Always delightfully refreshing performances. Adored A Christmas Carol last year. A breath of fresh air to see Othello played by a woman. Cast always young and so talented. We look forward to many return visits.

I have had the pleasure of seeing multiple plays here. This is a quality Shakespeare company, performed the way it was when the plays were written. This is a recreation of an actual play house. You won’t find the high production of lights and sound from a place like Folgers. Here you are up close and personal making the performances intimate and moving in their raw form. I cannot express enough how great an experience this place is. If you’re on a budget, they offer student prices, group ticketing for events and schools, and the opening nights of all plays are donation only. It’s a magical gem that makes Staunton special and unique.

Awesome! They do a wonderful job performing shakespeare! Their covid precautions are great too. Their production are absolutely incredible ️

Great performance of Othello, but will not return during COVID. Despite the fact they do an excellent job of distancing the seats more than 6ft apart and that I am a Physician who understands CDC guidelines, I was reprimanded by a staff member who came within 3ft of my space to tell me that even when sitting down and being at least 10 ft away from the performers and more than 6ft from other customers that I had to wear the mask above my nose or the performers may have to stop the performance, despite the fact the performers were not wearing masks. Its a double standard, overzealous and unnecessary mask shaming with no scientific base. I could not wear my glasses as they would fog up with the mask above my nose. I only wore it under my nose when I was sure I was practicing social distancing.Furthermore, the pre play performances had political innuendo and I went there for a Shakespeare play. I would have overlooked it, but given the attitude towards mask the whole mentality of the place makes sense.It was an overall unsatisfactory experience due to the discomfort despite the fact the performers did a great job.I will be visiting again when CoVID ends.

A family tradition for us to come around Thanksgiving. Love all of the actors energy and talent. Looking forward to coming back and seeing more incredible performances!

Outstanding performance of Much Ado About Nothing last Sunday. This troupe is to be commended for their dynamic, funny, masterful production. Well worth the 3 hour drive from the Washington area!

Wish that the music was true to the period - modern songs take away from The Christmas Carol. We have seen the play here several times over the years & this time was very disappointing...even Scrooges bed has gone from a prop with curtains to a rolling table with just a comforter. I think they can & should do better!

I dont know how Ive lived in Virginia for 33 years and this was my first visit. We saw Hamlet and the company had me fully engaged from the welcome to the bows. I loved the natural setting with lights on in the house so the actors make eye contact with audience members (no third wall here). And Josh Innerst was simply amazing. I dont know how he would ever have the energy to do two shows in one day. Go!

Cool tour. As an English teacher, I was geeking out!

Worth the drive to see recreation of original Shakespeare theatre setting in Staunton, VA. The players are very talented, entertaining and personally engage with patrons onstage (galley seats). They also perform fun, appropriate songs before show and during intermission.

I’m at this theater right now seeing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The acting sounds wonderful. I’m seated in the second row of the side balcony and can only see half of the stage — literally. I have never texted during a play before but this is tooooo frustrating. If you come to this theater do not sit In the balcony unless you are facing the front of the stage.

This place is unworldly and wonderful. I just spent the weekend in Staunton to visit Blackfriars and see Shaws Caesar and Cleopatra, and both Shakespeares Julius Caesar and his Antony and Cleopatra. The theatre building is a temple to Athena, the actors Dionysian nymphs, and the music, acting and direction heavenly and laughter filled. Have with you to Staunton and the hunt is on!

Went during a school field trip for my English class. Still reflect on the experience as an English Major in college :) plan on visiting again soon!

These performances NEVER disappoint. I have seen a dozen. The acting is so all in, so engaging, even if you have no idea what they are saying, you can generally follow the story. The actors are that good at conveying meaning with phrasing, expression, and gesture.Take in a comedy and delight in the humor that has withstood the centuries and still delights us today.Every seat offers a good view. Stretch your comfort zone and try the Gallant’s Stools on stage for a truly memorable experience. Be sure to arrive early for the playful, energetic musical performance.

