Mischief, Magic, & Monsters

Fall brings three stories into repertory during the Blackfriars Playhouse’s 25th anniversary. William Shakespeare’s The Tempest summons a storm that brings Prospero’s enemies to the isle full of noises. Meanwhile, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by David Catlin reimagines the haunting tale of a brilliant mind whose creation blurs the line between human and monstrous. Closing the season is Jen Silverman’s Witch, a modern retelling inspired by the 1621 Jacobean drama The Witch of Edmonton, a darkly funny tale of power, patriarchy, and the price of getting what you want.

Want a Sneak Peek?

Check out the sneak peek trailer for the Fall 2026 season.

 

What’s Onstage This Fall

The Tempest 2026

Title Graphic for ASC's The Tempest Featuring Angela Iannone as Prospero. Directed by Doreen Bechtol & Matt Radford Davies. Photo by Madison Patterson.

By William Shakespeare
 Directed by Doreen Bechtol & Matt Radford Davies

Betrayed and cast out, Prospero summons the storm that brings his enemies back into his grasp. Now he has to decide what to do with them. William Shakespeare’s The Tempest returns for the Blackfriars Playhouse’s 25th anniversary.

 

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein 2026

Title Graphic for MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN by David Catlin. Directed by Aidan O'Reilly. Graphic features Isabel Sanchez as Mary & Daniel DeYoung as Creature. Photos by Madison Patterson.

By David Catlin
 Directed by Aidan O’Reilly 

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein comes alive in David Catlin’s haunting stage adaptation of the novel that defined Gothic Horror. Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant young scientist determined to unlock the secret to life itself.

 

Witch 2026

Title Graphic for WITCH by Jen Silverman. Directed by Jemma Alix Levy. Graphic features Sara J. Griffin as Elizabeth Sawyer. holding a candle with a shadowy witches hat in the background.

By Jen Silverman
 Directed by Jemma Alix Levy

The Devil’s in town with a bargain: power, love, & security for the price of your soul. The Villagers can’t resist, but Elizabeth, branded a witch and cast aside, won’t play his game. Jen Silverman’s Witch is a darkly funny tale of temptation and defiance.

More Than Just Performances

These experiences aren’t on the calendar—but they shape the season.

Bard & Bites

Three theatergoers enjoy the Bard & Bites Box charcuterie during a show at the Blackfriars Playhouse, sharing a delicious, immersive experience.

A show-worthy spread from North Ridge Café, available before select Sunday matinees. Pre-order required ($17).

Bard & Bites

Shakespeare Uncorked

Attendees at Shakespeare Uncorked 2023 sit at a long table with small beer samples and snacks, listening to a beer expert discuss Devil’s Backbone brews at the American Shakespeare Center.
Sip, savor, and celebrate Shakespeare. At ASC’s Shakespeare Uncorked, guests explored the flavors of Devil’s Backbone craft beers in an intimate tasting event before the show. Photo by October Grace Media.

A perfect pairing—Virginia craft and Virginia Shakespeare. Each event includes a curated tasting before the show.

  • October 17th –  Barren Ridge Vineyards – Pair it with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein @ 7:30 PM
  • October 24th –  Noer Vineyards – Pair it with WITCH @ 7:30 PM
Fall 2026 Shakespeare Uncorked

Lights ON Blackfriars

Fall 2026 Lights On Blackfriars poster featuring The Tempest co-directors Matt Radford Davies and Doreen Bechtol at a table read. Select Saturdays at 11:00 AM: Sept. 5, director conversation with Davies and Bechtol on The Tempest; Sept. 12, meet Director of Learning and Engagement Rhys McClelland; Oct. 3, Aidan O’Reilly on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; Oct. 10, Jemma Alix Levy on Witch; Oct. 17, Dylan Mabe on early modern English society, religion, and corruption rumors; Oct. 31, Dr. Michelle Brock on witchcraft in the early modern period; and Nov. 14, Dr. Peter Kirwan on the dramaturgy of The Tempest.

Arrive early for lively pre-show conversations that connect the play to the world beyond the stage. 

  • September 5th – Director Conversation with Matt Radford Davies and Doreen Bechtol on The Tempest
  • September 12th – Meet the new Director of Learning and Engagement Rhys McClelland
  • October 3rd – Director Conversation with Aidan O’Reilly on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein 
  • October 10th –  Director Conversation with Jemma Alix Levy on Witch 
  • October 17th – Dylan Mabe, Professor of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication at James Madison University, on Early Modern English Society, Religious Doctrine, and Corruption Rumors.
  • October 31st –  Dr. Michelle Brock, Professor of History at Washington and Lee, On Witchcraft in the Early Modern period.
  • November 14th – Dr. Peter Kirwan, Professor and Co-Director of the Shakespeare & Performance MLitt/MFA program at Mary Baldwin University,on The Dramaturgy of The Tempest
Fall 2026 Lights ON Blackfriars

Blackfriars Playhouse 25th Anniversary Event 2026

You’ve helped fill the Blackfriars Playhouse with stories, laughter, and shared light for 25 years. Join us for a Special Lights ON Blackfriars morning, celebrating the community that made it possible, with Ralph Alan Cohen, Jim Warren, Vanessa Morosco, Nick Hutchison, and Miriam Donald Burrows.

Event Schedule:

  • Saturday, September 19, 2026
    • 10:00 AM – Coffee, Pastries, & Good Company
    • 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Memories & What’s Next

Reserve Your Free Seat

Admission is free, but reservations are requested to guarantee your seat.

Reserve Your Free Seat

Reserve your seat online or contact us at 540.885.5588 ext. 114

or Development@AmericanShakespeareCenter.com

Fall 2026 Clubs & Camps at ASC

ASC Graphic for campaign: Find Your Light Clubs and Camps at the American Shakespeare Center.

ASC Drama Club Junior for ages 8-13

Learn the theatrical basics by working on an abridged production of a Shakespeare play. Participants audition at the beginning of the cycle to receive their parts and spend the remainder of the cycle rehearsing for their final performance on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage. 

  • Weekly Rehearsals: September 13 – November 29, 1-3pm
  • Playhouse Field Trip to see The Tempest: Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Playhouse Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, November 11, 9am-12pm
  • Final Performance: Sunday, December 6 @ 7:30pm

ASC Drama Club Senior for ages 14-18

Develop a deep appreciation for Shakespeare’s stagecraft while learning more about his wordcraft. Throughout the cycle, participants will work on a variety of scenes and speeches, culminating in a final performance of scenes on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage. 

  • Weekly Rehearsals: September 13 – November 29, 4:30-6:30pm
  • Playhouse Field Trip to see The Tempest: Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Playhouse Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, November 12, 5-7pm
  • Final Performance: Sunday, December 6 @ 7:30pm
Fall 2026 Clubs & Camps at ASC

PLAN YOUR Fall TRIP TO STAUNTON, VA

Make the Blackfriars Playhouse part of your Fall season escape visit to Staunton, Virginia.

Whether you’re visiting Staunton for live theatre, Shakespeare, a weekend getaway, or a memorable night out, the Blackfriars Playhouse offers something you won’t find anywhere else: stories shared under the lights of the first-ever re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.

Come for the performance. Stay for Staunton.

Planning a Group Outing?

Groups of 10 or more—Contact groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com for personalized support and discounted group rates.