Mischief, Magic, & Monsters are coming to Staunton.

This fall, Staunton becomes a city of storms, secrets, spells, and strange creatures as ASC’s Fall 2026 repertory takes the stage at the Blackfriars Playhouse.

The season brings together Shakespeare’s enchanted island, Mary Shelley’s gothic imagination, and Jen Silverman’s devilish comedy in a repertory full of mischief, magic, and monsters.

Whether you are planning a leaf-peeping weekend, a spooky-season getaway, or a downtown Staunton adventure, make ASC part of your fall plans. Come in your wizardly best, gather your coven, and step inside the Blackfriars Playhouse for The Tempest.

2026 Fall Repertory Directors

ASC is also joined by The Tempest dramaturg Dr. Peter Kirwan of Mary Baldwin University’s Shakespeare and Performance program. Kirwan is also an editor on the Arden Shakespeare Fourth Series edition of The Winter’s Tale.

2026 Fall Repertory Cast

Daniel DeYoung*  — Alonso (TEMPEST); Lord Byron, Scottish Sailor, Professor Waldman, & Creature (MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN)

Nick Ericksen — Ferdinand (TEMPEST); & Frank Thorney (WITCH)

Morgan Rose Ford — Trinculo (TEMPEST); & Winnifred (WITCH)

Sara J. Griffin*  — Gonzalo (TEMPEST); & Elizabeth Sawyer (WITCH)

Isa Guitian  — ASC debut — Ariel  (TEMPEST); Claire Clairmont, Portuguese Sailor, Mother, Villager, Sofia, Angel of Death, William, Woman in Black, & Wedding Officiant (MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN)

Angela Iannone* — Prospero (TEMPEST); Dr. John Polidori, Walton, Henry Clerval, & DeLacey (MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN)

Ronan Melomo — Sebastian (TEMPEST); & Cuddy Banks (WITCH)

K.P. Powell* — Stephano (TEMPEST); & Scratch aka the Devil (WITCH)

Ronald Román-Meléndez*  — Caliban (TEMPEST); Percy Bysshe Shelley, Victor Frankenstein, and Felix (MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN)

Isabel Sanchez — Miranda (TEMPEST); Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, & Elizabeth Lavenza (MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN)

Christopher Seiler*  — Antonio (TEMPEST); & Sir Arthur Banks (WITCH)

Make it a Mischief & Magic Weekend

Fall in Staunton is already enchanting. The mountains turn, downtown fills with autumn energy, and every corner feels ready for a ghost story, a warm drink, or a theatrical surprise.

So make a weekend of it.

Start with Staunton’s shops, restaurants, and fall colors, then follow the storm to the Blackfriars Playhouse. Come dressed in your wizardly best during the Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival, September 26 & 27, take a Staunton Ghost Tour, and see The Tempest in the first-ever re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.

This fall, the magic is not just onstage. It is waiting for you in Staunton.

ASC Fall Repertory Dates:

The Tempest

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Witch