Category Archives: Press Releases

Beasley as Hamlet. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The annual Cincinnati tradition continues this summer with an accessible and vibrant production of “Hamlet,” kicking off PROJECT Hamlet—a trio of productions presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company celebrating Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy

Cincinnati, May 10, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated schedule of this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour, featuring the timeless tragedy of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare.  Between July 12 and September 1, 2024, over 30 parks across the tri-state area will host free performances of “Hamlet,” including Cincinnati, Fairfield, Glendale, Lebanon, Madeira, Mason, Oxford, Portsmouth, and West Chester in Ohio; Covington and Erlanger in Kentucky; and Lawrenceburg and Richmond in Indiana – and more!

The complete schedule can be viewed online here.

While grappling with the grief of his father’s murder, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and impending war. Not only has his mother married his father’s brother, but his uncle is the murderer. This summer, become immersed in the intrigue of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” — a riveting blend of passion, ghosts, and royal drama that promises to heat up your summer nights with gripping intensity.

This season, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company launches PROJECT Hamlet, a trio of productions that delve into the depths of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. The series kicks off with this FREE production of “Hamlet” in parks across the region.  The tour is followed by the Cincinnati premiere of James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fat Ham,” offering a fresh take on “Hamlet” set in a backyard BBQ in the South. The series culminates with the World Premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s “A Room in the Castle,” a play commissioned by CSC in collaboration with the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC, focusing on the women of “Hamlet.”

Starring in the titular role of “Hamlet” is the talented Beasley, known for their captivating performances in previous FREE Shakespeare in the Park productions such as last summer’s “The Comedy of Errors” and CSC’s mainstage productions of “The Amen Corner” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” where they recently dazzled audiences as Don Pedro.

This production of “Hamlet” is helmed by CSC’s Candice Handy, who recently led this 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.” As an artistic leader at CSC, Handy is known for her ability to foster community through engaging storytelling. Her vision for “Hamlet” promises to make it an accessible and vibrant production for all.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE! Shakespeare in the Park brings the excitement of Shakespeare’s plays directly to the community, with 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.

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:

• Audio Descriptions available at Keehner Park (West Chester Township) on Saturday, July 13, 2024 – 7:00 PM
• Sign Language Interpreted performances will be available. Dates TBD.

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

FREE! Shakespeare in the Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group; was financially assisted by the Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank; and is supported by generous donors to the FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2023-2024 Season is generously presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation; Season Funder: ArtsWave; Education Season Sponsor: Debby and Jim Mason; and Operating Support Partners: The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Lightborne, and 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab.

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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 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!