As You Like It

Step into the enchanted Forest of Arden at one of America's most celebrated Shakespearean venues. The American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia — a faithful recreation of Shakespeare's own indoor theatre — brings As You Like It to life with the same intimate, candlelit magic that audiences experienced in 17th-century London. With universal lighting shared between actors and audience, there are no dark corners here, only the electric connection of live storytelling at its most authentic. As You Like It is Shakespeare at his most joyful and lyrical — a sparkling comedy of love, disguise, and self-discovery set against a pastoral backdrop where banished nobles, lovelorn shepherds, and witty fools find wisdom and romance in equal measure. The play's most famous lines, including the iconic 'All the world's a stage,' resonate with timeless power, and the Blackfriars staging tradition brings out every comic spark and tender moment with masterful clarity. Performances run across multiple dates from May 28 through the end of May 2026, offering weekend and evening options perfect for planning a memorable outing. Staunton itself is a gem of the Shenandoah Valley, full of charming dining and historic character, making this a perfect destination experience. Whether you're a devoted Shakespeare aficionado or discovering the Bard for the first time, an evening at Blackfriars is nothing short of transformative — an intimate, joyful encounter with one of literature's greatest comedies performed exactly as it was meant to be seen.