DeKalb County’s first free Shakespeare series is fittingly coming to Avondale Estates, a city whose Tudor-Revival style architecture is inspired by the playwright’s birthplace.
A three-part, family-friendly series, “A Shakespeare Happening | Avondale Estates Town Green,” will take place rain or shine on September 13, October 11 and November 15, with each event beginning at 2 p.m.
Audiences can look forward to Shakespeare events for kids, live music and sneak peeks of upcoming shows from the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, which performs at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. The events will take place at the Town Green and are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The series is produced by Bard x Sage PR in partnership with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry (Super District 6), and the City of Avondale Estates.
Nicole Sage, a longtime DeKalb County resident and founder of Sage PR Consulting, developed the initiative under her creative moniker, Bard x Sage PR. She pitched the concept to Commissioner Terry with a goal of bringing more educational enrichment and accessible cultural programs to DeKalb County.
She recalled her mother taking her to the Shakespeare Tavern several times when she was in high school, a special experience she wanted to share with more people.
“My mother was a diehard champion of (Atlanta Shakespeare Company) Artistic Director Jeff Watkins. Watching his Shakespeare performances with my mother is a memory I will cherish forever,” said Sage. “Commissioner Terry and I wanted to create something welcoming for all. Whether it’s your first Shakespeare play or your 50th, this is a space where families and children can experience the magic of Shakespeare together—outside and for free.”
Terry also expressed enthusiasm for showcasing live Shakespeare at the Town Green. “Bringing Shakespeare to the Town Green is about more than theatre—it’s about building community and ensuring that art and culture are accessible to everyone, regardless of zip code or income,” said Terry. “I’m proud to support initiatives like this that uplift our shared spaces, celebrate creativity, and offer meaningful enrichment for families across DeKalb.”
The connection between Avondale Estates and Shakespeare goes back to its beginnings. The City of Avondale Estates’ founder George Francis Willis was inspired by a trip he and his wife Lottie had taken to Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He wanted to recreate the majestic Tudor-Revival style architecture found at the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
This is not the first time Avondale Estates has hosted a Shakespeare-inspired event. The city hosted a one-day Shakespeare festival in 2017.
City Manager Patrick Bryant said the City of Avondale Estates was proud to host this free Shakespeare series. “It’s a fun nod to our Stratford-on-Avon roots,” said Bryant. “It’s a unique cultural experience not offered anywhere else in metro Atlanta.”
WHAT TO BRING:
People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for an afternoon of theater on the green.
Here’s a look at the upcoming performances:
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Tempest, Jr., a Shakespeare performance for young audiences
- Live music by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company
- Sneak Peek of “Macbeth”
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Shakespeare Shorts: a fast-paced comedy performed by two actors with one unsuspecting audience member turned co-star (geared toward children)
- Live music by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company
- Sneak Peek of “Hamlet”
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 to 5:30 p.m.
- Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s signature educational workshop for young audiences: a play shop in performance featuring “Much Ado About Nothing”
- Live music by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company
- Sneak peek of “Much Ado About Nothing”