Cassandra Reeves as Puck. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The annual Cincinnati tradition continues this summer with a magical production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 40 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
Cincinnati, May 15, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated schedule of this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour, featuring the beloved comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Between July 11 and August 31, 2025, nearly 40 parks across the tri-state area will host free performances in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Miami, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Kenton, Mason, and Boone Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Wayne counties in Indiana.
The complete schedule can be viewed online here.
Step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon! Bring the whole family and enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for free in the great outdoors. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” promises laughter, wonder, and memorable moments under the stars.
This production of is directed by CSC’s Candice Handy, who recently directed “The Tempest” on the mainstage and “Hamlet” in the parks last summer. She also led last season’s critically praised mainstage production of James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” as well as CSC’s 2022 unforgettable staging of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE! Shakespeare in the Park brings the excitement of Shakespeare’s plays directly to the community, with FREE outdoor performances staged in various parks across the tri-state area. These productions, featuring one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, are open to all, with no tickets or RSVP required. Audiences can simply bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. For questions regarding a specific location’s policies on parking, outside food and drink, etc., please contact the venue directly or visit our website at cincyshakes.com/park.
This annual tradition reflects CSC’s commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of live theater in a casual and welcoming environment. Because of this CSC offers audio described and sign language interpreted performances of FREE! Shakespeare in the Park. The dates will be posted last this Spring.
FREE! Shakespeare in the Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group and ArtsWave, and is supported by generous donors to the FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund.
Explore the impact this program has on the community:
- 73% have more pride in their community because of the park tour.
- 97% feel their neighborhoods are positively impacted through this program.
- 86% of audiences report that their community needs more arts opportunities
- 89% of audiences report that this is the easiest and most accessible way to attend live theatre
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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand-new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers, and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.
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