Pop-Up Shakespeare brings the Bard to unexpected corners of Nashville - coffee shops, breweries, bookstores, and all kinds of neighborhood hangouts. These one-time-only, fast-paced staged readings feature top Nashville theatre talent in a stripped-down, story-forward format that highlights Shakespeare’s language, humor, and heart. It’s lively, unbuttoned, and welcoming to all, proving you don’t need a traditional stage to enjoy the magic of Shakespeare.
2026 Pop-Up Shakespeare Series
The Comedy of Errors- Saturday, April 18 at 6:30 pm
Henry IV, Part 1- Sunday, May 3 at 2 pm
Twelfth Night- Sunday, June 28 at 2pm
Tickets: $20 each or $50 for all three readings
The Comedy of Errors
Saturday, April 18 at 6:30 pm
L&L Marketplace
Directed by Scott Baker
Back in the late 16th century, farces based on mistaken identities had audiences rolling in the aisles! And The Comedy of Errors, perhaps Shakespeare’s earliest comedy (c. 1594, but not published until 1623), features not one, but TWO sets of identical twins (with identical names, if you can believe it), who keep on getting confused with one another. Sure, it may all sound a little silly, but renowned literary scholar Harold Bloom wrote that this early comedy "reveals Shakespeare's magnificence at the art of comedy.”
Join us for our reading of The Comedy of Errors on April 18th at 6:30pm at L&L Market - 3820 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Henry IV Part 1
Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm
Streetcar Taps & Garden (Sylvan Park/Charlotte Ave Location)
Directed by Katie Bruno
Henry IV, Part 1 follows King Henry IV’s struggle to maintain the English throne amidst rebellion from the Percy family, led by the gallant Hotspur. While the King faces war, his son, Prince Hal, neglects his royal duties to carouse with the rogue Falstaff. The plot culminates at the Battle of Shrewsbury, where Hal redeems himself, kills Hotspur, and restores his reputation.
.Join us for our reading of Henry IV Part 1 on May 3rd at 2pm at Streetcar Taps & Garden - 4916 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
Twelfth Night
Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 pm
Phat Bites
Directed by Jason Spelbring
Twelfth Night is a fast-paced romantic comedy with several interwoven plots of romance, mistaken identities and practical jokes. Separated from her twin brother Sebastian in a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy, calls herself Cesario, and becomes a servant to the Duke Orsino. He sends her to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf, but the Countess falls in love with Cesario. Meanwhile Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch, gets drunk with his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek and they play a trick on Malvolio, Olivia’s steward. Eventually Sebastian turns up and causes even more confusion, chaos and comedy!
Join us for our reading of Twelfth Night on June 28th at 2pm at Phat Bites - 2730 Lebanon Pike B, Nashville, TN 37214
Actor Submissions for Pop- Up Shakespeare
We are currently taking submissions for actors for our up coming Pop-Up Shakespeare Series. Complete form below to be considered for these staged readings.
Thank you to our venue partners!
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