Looking for something to do in downtown Atlanta, Georgia this weekend? Atlanta’s Shakespeare Tavern invites you to step into a world where the spirit of Shakespeare thrives, where the audience cheers, and where the plays come to life. The actors of Shakespeare’s Tavern make Shakespeare plays anything but boring. Don’t miss this Atlanta favorite.
From classic tragedies to lively comedies, the talented actors of this Shakespeare theater Atlanta bring the Bard to life while patrons enjoy a delicious meal and drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned thespian or a theater newcomer, a visit to this Atlanta treasure promises an unforgettable night through the timeless magic of Shakespeare’s works.
Each production at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is staged with simple props, live music and sound effects, and hand-made period costumes. The audience becomes an integral part of the production as the actors and acting company interact as at the original Globe in London.
Don’t let the idea of sitting through a Shakespeare play turn you away from this best of Atlanta treasure. You’re welcome.
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FAQ Atlanta’s Shakespeare Tavern
Where is Atlanta’s Shakespeare Tavern?
Right in downtown Atlanta, Atlanta’s Shakespeare theater is on Peachtree Street across the street from the downtown Emory Hospital. It is minutes from the Fox Theater and other downtown Atlanta highlights.
Created in the style of the original Elizabethan theater of William Shakespeare, the stage and outside of the tavern are built to resemble the original Globe Theatre in London. Look for the Elizabethan looking building amid the downtown Atlanta high rises. It’s pretty easy to find.
~~~> Making a day of exploring downtown Atlanta? Head to history at Emory’s Carlos Museum or nature at Atlanta’s Botanical Garden.
Where Do I Park for Shakespeare Tavern?
Shakespeare Tavern does not have an assigned parking lot, so parking can be a little tricky. Suggested parking is across the street in the Emory University Hospital Midtown. Pay as if you’re visiting someone at the hospital. I’ve never had difficulty finding a parking spot. The theater doesn’t validate parking, so just pay for your parking when you return to your car.
To head to the theater after parking, take the elevator down to the ground floor, ignoring the signs that make it sound like you’re headed into the hospital. There is also a stairway. The door you exit will lock behind you, so you aren’t able to use it to get back to your car. At times, we have walked through the car exit.
When in doubt, see what everyone else is doing as the play ends, and people head to their cars. Herd mentality works great here.
What Do I Wear to Shakespeare Tavern?
There is no official dress code to see Shakespeare, and you will see anything and everything. We usually wear jeans and a wordless shirt – which is often as dressy as we get. Although even shorts are allowed, I do often find the theater chilly, so consider brining a sweater or jacket no matter the time of year.
Food and Drink at Shakespeare Tavern
The Shakespeare Tavern food is one of our favorite parts of this downtown Atlanta adventure. The made-from-scratch menu varies seasonally (keeping some all-the-time favorites), but everything is fabulous and the portions are a good size. And they’re reasonably priced – especially considering how much food you will get.
If you see the corn chowder, grab it! Last time we went, they weren’t serving it that night. Sad day. My kids love the tomato bisque soup and macaroni and cheese. I’ve also had British specialities like Shepherd’s Pie and Cornish Pasty .
How Do I Get Food at Shakespeare Tavern?
Getting the food you want is another reason to get there early as the menu is available starting one hour and fifteen minutes before the performance; ends ten minutes before show time. If you wait too long, the friendly kitchen staff will probably run out of the most popular dishes.
The food is ready to eat. You will receive your food and drink to carry them back to your seat after grabbing silverware. Unlike movie theaters, water here is free. Sodas get free refills.
Can I Get Food at Intermission at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse?
Yes! During intermission, you are free to head back to the kitchen to get a refill on your drink or grab a yummy dessert. Also a good time for a potty break!
Is Alcohol Served at Shakespeare Tavern?
Another disclaimer, I don’t drink… but I’ve seen others do it 🙂 Bob’s Bar is a fully-stocked lobby bar open pre-show and at intermission. There is a curtain to enter the theater, so get hang out while waiting to enter the theater. The bartender is probably a cast member from another show; I’ve recognized quite a few of them!
Additionally, there are quite a few craft beers to choose from as you go through the food line. Once again, I can’t say I’ve sampled them, but the people going through line asking about them always seem excited by the wide selection. These are usually offered in bottles and cans, not on tap.
Tickets and Times for Shakespeare Tavern
Tickets for the plays can be arranged online where you will see ticket times, upcoming plays, and prices. Tickets must be purchased in advance either online or by calling the box office. Weekend shows often sell out, so don’t wait until the last minute to get them. Call the theater and ask about being placed on a wait list. See what’s currently playing!
How Do I Save Money on Tickets for Shakespeare in Atlanta?
Check out the prices for the first weekend tickets (a preview) if you want to save a couple of dollars on tickets. We’ve done this several times and still are rewarded with a high quality performance. Better yet, ask for a gift certificate (here) for a Christmas or birthday gift.
How do I pick up my tickets for Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse?
These will be picked up at the will-call desk right at the bottom of the stairs when you enter. Just give them your last name. Then you show these at the curtain when it opens – they will guide you if you’re unsure what type of ticket you have purchased.
How Does Seating Work at Shakespeare Tavern?
Seating for Shakespeare Tavern varies depending on the type of ticket you bought. The floor seats are table for couples or to small groups. If you’re there on a special occasion, you can reserve the up-front tables.
As for me and my house, we sit up at the top where seats are first-come first-served. There are two balconies where everyone looks forward. I do admit, eating in these can be tricky because it seems the narrow ledge isn’t the best for plates – but everyone does it and it works. It won’t be a spread out meal, however. Get there thirty minutes early and ensure you have seats together if you haven’t reserved a table.
