Shakespeare takes over Schiller Park

Shakespeare takes over the park

By Dwayne Steward
Metromix
July 14, 2009

The Actors' Theatre Company doesn't mind doing it in the rain. And by it, we mean "acting."

The Columbus institution has been putting on outdoor productions of classic plays for nearly 30 years, and has often braved the elements.

"During opening night we had some small rain showers," said Pam Hill, director of the company's current production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," which runs every Thursday through Sunday at Schiller Park until Aug 2. "The story begins with a huge violent storm outside in the ocean, so sometimes the weather cooperates with you."

However, don't count on always having to sit through a downpour, as the theater troupe's Web site states that shows will be cancelled if it's raining too hard. 

"One of the downturns of outdoor theatre is that you are subject to the weather, and as we all know, Ohio weather can be somewhat fickle," said John S. Kuhn, the company's artistic director and an eight-year Actors' Theatre veteran. 

The company suggests that patrons not only bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on, but some extra clothing in case a chill sets in.

Click on the other photos to learn more about the series.

(Pictured: Angela Henderson as Miranda and Matt Proctor as Ferdinand)