Use Promo Code SHAKE for Free Parking in the 8 City Blvd Garage

〰️

Use Promo Code SHAKE for Free Parking in the 8 City Blvd Garage 〰️

Summer Shakespeare 2024

As You Like It
Directed by Cammy Harris

Thursdays-Sundays, August 29-September 22
and Labor Day Monday, September 2
The Yard at ONEC1TY (8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209)

*ASL Interpreted Performance Saturday, September 7

Thursday-Sunday, September 26-29
Academy Park (112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37064)

Nightly Schedule:
5:15 pm - Gates Open
5:30 pm - Insight Lecture Series
6:00 pm - Pre-Show Concert Series
7:00 pm - Performance of As You Like It

Cost: Pay-What-You-Will ($10 suggested donation per person)

If all the world’s a stage, join the band in As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s most joyful romantic comedies. Experience a group of musicians, poets, and other colorful characters as they compose the world they want to live in, discover hidden truths, build an unlikely community, and create a brand new sound along the way.

Purchase a Royal Package or Noble Seating

Summer Shakespeare FAQ

Get up-to-the-minute updates on weather and show information on our social media channels:

36 Years of Summer Shakespeare

For decades, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has been a hidden gem in the community, offering a distinctive and unforgettable entertainment experience that is unlike anything else in the city. We pride ourselves on being a top choice for locals and tourists alike who are looking for something unique and fun to do. We promise these two things: you don’t have to be a die-hard Shakespeare fan to enjoy all the fun and we promise to deliver an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss. So grab your friends, your family, or your date and join us for a night of high-energy theater that you'll be talking about for weeks to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pay-What-You-Will (or As You Like It)

Since our first year performing in the park in 1988, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has committed to providing accessible arts experiences by championing the pay-what-you-will model. We welcome EVERYONE in our community to attend Summer Shakespeare for free. However, if you have the ability to do so, we appreciate your donation to ensure we can continue to provide professional outdoor theatre every summer.

Donate $10 per person (suggested amount) if you love NSF’s mission of accessible, entertaining, and educational experiences for our entire community.
Donate $20 per person if you appreciate the free and convenient parking, on-site restrooms, and other amenities that make Summer Shakespeare a fun, easy-to-navigate event for the whole family.
Donate $35 per person if you support providing over 40 local artists and technicians with jobs every summer.
Donate of $50 per person to pay it forward and help other community members experience Summer Shakespeare at no cost to them.

PRO TIP! Donate online through our ticketing system before the show, and show your receipt at the entrance for quick entry. We appreciate your support!

Donate before the show here!

Seating Options

Pay-What-You-Will: Bring your own blanket or chairs. Limited bleacher seating also available. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy our Insight Lecture Series and Pre-Show Concert Series! FREE, suggested donation - $10.
Purchase a Noble Seat: Book a reserved chair in the 2nd or 3rd row behind the blanket section - $40/person
Purchase a VIP Royal Package: Includes reserved parking, a gourmet picnic dinner, and reserved seating in the 1st or 2nd row behind the blanket section - $100/person

Purchase a Noble Seat or Royal Package

Accessible seating and assistive listening devices are available. For more information and accommodations, please contact Finance and Operations Director Robert Marigza-Yeo at robert@nashvilleshakes.org, or by calling 615-255-2273.

Pre-Show Entertainment

Want to learn more about As You Like It before watching the performance? Join us at 5:30 pm to hear from some of the region's most respected Shakespeare scholars and local luminaries during our Insight Lecture Series.

Insight Lecture Series Speakers

Our Pre-Show Concert Series showcases local and regional talent before our performances of Summer Shakespeare at 6 pm. Come early, grab your seat, and enjoy our diverse slate of entertainment!

Pre-Show Concert Lineup

Food Truck Schedule

Show Information

Online Playbill Here

*Andrew Johnson and AG Williams are alumni of the Apprentice Company.

2024 Apprentice Company

Kate Drury
Aleia Eagleton
Hayden Jones
Xander Kline
Tahira Martin

Regan Mills
Stella Pearson
Lorenzo Rivera
Caroline Winnenberg

New to oneC1TY?

Only 200 yards away from Centennial Park, OneC1TY offers all of the fun of the bandshell plus extra amenities including convenient, free parking and air-conditioned restrooms. Located off of Charlotte Avenue, it is easily accessible by car, walking, and public transportation.

Educator Guidebook

For every production, NSF creates a guidebook with helpful information that helps educators prepare their students for what they will see and experience, including any changes or adaptations from the director. Click below for this summer’s guidebook for As You Like It!

Act Against Hunger Food Drive

The Nashville theatre community is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank this year to collect non-perishable food items throughout the month of September. Please consider bringing non-perishable/canned foods to any of the Summer Shakespeare performances to help our neighbors in need! Among the items most in need at Second Harvest are peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, soups, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, and cereal.