Founded in 1985, Georgia Shakespeare seeks to present thoughtful, bold, and passionate interpretations of a diverse body of work rooted in Shakespeare, but also branching out to embrace the best writers and ideas of all eras. The main GA Shakes season is three plays in repertory performed throughout the summer, but the company has expanded its season to include a special Family Classics series and a fall production.
Each season begins off in May with Shake at the Lake, a week of free fully staged performances on the dock of Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park. Free tickets for the upcoming evening performance are distributed at 10 a.m. each morning at the Piedmont Park Visitors Center and at the Georgia Shakespeare box office. (They’re popular, so arrive early!)
The season then resumes at Georgia Shakespeare’s regular home, the Conant Performing Arts Center at Ogelthorpe University. This college campus location gives attendees a picturesque place to picnic before the show. (Too lazy to make your own sandwich? Order a prepared picnic in advance from Panera Bread.) Other pre-show fun includes musical entertainment and Terrace Talks, in which a company member offers a synopsis and orients everybody to the world of the play that they’re about to see. Audiences then proceed indoors to enjoy the play in a comfortable state-of-the-art theater.
Georgia Shakespeare Information
- Public Transportation: Fair (accessible by a combination of MARTA rail and bus service)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Performances throughout the week; Mondays are usually dark
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices average $15–$40. Discounts are available for educators, students, children, and seniors. Special offers, such as 2-for-1 tickets, are sometimes available. The best way to find out about these offers is to subscribe to the email list
- Group Discounts: Group discounts are available at a 15% savings
- Subscriptions: Numerous subscription package options are available. Benefits include free ticket exchanges, lost-ticket replacement, excellent seats, admission to special events, and free parking
- Educational/Community Outreach: Georgia Shakespeare dedicates a tremendous amount of time and effort to educating young people about drama through touring productions, workshops, and the Camp Shakespeare summer program. Even in the off season, the company offers winter classes and special 50-minute versions of Shakespeare favorites for students.
