Vermont Guides

If you’re in Southern Vermont this late summer, prepare to be enchanted by the raw power of nature and the timeless beauty of Shakespearean drama, all in one place. Shakespeare in the Woods (SitW), a cutting-edge outdoor theatre company, is thrilled to present its upcoming season of productions with "Hamlet" and "The Tempest" running from August 23rd to September 10th, hosted at the Northshire Civic Center - Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester (and at the New England Youth Theatre campus in Brattleboro).

A Unique Theatre Experience

Founded in 2019, SitW is not your ordinary theatre company. This trailblazing group aims to deliver a professional caliber celebration of classical text through a modern, socially aware lens. SitW productions seamlessly blend the beauty of Vermont’s natural landscape with thought-provoking performances, striving for harmony with nature rather than imposing upon it. This creates an ethereal stage that connects the audience, the actors, and the environment in a way that’s intimate, immersive, and deeply meaningful.

Inclusive and Thought-Provoking

At the core of SitW's mission is inclusivity and social awareness. The productions aim to engage audiences from all walks of life—whether you're a local or a visitor, young or old, an aficionado of the arts or a first-timer. Their goal is to make theatre accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic or geographical standing. Special attention is also given to educational outreach, engaging younger generations of Vermonters in the performing arts right in their backyard.

Show Details and Schedule

The productions will run for three weeks at the Northshire Civic Center - Hunter Park, located at 410 Hunter Park Road, Manchester Center, VT.

• Hamlet: Directed by Elizabeth Dinkova, the play portrays the disillusionment of the young prince Hamlet amidst a world filled with political duplicity and corruption. Scheduled performances for Hamlet are on August 23, 25, 27, 31, and September 2, 6, 8, 10.
• The Tempest: Directed by Roberto Di Donato, this rendition focuses on Prospero’s mastery of magical arts to exact revenge and regain her lost position and dignity. The Tempest is set to perform on August 24, 26, 30, and September 1, 3, 7, 9.

All performances start at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted, and seating is provided. The shows will go on, rain or shine!

Ticket Information

• General Admission - Adult: $20
• General Admission - Child (12 & under): $12

SitW offers a sliding scale ticket model to make theatre accessible for everyone. If you find the ticket pricing prohibitive, you're encouraged to contact SitW at [email protected] to discuss other options.

Why You Should Attend

Theatre has the power to provoke thought, stir emotions, and offer an escape from the everyday. SitW’s approach to classical theatre through a modern and socially relevant lens ensures you leave not just entertained, but also enlightened. It’s an experience that promises to be as unique as it is transformative.

So, seize this unique opportunity and lose yourself in the tales of betrayal, revenge, and redemption—all while being surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Southern Vermont!