Free Shakespeare returns with Bard at The Barn

Art, Events, News

Shepherd Shakespeare Co. presents:

As You Like It

In collaboration with Levine Properties and MoRA

 

This project was made possible, in part, with funding from ASC, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Bard at The Barn is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.

 

FREE Shakespeare For All

MoRA is so pleased to announce the return of Shepherd Shakespeare Co. with FREE family-friendly performances of As You Like Itone of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies for all ages. Get ready to embark on a journey of love, laughter, and witty banter in a gorgeous outdoor setting.

 

Everyone is welcome!

Nestled under the one-hundred-year-old trees of the McAlpines Center, The Barn offers rustic charm and a pastoral setting that will transport you to the Forest of Arden. 

 

  • Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
  • Beginning Sept. 23 and running through Oct. 15, 2023.
  • FREE parking
  • FREE admission.
  • Bring your own chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy!
  • The Barn at the McAlpines Center, 8300 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Trees at The Barn at MoRA

Shakespeare may have said, “All the world’s a stage,” quips John Lincoln, Vice Chair of MoRA, “but we’re so lucky to have a second year of The Bard right here in the Monroe Road corridor.”

As You Like It

Written by William Shakespeare in 1599

Set in the Forest of Arden, As You Like It follows the journey of Rosalind, a spirited and resourceful young woman who disguises herself as a man to find her lost love. As the plot unfolds, mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and humorous encounters ensue, leading to a heartwarming resolution.

With its witty dialogue, whimsical characters, and themes of love, forgiveness and self-discovery, Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece has captivated audiences for centuries.

Shakespeare As You Like It MoRA
Shepherd Shakespeare Co cast of As You Like It

Meet the Cast

Shepherd Shakespeare Co. has done it again, assembling an unforgettable cast that promises an entertaining performance for all ages.

“We’re thrilled to have an incredible cast representing some of the best talent Charlotte has to offer. It’s a mix of returning actors from last year and others making their Bard at The Barn debut,” says Chester Shepherd, Director.

Last year’s audience will recognize familiar faces from Twelfth Night. And keen ears will hear some of The Bard’s most memorable quotes, such as “All the world’s a stage,” “Too much of a good thing,” and “A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest”.

Chester continues, “Shepherd Shakespeare Company is a family business, and that’s well-represented in this cast—we have both a wife/husband duo and a father/son duo. We laughed so hard during the audition process with the actors’ amazing comedic chops, so you can imagine how how fun of a time we are all in for!”

“This was simply fantastic! Go! Take your family and friends, you won’t regret it. Beautiful setting, spectacular performers, and a great production! Enjoy!”

—C.V., guest at last year’s production

About Shepherd Shakespeare Co.

Shepherd Shakespeare Co. believes in “bringing the joy and wonder of the Bard’s timeless stories to all people. We believe the plays of Shakespeare are a shared cultural inheritance and should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We share this magic through performance and education.”

Shepherd Shakespeare Co family

SSCo was founded by a husband and wife team—Chester and Katy Shepherd—who share a love of theatre and performing for audiences of all ages. Having lived in Charlotte, NC for 9 years, they feel fortunate to work often with a number of wonderful companies in the Queen City. Now they want to bring their love of Shakespeare to as many people and places as possible. With a big passion for children and education, they strive to bring Shakespeare to areas where it might not normally be available.

Learn more about Chester and Katy here.

Thank you to our partners

MoRA is grateful for all of our community partners! This project was made possible, in part, with funding from ASC, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

ASC logo
ASC logo

Bard at The Barn is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.

SSCo logo

Multimillion Dollar Commitment
City of Charlotte

$1.5 million and above
Bank of America
C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum Company
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Trane Technologies

$600,000 – $1 million
Albemarle Foundation
Atrium Health
Barings
Duke Energy
Honeywell
JELD-WEN, Inc.
LendingTree Foundation
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Novant Health
Red Ventures
Truist

$300,000-$600,000
Ally Financial
The Centene Charitable Foundation
Childress Klein Properties
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Deloitte
EY
The Gambrell Foundation
Moore & Van Allen
PwC
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
Rodgers Builders
Wells Fargo

Up to $300,000
Fifth Third Bank
Foundation For The Carolinas
Deidre and Clay Grubb
Leslie and Michael Marsicano
Jane and Hugh McColl
Nucor Corporation
PNC Bank
Premier, Inc.
Jane and Nelson Schwab


Monroe Road Advocates (MoRA) is grassroots group of volunteers from Monroe Road neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, and schools. We’re connecting community in the corridor from Lupie’s/7th Street to NC-51.