Seattle’s August lineup of accessible and free performances
Free outdoor shows continue, but we return indoors for these inclusive and affordable performances for all continue this August.
It’s a period of transition this month as we wrap up Shakespeare outdoor performances while dipping a toe into the early days of a new performing arts season. Just over a month from now,
Wooden O: As You Like It
- Free for All: Now – August 17
Wooden O presents Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It this summer at parks across the Puget Sound. Traveling from venues like Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill to Luther Burbank in Mercer Island, there’s a performance for everyone.
ACT Theatre & Seattle Shakespeare Company
acttheatre.org
Much Ado About Nothing
- Free for All: Now – August 16
Love and laughter tangle in a sparkling tale of wit, trickery, and mistaken identity. The fiery Beatrice and the stubborn Benedick are hilariously duped into falling for each other, while young lovers Hero and Claudio are torn apart by a villain’s cruel deception.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
Richard III
- Free for All: Now – August 16
A blood-soaked tale of ambition, betrayal, and one man’s ruthless rise to the throne. Richard, a cunning and silver-tongued villain, stops at nothing—murdering brothers, seducing widows, and spinning webs of deceit—to seize the English crown.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Free for All: Now – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Deep in an enchanted forest, feuding fairy royalty meddle with lovesick mortals, causing hearts to tangle and affections to go hilariously astray. A mischievous sprite named Puck sprinkles a bit too much fairy dust, leading to donkey-headed suitors, bewitched lovers, and a delightfully absurd play within a play.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
The Taming of the Shrew
- Free for All: Now – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Sharp-tongued Kate wants nothing to do with marriage, but the bold and mischievous Petruchio is determined to win her. As he matches her wit with outrageous antics, their romance turns into a hilarious war of words, wills, and mind games.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
& Juliet
- Audio Described: August 3 at 1:00pm
- ASL Interpreted: August 3 at 1:00pm
- Open Captioned: August 3 at 6:30pm
A musical that asks what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Broadway at the Paramount
stgpresents.org
After Midnight
- Open Captioned: August 15 at 7:30pm, August 17 at 1:30pm
- ASL Interpreted: August 15 at 7:30pm, August 17 at 1:30pm
- Audio Described: August 16 at 1:30pm
Immerse yourself in the sultry, swingin’ Jazz Age of the Harlem Renaissance, where the Cotton Club is the place to be! Infused with the iconic tunes of Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, Harold Arlen, and more.
5th Avenue Theatre
5thavenue.org
