WHO WE ARE
Atlanta’s most talented young actors in barely rehearsed, barely directed, somewhat tipsy, one-night-only productions of Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies - in bars. Guaranteed doublet and pantaloon free. ARTISTIC VALUES
Bravery. Pluck. OUR GOALS
- fostering a playground for actors to work their craft,
- converting a newer, younger crowd of Shakespeare-lovers,
- and uniting all corners of Atlanta’s various artistic communities to bond over a show and a pint. WHAT TO EXPECT
Deliberately casual Shakespearean theatre. A charmingly spontaneous atmosphere. Frequent audience interaction. Audience drinks every time an actor calls for line. SHAKESPEARE IN A BAR? LIKE A REGULAR, LOCAL BAR? Shakespeare’s jokes were often intended more for the commoners drinking on the ground level dirt floor than for the nobility sitting above them in the stalls of the Globe Theatre. We are reconnecting with these roots by putting Shakespeare in the modern day version of its true home: the bar. Returning to these roots enhances the immediacy of the performance and connects the audience in a way that simply isn’t possible on a traditional stage. It’s a fresh twist on that old saying, “Shakespeare as it was originally intended.”
WHY BARELY REHEARSED? Most actors are looking for means to exercise their craft, but they also have jobs and gigs and lives. Logistically, an extraordinarily light rehearsal process allows us to pool talent in the city who are otherwise booked. Artistically, the lack of rehearsal naturally pushes our actors to a bold and unique performance. There aren’t weeks and weeks to nail the role; the actor must freefall into the whirlwind of the unknown. THE PROCESS
We cast local Atlanta actors, and plan in advance so they can memorize and prepare. We gather for a couple of read throughs. Actors can meet on their own for additional work. The day before the performance, we hold one official run-through of the show. The performance features live music. Our actors might ad-lib to keep things going, but if they call for their line, the entire bar is asked to take a drink. The end result is an experimental, ephemeral, entirely unique evening. OUR PREDECESSORS:
Special thanks to all those who have come before us, inspire us, and bring this beautifully unprepared and breathtakingly bold form of entertainment to drinking establishments throughout the country.
- Shakespeare in the Bar - Dallas, TX
- The Back Room Shakespeare Project - Chicago
- Shakespeare in the Pub - Washington, D.C.
- Shakespeare @ the Bar - Philadelphia
- and more!
