This summer, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to bring you Hamlet, William Shakespeare's classic tale of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge, FREE as part of their Shakespeare in the Park tour.
Hamlet Shakespeare In The Park
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| FREE Shakespeare in the Park - 2024 Source: cincyshakes.com |
Introduction
Since its inception in 2007, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s (CSC) FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour has become one of the nation’s largest summer Shakespeare offerings, covering a vast geographic area and serving thousands of audience members. As the only professional outdoor theater opportunity in the Cincinnati region each summer, CSC's FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour attracts over 10,000 patrons to 30+ area parks within a two-hour radius of Cincinnati, spanning across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of neighborhoods but also fosters community vibrancy by making arts accessible, affordable, and available outside the downtown core. Through this annual tradition, audiences experience Shakespeare's plays in a manner reminiscent of the original open-air theaters, fostering CSC’s mission to bring Shakespeare to life for all.
About the Play
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, grapples with grief and despair after his father's murder. His mother's hasty marriage to his uncle, Claudius, only deepens his anguish. When the ghost of his father appears, revealing Claudius as his killer, Hamlet embarks on a quest for vengeance that will cost him dearly.
Experience Shakespeare Under the Stars
Immerse yourself in the intrigue and passion of Hamlet this summer with CSC's FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour. This beloved annual tradition brings professional outdoor theater to neighborhoods throughout the region. General admission seating allows you to experience the play in a relaxed and welcoming environment, similar to how Shakespeare's works were first performed centuries ago.
Performance Schedule
The FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour features performances throughout the summer. See the full schedule below to find a performance near you:
| Date | Location | Time | Venue | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, July 12, 2024 | Erlanger (KY) | 7:00 PM | Flagship Park | 1 Flagship Dr, Erlanger, KY 41018 |
| Saturday, July 13, 2024 | West Chester | 7:00 PM * | Keehner Park | 7211 Barret Road, West Chester, OH 45069 |
| Sunday, July 14, 2024 | OTR | 6:00 PM | Washington Park Great Lawn | 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Tuesday, July 16, 2024 | Wyoming | 7:00 PM | Village Green Park | 412 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, OH 45215 |
| Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | Fort Mitchell (KY) | 7:00 PM | General Ormsby Mitchel Park | 261 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 |
| Thursday, July 18, 2024 | Deerfield Township | 7:00 PM | Cottell Park | 5847 Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040 |
| Saturday, July 20, 2024 | Lincoln Heights | 7:00 PM | Serenity Park | 1201 Steffen Ave, Lincoln Heights, OH 25215 |
| Sunday, July 21, 2024 | Covington (KY) | 7:00 PM | Devou Park | 1 Bandshell Blvd, Covington, KY 41011 |
| Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | Madeira | 7:00 PM | McDonald Commons Park | 7502-7110 Dawson Rd, Madeira, OH 45243 |
| Wednesday, July 24, 2024 | Colerain | 7:00 PM | Colerain Park Amphitheater | 4725 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45251 |
| Thursday, July 25, 2024 | Delhi | 7:00 PM | Delhi Park | 5125 Foley Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238 |
| Friday, July 26, 2024 | Cincinnati | 7:00 PM | Eden Park Seasongood Pavilion | 1600 Art Museum Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Sunday, July 28, 2024 | Lebanon | 7:00 PM | Bicentennial Park | 7 Cherry St, Lebanon, OH 45036 |
| Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | Madisonville | 7:00 PM | Bramble Park | 6395 Bramble Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227 |
| Thursday, August 1, 2024 | Fairfield | 7:00 PM | Village Green Park | 301 Wessel Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014 |
| Saturday, August 3, 2024 | Norwood | 7:00 PM | Victory Park | 2078 Mills Ave, Norwood, OH 45212-5212 |
| Sunday, August 4, 2024 | Columbia Tusculum | 1:00 PM | Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum | 3738 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226 |
| Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | Evendale | 7:00 PM | Evendale Founder’s Pavilion | 10500 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 |
| Thursday, August 8, 2024 | Boone County (KY) | 7:00 PM | Boone Woods Park | 6000 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005 |
| Sunday, August 11, 2024 | OTR | 1:30 PM * | Second Sunday on Main | Ziegler Park, Corner of E 13th and Goetz Alley, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | Clifton | 7:00 PM | Mt. Storm Park | 700 Lafayette Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 |
| Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | Maysville (KY) | 7:00 PM | Limestone Landing Park | 100 Limestone St, Maysville, KY 41056 |
| Thursday, August 15, 2024 | Richmond (IN) | 7:00 PM | Elstro Plaza | 47 N 6th St, Richmond, IN 47374 |
| Saturday, August 17, 2024 | Glendale | 7:00 PM | Harry Whiting Brown Community Center | 205 E Sharon Rd, Glendale, OH 45246 |
| Sunday, August 18, 2024 | Covington (KY) | 7:00 PM | Devou Park | 1 Bandshell Blvd, Covington, KY 41011 |
| Thursday, August 22, 2024 | Cincinnati | 7:00 PM | Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Rose Garden | 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232 |
| Friday, August 23, 2024 | Cincinnati | 7:00 PM | Eden Park Seasongood Pavilion | 1600 Art Museum Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Saturday, August 24, 2024 | Anderson | 6:00 PM | Beech Acres Park | 6915 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230 |
| Sunday, August 25, 2024 | Portsmouth | 7:00 PM | Shawnee State University Alumni Green | 940 Second St, Portsmouth, OH 45662 |
| Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | Oxford | 7:00 PM | Oxford Community Arts Center Pavilion | 10 S College Ave, Oxford, OH 45056 |
| Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | Lawrenceburg (IN) | 7:00 PM | Ivy Tech Civic Park and Amphitheater | 111 E High St, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 |
| Thursday, August 29, 2024 | Blue Ash | 7:00 PM | Blue Ash Nature Park | 4337 Cooper Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 |
| Sunday, September 1, 2024 | Mt. Washington | 7:00 PM | Stanbery Park | 2221 Oxford Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230 |
* Live audio description service available at this performance.