What Time Should I Arrive for the Shakespeare Performance?
Doors for the theater open before the curtain does to enter the seating and stage area. This is to allow you time to use the restroom, enjoy a drink, and get your ticket from the will-call desk. Usually, a line begins forming at the curtain and people begin entering about —- minutes before the play begins.
If you’re planning on eating, I wouldn’t get there any later than fifteen minutes before show time or you will feel rushed getting food. You can always go “save” your seat with your stuff or leave a person behind while the rest of you go get your food.
Is Shakespeare Tavern a Good Atlanta Date?
Although I’ve only ever gone to Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse with my kids, this married mom says it would be a good date – depending on who your date is. Or it could be a good way to weed out potential future dates – what a great test to see how that guy acts when he’s bored and doesn’t really want to go. (wink wink!)
Get there early and have a fun drink while hanging in the lobby. Split a fun dessert at intermission. While the not just every person will enjoy the plays, it’s definitely not just a place for old, boring people. Most of the audience is often made up of Atlanta singles and couples who dressed up for the night.
~~~> Looking for other ideas for a Georgia adventure, make sure you head to the Georgia portion of my website for my first-hand travel tips.
Which Shakespeare Play Should I See?
If you have never seen a Shakespeare play – or have a hesitant friend going with you – I highly suggest that you start with one of the funnier ones or a familiar one. Aim for Romeo and Juliet when in doubt; everyone knows what happens in that for the most part.
I have seen comedies and tragedies at Shakespeare Theater, and I highly recommend the comedies. Think Midsummer Nights Eve or Much Ado About Nothing. The Shakespeare Tavern Company shines when truly letting loose and feeding off the audience laughs. They will interact with the crowd if needed, and you’ll be enjoying yourself.
Remember that you will still enjoy the play even if you don’t 100% understand every line in it’s Shakespearean dialect. Don’t over stress it and go with an open-mind. There will be laughing and singing and instruments and silly costumes.
Shakespeare Tavern and Kids
Can I bring my child to Shakespeare Tavern? Yes. The recommendation for some shows is for 10 and up. I do recommend you read the information about each play online where suggestions will be about each show.
Remember, this is a completely live performance in a relatively small theater. Crying or fussing children (or adults) of any age will distract the other patrons and performers.
Is Shakespeare Tavern Appropriate for Kids?
Shakespeare is bawdy; usually it goes over kids’ heads, honestly. However, these are adult-themed plays targeting to your adult audience. These actors are not holding out, may make body gestures, and may ad-lib some “raunchy” parts. If the audience laughs, they will keep going and feed off the laughter.
On the Shakespeare Tavern website, you can read a synopsis of the play. If there’s a sword fight, there won’t be fake blood spewing. If there’s a love scene, there won’t be nudity and over-the-top awkwardness.
Honestly, this is nothing worse than your kids are probably seeing on television. Take this opportunity to remind them that there will probably be some inappropriate moments, that we don’t act like that, and move on. Remember who the plays were written for and the time period.
Can I Take a School Group to Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern?
There are a lot of special programs available for students at the tavern. Check the online schedule for a weekday 10 AM matinee Shakespeare performance for your school or homeschool group. This is a full-length play. Call the office to book your group, and check online for extra information to help you prepare and teach your students.
They also have workshops, classes, and summer camps for students of all ages. I know a few daughters who wished their mom would drive into Atlanta to do this for them 🙂
How Do I Prepare My Kids for Shakespeare?
Depending on the age of your kids, I suggest you read a simplified kids version or even watch a dramatized movie. Check out some YouTube videos. Some of the actors can speak quickly. If you’re studying Shakespeare with the kids spend a month going over the basics and wrap it up with this celebration.
Shakespeare Book List for Kids
As a homeschool family, we have quite a few Shakespeare books for children in our home library. There are some beautiful selections for kids of all ages. Remember that Shakespeare is boring (admit it) even for adults as it isn’t meant to be read but watched. Preview some of the many movie productions and share them with your kids. I still recommend a basic understanding of the story before hand though!
Usborne’s Illustrated Stories for Shakespeare – This is a short list of six retold Shakespeare plays in story form with frequent drawings throughout. It also has a great reference of main characters in the play that really helps with comprehension. (Amazon here)
Usborne’s Complete Shakespeare – Another beautiful Usborne book, this is for your middle school and high school students with stories from each of Shakespeare’s plays. (Amazon here)
Usborne Graphic Shakespeare (Hamlet) – Usborne again shines this time with graphic novels for the most hesitant Shakespeare readers. The complete story here is told through graphic novel form. Also check out the Graphic Shakespeare Macbeth (Amazon).
Twenty Shakespeare Children’s Stories – This boxed set of 20 Shakespeare plays introduces a new play with each easy-to read book. It is a great addition if you want a simplified story version of even more plays complete with more fun illustrations. (Amazon here)
Young Reader’s Shakespeare – Longer for elementary readers and older, these beautifully-illustrated lengthy picture books should be found at your library. They’re all beautifully illustrated and can be read for more detail than the shorter versions mentioned above. (Romeo and Juliet on Amazon here)
No Fear Shakespeare – If you have a high schooler (or yourself) who is trying to reading a Shakespeare play, I highly recommend these No Fear versions. With the original text on one page and a current day explanation of each line, this helps you really understand the Elizabethan dialect of the original. However, this also means the inappropriate parts will no longer go over your head. (See No Fear Romeo and Juliet here on Amazon) There are even No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels – I’ve never read them though.
How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare – Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare book has become a staple in many homeschool libraries as you pick a play to focus on even memorizing selected passages. If you’re looking to dive deeper, check out this book. It doesn’t include the whole play; you will still need another version to read the whole story. (Amazon here)
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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