The Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as one of the ten largest Shakespeare festivals in the world, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually to its permanent home in the 250-acre Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park. Offering a dynamic repertory of classical Shakespearean works, Broadway-scale musicals, contemporary Southern dramas, and family-friendly productions, the festival serves as a premier cultural hub for the American South. Planning a visit requires navigating ticket tiers, two distinct theater spaces, campus amenities, and nearby dining options across Montgomery.
Quick Answer
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival operates year-round at the Carolyn Blount Theatre in Montgomery, Alabama. Featuring the 750-seat Festival Stage and the 225-seat Octagon Theatre, ASF presents 6 to 10 productions each season. Tickets range from standard single-admission seats to student rush and group discounts, with free on-site parking available at Blount Cultural Park.
Key Takeaways
- Two Performance Spaces: The Carolyn Blount Theatre houses both the large-scale Festival Stage and the intimate Octagon Theatre.
- Diverse Repertoire: The lineup blends classical Shakespeare with world premieres from the Southern Writers Project, contemporary American plays, and musical theater.
- Scenic Location: Situated in Blount Cultural Park, featuring landscaped gardens, walking trails, ponds, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
- Budget Flexibility: Options include standard reserved seating, season subscriptions, group rates (10+ people), and student/military discounts.
- Visitor Amenities: Free parking, full ADA accessibility (audio description, assistive listening, wheelchair seating), and an on-site gift shop.
Festival Overview & History
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1972 by Martin L. Platt as a summer theater project in Anniston, Alabama. Operating out of an un-airconditioned high school auditorium, the festival quickly earned critical acclaim for its artistic rigor. In December 1985, ASF relocated to Montgomery following a $21.5 million gift from philanthropist Wynton M. Blount and his wife, Carolyn Blount, who funded the construction of the state-of-the-art Carolyn Blount Theatre complex within an English-style country park.
Today, ASF is a year-round regional theater producing classic plays, contemporary works, and educational programs. A cornerstone of its literary mission is the Southern Writers Project (SWP), established in 1991 to cultivate, commission, and produce new plays that explore Southern heritage, African American history, and regional storytelling.
“The Alabama Shakespeare Festival bridges classical dramatic heritage with new Southern voices, staging world-class theatrical productions inside one of the South’s most picturesque cultural parks.”
Performance Schedule & Season Structure
ASF operates a seasonal calendar typically running from autumn through summer. Productions are staged in rotating repertory or designated multi-week performance blocks, with evening performances Wednesday through Saturday and matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Pro Tip: Book tickets for “Rep Weekends” during the spring repertory cycle to see up to three different productions across both the Festival Stage and Octagon Theatre over a single 48-hour span.
In addition to standard public performances, ASF organizes dedicated programming blocks throughout the year:
- SchoolFest Matinees: Specially scheduled morning performances for middle and high school students, reaching tens of thousands of students across the Southeast each year.
- Director & Cast Talkbacks: Post-performance Q&A sessions held on designated dates, offering audiences direct access to creative teams and performers.
- Preview Performances: Discounted early performances staged before the official opening night of each production.
Featured Productions & Repertoire
ASF curates a balanced season that spans Shakespearean tragedies, comedies, and histories alongside 20th-century classics, Broadway musicals, and Southern-focused dramas. Below is an overview of core production types regularly presented on Montgomery stages:
| Production Type | Representative Works | Primary Themes & Focus | Typical Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakespearean Classics | Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest | Power, morality, love, identity, classic verse | Festival Stage |
| American Masterworks | A Raisin in the Sun, The Glass Menagerie | Family dynamics, race, social mobility, resilience | Festival Stage / Octagon |
| Southern Writers Project | New commissions, regional world premieres | Southern culture, historical events, community identity | Octagon Theatre |
| Musicals & Holiday Shows | A Christmas Carol, Cinderella, Cabaret | Celebration, music, large-ensemble choreography | Festival Stage |
Ticket Information & Box Office Guide
ASF provides several ticket pricing tiers, season subscription packages, and discount programs designed to keep live professional theater accessible to broad audiences.
Ticket Pricing Details
Ticket pricing varies depending on seat location, production scale, day of the week, and performance type (preview vs. regular performance):
- Standard Reserved Seating: Main floor and balcony seating ranging from budget-friendly upper-tier seats to prime center-orchestra views.