Just wow! I have seen at least 10 plays here and am always excited to see another one! The performances are always top notch! Ive seen plays elsewhere and I have to say that this playhouse is my absolute favorite. I cant wait to volunteer to usher. It is a must do in Staunton!

Always a entertaining and moving experience! Great production of MAAN!

Seen dozens of plays here over last 15 years. Always worth the drive from Richmond. Well be back.

Came to watch sense and sensibility. What a great play. The crew is extremely energized and love what they do. The actors even sing prior to the play with their amazing voices. So much talent in on place!

Great production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Lights up “we do it with the lights on” wasn’t a bit weird. Can sit right on stage. Great evening!

We saw Peter and the Starcatcher. The best live performance Ive seen in years. The intimate environment allowed the highly talented cast to draw the audience into the action on the stage. Wonderful actors. Engaging plot line. Great fun. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Even though Steven King wrote many of the Shakespearean plays, this place was good despite its incorrect name. By the reptilians! Their play about there being much ado about nothing was good, and it taught me much about the post modern culture of Stephen Kings alien world of Italy. Me and my FeLlOw petrol monkeys (otherwise known as humans) unanimously found the snacks and service great.sanctify this place, that is is of the reptilian favor it of course.

Amazing performance in a charming atmosphere!

Wonderful as always

Saw Julius Ceasar back in 2008. The acting troupe was supurb.Small venue with great visibility from all seats. A great place to introduce youngsters to classic literature.As a bonus, Staunton VA is a lovely town (also very walkable). Look forward to returning here one day.

A warm and inviting departure from the present into another place and time with both traditional and uniquely choreographed and acted plays. We were fortunate to visit them while the cast had the choice in apparel (modern and mismatched) and acting nuances, creating a wonderfully witty and entirely unique telling of the Taming Of The Shrew. I can *not* wait to go back!

My mother splurged and bought the three of us tickets to see The Taming of the Shrew for my birthday in 2005. The building is lovely and the acting and over all performance were excellent! I cant say one bad thing about it, to be honest.

OMG. I loved it. The staging, performers, the spirit of the place. I recommend reading up on a Shakespeare play before you go, or reading the play. But without that, its still fun.

Small, intimate re-creation of an indoor theater of Elizabethan times. Wonderful atmosphere. Although Shakespeare can be a slog to read, these actors deliver their lines with such liveliness and expression that it is easy to follow the meaning of the play. Bawdy humor and puns abound.

Dont think you like Shakespeare? Give this a try! They do the performances in such an accessible way, youll wonder what youve been missing all these years. And the Blackfriars Playhouse alone is worth the visit.

A one of a kind playhouse worth going out of your way to see, but its in a cool town so spend some time there if you can and see a fantastic play! Be there early as the entertainment before the play is a highlight. We go once or twice a year.

A few weeks ago I went on a field trip to see a Peter Pan play at the ASC. It was AMAZING! The actors were so good at the job and so kind afterward. The theatre is beautiful and clean. The only thing is you can’t take pictures of the plays, but it’s understandable. I definitely recommend going to see a play at the ASC.

Phenomenal theatre, quality well beyond my expectations. They make even the longest and driest Shakespeare histories into fast-paced and approachable plays. Love that the cast performs contemporary but thematically related music during intermissions.

World class. Very reasonably priced, especially if you stay at the Frederick House and purchase tickets through them. For those around Staunton I highly recommend seeing at least one play as a quick weekend getaway.

Saw Romeo and juliet there fantastic energetic by these multi talented young people.

We saw Much Ado About Nothing. I laughed so much and the musical interludes are completely charming. One of my most enjoyable preforming arts experiences.

This venue is awesome! The actors are superb. Anytime you are anywhere near the area this is a must see! This is my third play and have seen 2 rehearsals. So very imteresting!

We drove over 7 hours just to see the production of Hamlet. We are so glad we did. It was certainly well-done.

My husband and I saw Christmas Carrol and loved it. The staff was wonderful and inviting. Loved whole environment.

