutely fantastic! I'm all in!