- Premium Seating: Prime center orchestra and box tier seats offering optimal sightlines and sound balance.
- Group Discounts: Discounted rates available for parties of 10 or more, often accompanied by complimentary bus parking arrangements and flexible payment schedules.
- Student & Military Discounts: Valid ID holders can access discounted advance tickets or day-of-show Student Rush tickets at the box office window.
- Season Subscriptions: Full-season and flexible pick packages that include reserved seating priority, complimentary ticket exchanges, and discounts on guest tickets.
Purchase Options Available
Tickets can be purchased across multiple channels according to visitor preference:
| Purchase Method | Advantages | Details & Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Online (asf.net) | Interactive seat selection, 24/7 instant confirmation, digital e-tickets | Standard processing fees apply; digital print-at-home or mobile entry |
| Phone (Box Office) | Personalized seating advice, accessibility requests, package coordination | Open Tuesday–Saturday; call 334-271-5353 or 1-800-841-4273 |
| In-Person (Carolyn Blount Theatre) | Direct staff assistance, no online booking fees, will-call pickup | Located at 1 Festival Drive; window open prior to scheduled showtimes |
Venue Details: Festival Stage & The Octagon
The Carolyn Blount Theatre houses two distinctive performance venues, each designed to optimize acoustics, sightlines, and stage intimacy:
- The Festival Stage (~750 Seats): A traditional proscenium theater with a modified thrust stage and two balcony tiers. It hosts large-scale productions, musical theater, and major Shakespearean dramas requiring elaborate scenery and full orchestration.
- The Octagon Theatre (~225 Seats): An intimate, flexible modified thrust space where no seat is more than a few rows from the performance area. Ideal for character-driven dramas, experimental pieces, and new works from the Southern Writers Project.
- Lobby & Grounds: The facility features a spacious multi-level lobby, concession bars, an on-site gift gallery, and sweeping terraces overlooking the ponds and rolling hills of Blount Cultural Park.
Dining Options Near Blount Cultural Park
While concessions (drinks and light snacks) are available inside the theater lobby prior to curtain and during intermission, patrons frequently combine a show with pre- or post-theater dining in Montgomery.
Top Local Eateries in Montgomery
Montgomery’s dining scene features both elevated Southern cuisine and casual regional staples within a 10- to 15-minute drive of the theater:
- Central Restaurant (Downtown): Located in the downtown alleyway entertainment district, serving upscale farm-to-table Southern fare, heritage pork, and fresh Gulf seafood.
- Vintage Year (Old Cloverdale): A refined neighborhood bistro offering prime steaks, fresh seafood, hand-crafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
- Shashy’s Bakery & Fine Foods (Mulberry District): A local institution famous for Southern breakfast staples, gourmet sandwiches, and scratch-made baked goods.
- El Rey Burrito Lounge (Old Cloverdale): An energetic, eclectic eatery serving inventive burritos, tacos, and fresh vegetarian/vegan options made with locally sourced produce.
- Capitol Oyster Bar (Riverfront): Casual riverside seafood and blues venue offering fresh Gulf oysters, fried catfish, and regional specialties.
Pre-Show Dining by Neighborhood
To avoid rushing before the curtain rises, consider dining near your travel route:
- Eastern Boulevard & Taylor Road (5–8 mins from venue): The closest commercial corridors, featuring convenient casual dining, family restaurants, and quick-service establishments.
- Old Cloverdale (10–12 mins from venue): A historic, tree-lined district known for independent dining, cocktail lounges, and charming outdoor patio seating.
- Downtown & Riverfront (12–15 mins from venue): Perfect for combining theater with visits to historical landmarks, hotel lodging, and upscale waterfront dining.
Note: On weekend performance evenings, Montgomery restaurants in Downtown and Old Cloverdale often book up quickly. Make reservations at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to showtime to ensure timely arrival at the theater.
Accessibility, Parking, and Guest Amenities
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides comprehensive accommodations for all guests:
- Wheelchair & Mobility Access: Ramps, elevators, and designated wheelchair seating with companion chairs are available in both the Festival Stage and Octagon Theatre. A covered passenger drop-off driveway is located directly in front of the main entrance.
