Shakespeare in Atlanta: Where To See, Experience, and Enjoy the Bard

If you’re searching for “Shakespeare Atlanta,” you’re likely looking for where to watch Shakespeare plays, join Shakespeare classes, or connect with the local theater scene in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has a surprisingly rich Shakespeare ecosystem—ranging from professional productions to free park performances and youth programs.

This guide walks you through the major Shakespeare options in Atlanta, what to expect, and how to pick the right experience for you.

The Big Names: Where Atlanta Sees Shakespeare On Stage

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse (Downtown / Midtown Border)

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is the most recognizable destination for Shakespeare in Atlanta.

• What it is: A pub-style theater dedicated largely to Shakespeare and other classic works.
• Vibe: Intimate, casual, and interactive. Many shows use period-style costumes and direct audience address.
• Typical offerings:
  • Full Shakespeare productions (comedies, tragedies, histories)
  • Other classics and period plays
  • Special event nights and themed performances

Location:
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
499 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
(near the North Avenue MARTA station and the Fox Theatre)

Why locals like it:

• You can eat and watch—they often offer pub food, desserts, and drinks before and during the show.
• The space is small enough that you feel close to the action.
• It’s one of the most consistent, year-round sources of Shakespeare in Atlanta.

Atlanta Shakespeare Company

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company is the resident company that performs at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse.

• Focuses on Shakespeare and Renaissance-era works
• Often rotates through popular titles like Hamlet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing
• Offers student matinees, talkbacks, and occasional workshops

If you’re an Atlanta resident planning multiple Shakespeare outings a year, it’s worth following their season announcements to catch different plays.

Shakespeare Outdoors in Atlanta

When the weather is good, Shakespeare moves to parks and open-air stages. These events are especially popular with Atlanta families and budget-conscious visitors.

Free or Low-Cost Shakespeare in the Park

Atlanta has a tradition of outdoor Shakespeare, typically in or near the core city or major suburbs. Depending on the year, you may see:

• Pop-up performances in city parks
• Seasonal runs in larger green spaces around Atlanta
• Community or university companies staging Shakespeare outside, sometimes with free or pay-what-you-can admission

Because outdoor programming can change year by year, check:

• City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation announcements
• Local event calendars and arts listings
• Nearby city and county arts offices (e.g., DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton) for seasonal Shakespeare events

What to expect outdoors:

• Bring your own blanket or lawn chair
• Personal snacks or picnic are often welcome (check specific rules)
• Sound may vary depending on the space, so getting there early for a good spot helps
• Weather can affect show dates—rain delays or cancellations are common

Shakespeare For Families and Kids in Atlanta

If you’re looking for kid-friendly Shakespeare experiences in Atlanta, you have several routes: youth programs, school field trips, and community theater.

Youth & Teen Programs

Organizations in the Atlanta area periodically offer:

• Summer Shakespeare camps for middle and high school students
• Youth ensembles that put on abridged Shakespeare plays
• Workshops on acting, verse speaking, and stage combat

Common features of Shakespeare programs for youth:

• Shortened scripts and modern explanations of complex language
• Focus on teamwork, public speaking, and creativity
• Performances for family and friends at the end of camp or class

To find current youth Shakespeare opportunities around Atlanta, check:

• Major theaters’ education departments
• Local community theaters in neighborhoods like Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs
• Regional arts centers and private acting studios that mention Shakespeare in their curriculum

School Field Trips & Student Matinees

Many Atlanta-area middle and high schools incorporate Shakespeare into English or drama classes. Teachers often:

• Organize field trips to Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse or other local theaters
• Invite teaching artists to give in-school workshops on Shakespearean language and scenes

Parents in Atlanta who want their kids to see Shakespeare live can:

• Ask their child’s teacher or school about planned trips or partnerships
• Look up local theater education programs and sign up for public student matinees if offered

Learning and Studying Shakespeare in Atlanta

If you want to study Shakespeare more deeply—either as a hobby or as training for acting—Atlanta offers a range of options.

Acting Classes with a Shakespeare Focus

Acting studios and theaters around Atlanta often include Shakespeare or classical acting modules within their training programs.

You may find:

• Short courses focusing on Shakespeare monologues
• Scene study classes using plays like Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, or The Tempest
• Coaching on verse, scansion, and text analysis

These can be helpful if:

• You’re preparing auditions for college theater programs or regional theaters
• You’re an experienced actor wanting to add classical skills
• You’re a non-actor who simply loves the language and wants to get comfortable speaking it

When browsing options:

• Look for keywords like “classical acting,” “Shakespeare intensive,” or “voice and text.”
• Ask if the instructor has specific experience performing or directing Shakespeare.

Community & Amateur Shakespeare in Atlanta

Not all Shakespeare in Atlanta is professional or ticketed at top-tier venues. There’s a quieter but active community scene as well.

You may find:

• Community theater groups that produce a Shakespeare title each season
• College and university productions at schools like Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and local liberal arts colleges
• Reading groups or informal Shakespeare circles that meet to read plays out loud

These are good options if you:

• Want a more relaxed, participatory environment
• Would like to get on stage yourself without going fully professional
• Enjoy the social side of theater and literature

To locate these groups:

• Check local library bulletin boards (for example, branches of Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System)
• Browse university theater department pages for public performance listings
• Follow neighborhood or arts-focused social media and community boards

When Shakespeare Comes To Town: Tours & Festivals

Atlanta also gets touring productions and Shakespeare-related events that pass through on limited runs.

These can include:

• National touring shows performing at larger venues in or near Midtown and Downtown
• Guest Shakespeare companies invited for specific festivals or series
• One-off Shakespeare-in-concert or mixed classical evenings

If you want to catch these when they’re in town:

• Keep an eye on larger performing arts venues’ seasonal listings
• Watch for spring and fall festival announcements, when many cities schedule high-profile performances

Because these tours rotate on a schedule, availability changes every year, but Atlanta is often a key stop in the Southeast.

Choosing the Right Shakespeare Experience in Atlanta

Use the quick guide below to match your situation with the most suitable Shakespeare option in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Seeing Shakespeare in Atlanta

To make the most of Shakespeare in Atlanta:

• Check schedules early. Popular titles and weekends can sell out at intimate venues.
• Plan your transit. Many performance spaces are near MARTA stations or have nearby paid parking, but parking can be tight on event nights.
• Review age recommendations. Some tragedies and darker plays may not be ideal for younger kids.
• Budget for extras. Food, drinks, and parking can add up; some free outdoor shows may suggest a donation.
• Dress for the venue. Indoor theaters are usually casual; outdoor performances may call for layers, bug spray, and a blanket or chair.

Living in or visiting Atlanta gives you multiple ways to experience Shakespeare—from formally staged classics downtown to relaxed outdoor shows and hands-on classes. Whether you’re a first-time theatergoer or a longtime fan of the Bard, “Shakespeare in Atlanta” can mean a rich, varied calendar of options throughout the year.