* Shortened hour-long performance of selected scenes at this performance.
Accessibility and Services
Ensuring Inclusivity for All:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is committed to making these performances accessible to all. Some performances will offer live audio descriptions and sign language interpretations. Specific dates and services are noted in the schedule. For further accessibility questions or specific venue policies, please contact the venues directly.How to Support
Donations and Support Levels:
FREE Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through the generous support of companies, foundations, and individual donors. Donations can be made online, and donors between now and September 1, 2024, will be entered into a drawing to win free tickets to CSC’s 2024-2025 Season. Thank you gifts are available for different donation levels:- $10: Vinyl Sticker
- $25: Bumper Magnet
- $50: Water Bottle
- $100: Insulated Tote Bag
- $500: Roll-up Picnic Blanket
- $1,000: Portable Camp Chair
Contact Information
Get in Touch:
The Otto M. Budig Theater, home to the acclaimed Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (Cincy Shakes), welcomes theatergoers with open arms. Located conveniently at 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, the venue offers a vibrant atmosphere for experiencing the magic of live performances. For ticket inquiries and general information, the friendly staff can be reached at boxoffice@cincyshakes.com or by phone at 513-381-2273. Additionally, the theater provides the convenience of reserved parking, ensuring a seamless experience from curtain rise to final applause.
PROJECT Hamlet:
Exploring New Dimensions of HamletThis season, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents PROJECT Hamlet, featuring a trio of productions:
- FREE Hamlet: Performances across the tri-state area.
- Fat Ham: A reimagining of "Hamlet" as a backyard BBQ in the South, premiering in Cincinnati.
- A Room in the Castle: A World Premiere based on the women of "Hamlet," in collaboration with the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is admission really free?
Yes! All performances of CSC's FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour are free and open to the public. No tickets or RSVPs are required.
2. What should I bring?
CSC recommends bringing blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Feel free to pack a picnic basket and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. However, you should inquire about the specific park's policies on outside food and drink by contacting the venue directly (contact information not provided here, but suggested to be on the park website).
3. Is there accessibility assistance?
Some performances offer sign language interpretation or live audio description. These are noted in the schedule above.
4. Do I have to RSVP or reserve tickets in advance?
No, there are no ticket reservations or RSVPs required. All performances operate on a general admission basis.5. How do I find out about cancellations due to weather, etc.?
CSC will post updates about cancellations on their social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) as soon as possible.6. I have a question about a specific park. Who do I contact?
CSC collaborates with various parks, venues, and organizations, each with its own policies and procedures. For inquiries about specific locations, such as policies on outside food and drink, seating options, accessibility, etc., please contact here the venue directly.7. How can I support FREE Shakespeare in the Park?
Donations are welcome to help sustain this beloved program. You can donate online or contact the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company box office for more information. Donors receive various perks depending on the donation amount, including stickers, water bottles, tote bags, and even picnic blankets or camp chairs.
8. Where do I get additional information from CSC?
For additional information, including assistance with donations or general inquiries, contact CSC's Box Office during office hours, Monday to Friday from 12-5 PM, at (513) 381-2273.Conclusion
Join Us for an Unforgettable ExperienceDon't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience "Hamlet" in a unique and accessible setting. Gather your family, friends, and a picnic blanket, and head to one of the many beautiful parks this summer for a night of unforgettable theater under the stars. Keep an eye on social media for updates, and enjoy the magic of Shakespeare with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2024 tour.
