Actors Theatre of Columbus

Actors Theatre of Columbus is a performing arts theater troupe located in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded in 1982 by Gary and Patricia Ellson, and was initially called Actors' Summer Theatre. Actors' Theater presents plays by William Shakespeare and other time-honored playwrights, with relevance, to a contemporary audience.

History

In 1982 Actors' Theatre kicked off its first season with a single production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The success of that season proved that Schiller Park was an excellent venue for open air Shakespearean Theater, and the troupe returned the following summer with two productions; Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", and the troupe's first Broadway musical, "Oklahoma".

In 2011 the troupe will celebrate its 30th annual season. Over the last 30 years the troupe has increased its schedule from one production to two in their second season, and three productions each summer from their third season on. They briefly increased to four productions during the 2005-2007 seasons, but returned to three productions since the 2008 season. As part of their "Cool Classics" series, productions have also occasionally been performed at indoor venues. By far the most frequently produced play is Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", which has had five productions to date.

The troupe first performed on the grass, and later on a simple wooden stage erected at the southern end of Schiller Park. The stage had to be erected and struck for each performance. Costumes and props were stored in the Ellson's home nearby, which also served as dressing room and rehearsal space. In 1995 a permanent stage was constructed on the troupe's traditional performance site. This brick and concrete platform is completely open above, allowing the construction of multi-story sets that can remain intact throughout a production's run. Under the concrete stage is an enclosed storage area that also serves as a dressing room. The troupe's success is at least partly due to the popularity of open air theatre in Columbus. Though some productions are cancelled, or stopped in mid performance due to rain, the stage's scenic location within the park allows the audience to view the show from a gentle slope facing the stage. Audiences have a choice of bringing their own chairs, or using blankets. Food and drink is permitted during the shows. Outdoor summer shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged.^[1]

Although they had moved on to other activities years before, during the 2006 season Gary and Patricia Ellson would return to co-write, produce and direct a unique musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night". It would be the pair's final involvement with the troupe they had formed. Gary Ellson, already diagnosed with cancer during the shows run, would die from the disease in 2008.^[2]

Actors' Theatre has also departed from their traditional venue to perform productions on stages outside of Schiller Park. Indoor venues were used for off-season plays. In 2011 a production of "The Trojan Women", by Euripides, was performed at the Columbus School for Girls. Also a production of Columbus playwright James Thurber's "The Male Animal" staged at the Columbus Performing Arts Center.^[3]

Artistic Director, John S. Kuhn, has been involved with the theatre since 2002. Executive Director, Frank A. Barnhart, has also been with the company since 2004.

References