- Assistive Listening Devices: Complimentary infrared assistive listening headsets and telecoil loop systems are available at the guest services counter in the lobby.
- Sensory & Visual Services: Large-print and Braille playbills are provided upon request. Select performances feature audio description for visually impaired patrons and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
- Restrooms: Fully accessible multi-stall and single-occupancy family/gender-neutral restrooms are located on the main lobby concourse.
- Parking: Self-parking is entirely free in the paved, well-lit lots surrounding the Carolyn Blount Theatre within Blount Cultural Park. Designated accessible parking spaces are positioned adjacent to the front entrance walkway.
Special Events, Student Matinees & Workshops
Beyond stage plays, ASF operates an active educational and community outreach wing that engages students, emerging theater professionals, and lifelong learners:
- ASF Youth Academy & Camps: Summer conservatory camps and weekend theater intensives teaching voice, movement, scene study, and stage combat to youth and teenagers.
- Southern Writers Project Festival: Annual public staged readings of brand-new scripts, allowing audiences to witness early-stage play development and provide feedback to playwrights.
- Professional Apprenticeships: Intensive, season-long early-career training programs for actors, stage managers, costume designers, and technical theater artisans.
Practical Tips for Attending a Performance
Follow these practical recommendations to maximize your experience at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival:
- Arrive 45–60 Minutes Early: Take time to stroll around Blount Cultural Park, view the Shakespeare Garden, visit the gift shop, and locate your seats before the house chimes sound.
- Dress Comfortably: There is no strict dress code. Patrons wear everything from smart-casual attire (slacks, collared shirts, dresses) to business casual. Theater auditoriums are air-conditioned and can feel cool, so a light sweater or jacket is recommended.
- Observe Theater Etiquette: Photography, audio recording, and video filming are strictly prohibited during performances. Silence all mobile devices before the show begins.
- Picnic on the Park Grounds: While outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater building, patrons are welcome to bring picnic baskets to enjoy around the park’s lakes and shaded lawns before showtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival?
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival began in 1972 in Anniston, Alabama, founded by Martin L. Platt. In 1985, the festival permanently relocated to Montgomery after receiving a $21.5 million gift from Wynton M. and Carolyn Blount to build the Carolyn Blount Theatre within the 250-acre Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park.
Are there any age restrictions for attendees?
Most mainstage ASF productions are recommended for children aged 6 and older, though specific age advisories vary by show content. As a general house policy, infants and children under 4 are not admitted to standard evening performances to avoid distractions, though designated family matinees and student performances are tailored specifically for younger audiences.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the theater?
Outside food, beverages, and coolers are strictly prohibited inside the Carolyn Blount Theatre. Concessions—including bottled water, wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks—are available in the lobby, with select beverages permitted inside the auditorium in approved spill-proof cups. Guests are welcome to picnic on the outdoor grounds of Blount Cultural Park prior to entering the building.
Is parking available at the venue, and does it cost money?
Yes, free on-site self-parking is available in the expansive paved lots directly adjacent to the Carolyn Blount Theatre inside Blount Cultural Park. Designated accessible parking spots and a covered drop-off circle are located adjacent to the main theater entrance.
Are pets allowed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival?
Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the Carolyn Blount Theatre; only trained service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are permitted under the ADA. However, leashed pets are welcome on the outdoor walking trails and open grounds of Blount Cultural Park.
Conclusion
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival combines world-class regional theater with the natural beauty of Montgomery’s Blount Cultural Park. Whether you are attending a timeless Shakespearean tragedy, a family musical, or a groundbreaking premiere from the Southern Writers Project, the festival offers an unforgettable cultural experience. By securing tickets in advance, choosing the theater space that fits your preferred atmosphere, and exploring Montgomery’s vibrant dining districts, you can ensure a seamless and enriching theater outing.
Sources
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival Official Website — Season repertoire, ticketing policies, theater dimensions, and educational programs
- ASF Plan Your Visit Portal — Venue accessibility, box office operational hours, and house guidelines
- Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park — Park amenities, walking trails, grounds rules, and parking maps
- Experience Montgomery (Official Tourism Board) — Local dining, lodging accommodations, and regional cultural attractions
