Play Practice
A new class for adult actors in the Nashville community, facilitated by NSF Director of Education Katie Bruno.
Bring in your own material—whether it’s an audition monologue, a scene you’ve always wanted to try, or a Shakespeare piece you’re curious about—and put it on its feet in a supportive, collaborative space. Each class begins with a 20-minute refresh on essential Shakespeare techniques: text analysis, verse work, and performance tips to keep your skills sharp.
After that, it’s your time to play: workshop audition material, explore new cuts, get feedback, and share in the process with fellow actors. Whether you’re brushing up on classics or experimenting with new approaches, Play Practice is about building confidence, growing craft, and connecting with a community of artists who love to play.
Classes are $15 - register in advance or drop in!
Julius Caesar - Public Performances
Recommended for ages 12 and up. In JULIUS CAESAR, five actors tackle the captivating journey of Shakespeare's political thriller - the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination and the defeat of his conspirators. Concerned that Julius Caesar poses a threat to democracy, revolutionaries make the violent decision to murder him. As the world spins out of control, chaos and superstition lead to civil war. This adapted production showcases themes of honor, friendship, ambition, power, loyalty, betrayal, freedom and fate.
Content warning: Discussions of murder and death. Scenes of violence are depicted, though no weapons will be used.
Summer Shakespeare - The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.
Summer Shakespeare - The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.
Summer Shakespeare - The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.
Summer Shakespeare - The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.
Summer Shakespeare - The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.
Summer Conservatory Showcase
The NSF Summer Conservatory is an immersive professional training program for early-career theatre artists ages 18+ looking to sharpen their craft and gain practical experience. Formerly known as the Apprentice Company (ApCo), this program has been developing the next generation of theatre professionals for over 25 years and has been reimagined to better serve today’s emerging artists.
The showcase from the 2025 Class of Conservatory Artists will be a collection of monlogues and scenes, co-directed by the Conservatory Emerging Director, Makinley Smith.
Tickets are free, but required to attend due to space.
Teen Summer Conservatory
New offering for 2025! For the teen theater kid who wants to hone their craft. They’ll learn how to approach Shakespearean text, giving developing artists the opportunity to better engage with classic scenes and the specialized techniques of performing the Bard. This program is perfect for emerging artists interested in auditioning for Apprentice Company.
Play On Words Summer Camp
For students who love to play and tell stories! This camp introduces students to essential theatre performance skills, utilizing Shakespeare’s works to grow young performers’ abilities and confidence. Each week will culminate with a mini-showcase celebration.
Play On Words Summer Camp
For students who love to play and tell stories! This camp introduces students to essential theatre performance skills, utilizing Shakespeare’s works to grow young performers’ abilities and confidence. Each week will culminate with a mini-showcase celebration.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Backlight Productions
Get ready for a magical night of laughter and enchantment! Backlight is teaming up with The Nashville Shakespeare Festival to present an unforgettable performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This inclusive production features actors of all abilities, with talented Backlight performers sharing the stage with professional Shakespearean artists from NSF. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind performance that brings the whimsical world of fairies, love, and comedy to life in a way that everyone can enjoy.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.ticketor.com/wcpac/tickets/backlight-productions-presents-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-303073#buy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Backlight Productions
Get ready for a magical night of laughter and enchantment! Backlight is teaming up with The Nashville Shakespeare Festival to present an unforgettable performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This inclusive production features actors of all abilities, with talented Backlight performers sharing the stage with professional Shakespearean artists from NSF. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind performance that brings the whimsical world of fairies, love, and comedy to life in a way that everyone can enjoy.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.ticketor.com/wcpac/tickets/backlight-productions-presents-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-303073#buy