The American Shakespeare Centers Blackfriars Playhouse is a great experience for children and adults of all ages. The actors know there parts and they perform them well. The performance of A Christmas Carol is very well performed. The actors use the crowd as their stage. I recommend the playhouse to everyone if you get the chance!!

Very well done! Lots of passion and professionalism. This shows you how Shakespeare needs to be interpreted; not highbrow, but accurately and with unbridled enthusiasm.

A very enjoyable to theatre experience. Very intimate setting. No bad seat in the theater. Actors are engaging.

Lovely. I had never been to a Shakespeare play. The modern take and constant humor made the show very enjoyable. Great theater setting.

I can only describe the ASC experience by employing a word I have never spoken... DELIGHTFUL. The theatre is beautiful. The cast of As You Like It was terrific. I hope to return, soon.

We saw a matinee of Peter and the Starcatchers and the opening of Much Ado About Nothing. Both were a joy to see. The acting company is a great group of multitalented actors and musicians. The space is a recreation of Shakespeares Black Friars theater. The staging makes Shakespeares words easy to understand and to follow. I love live theater and this was great theater.

Absolutely fantastic experience! Any show is bound to be a must-see. Excellent cast and performance, loved the venue.

It has been awhile since Ive been. The times I have gone have been amazing. Cant wait to see more!

First time there. Great show. I wish that I lived closer; Id be looking to get season tickets.

They ripped us off, the person at the ticket office claiming only the most expensive seats were still available when in fact plenty of cheaper seats with just as good a view were. letter of complaint was not replied to.show was only so-so

A brilliant way to enjoy Shakespeare. Never had so much fun with the Bard. Heartily recommended.

Great production, however, the actors kept saying DOLPHIN instead of Dauphin. The pronunciation is different. Only one actor pronounced it right and it drove me NUTS! Joan of Arc production. Still would recommend seeing.

Always a great show. Audience participation, and like in Shakespeares day, they do it with the lights on.

Fantastic place! Great plays in the original Shakespearean style - with the lights on. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent concept dedicated to preserving the relevance of Shakespeare in modern society, supported with educational outreach to all ages and original scholarship.

Shakespeare as it was originally intended. Informal and close to the performers. Oh, and the performers are very, very good.

The heart and soul of the town lives here. An amazing recreation of English renaissance history.

Amazing time. The players were fantastic and the venue is ...just fabulous.

A must visit for anyone who loves the performing arts!

What a great spin on Shakespeare, Mid Summers Night Dream was hilarious! What a great area for the arts.

First visit at the theatre. Puchase over $300 in tickets as our family took our parents for their Anniversary. I was very unhappy and diasatisfied. Our seats cost more than the seats that are on the back rows. What had front row seats on the balcony and you could not see anything that was going on... on stage. Without bending over the banisters or standing over the banisters which blocks others view. Sad to spend that much money for a show you cannot see at all. Hurts your back to watch the show.Ask for a discount or anything that could reimburse us. The manager said she would not do anything. There were no other seats that we could move to and stay seated as a group.Would not recommend

Excellent production in an amazing theater. I will be back.

Amazing theater and talented actors made for an amazing evening.

Wonderful stagecraft. Historical, literate, and very much fun.

Absolutely outstanding, 12/10 would recommend.

Shakespeare wrote for live performance--not printed books. So go!Seeing the reconstructed oak and rough iron Blackfriers alone is worth the admission ticket.

Bravo!

Amazing experience.

Always a great treat to experience live Shakespearean theater in the valley

Wonderful !! A must for all visitors.

Many visits, always great.

Awesome time watching the Christmas Carol!

Be sure to sit on stage.

The Blackfriars theatre is the perfect space to see a play!

Great!

Wonderful experience !

A copy of the globe theater, actors can interact with those on stage stools

Awesome

Beautiful

Magnificent as usual!

Wonderful experience friendly staff

Phenomenal, world class theatre

Absolutely amazing!!!

Loved it

Exceptional.

I loved Macbeth here.