Lights ON Blackfriars

ILLUMINATING THEATRE. IGNITING DISCUSSION. Formerly Friday Night Lights ON – Same Engaging Conversations, New Name Friday Night Lights ON is now Lights ON Blackfriars—bringing the same insightful discussions, expert panels, and behind-the-scenes explorations, now with a name that reflects the depth and reach of these events beyond just Friday nights. Engaging Conversations Before Performances at Blackfriars Playhouse Looking for an insightful theatre experience in Staunton, VA? Lights ON Blackfriars offers live discussions with expert panels, immersive workshops, and behind-the-scenes insights into Shakespeare and theatre. Select Fridays 5-6 PM Blackfriars Playhouse Join Shakespeare scholars, theatre industry experts, and the artists who bring ASC’s productions to life for in-depth discussions before performances. These events provide deeper context on productions, performance techniques, and literary themes, making them perfect for theatre lovers, educators, and curious minds. Why Attend Lights ON Blackfriars? See Theatre in a New Light – Gain fresh insights before the performance with deep dives into themes, staging, and artistic choices. Learn from the Experts – Hear from the minds behind the productions, from Shakespeare scholars to the artists bringing the plays to life. Join the Conversation – Engage with a community of theatre lovers exploring new interpretations and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking night out, a pre-show deep dive, or an engaging cultural event in Staunton, Lights ON Blackfriars brings you behind the scenes and into the story—before the curtain even rises. Upcoming Lights ON Blackfriars Schedule February 7 – Spring Opener! A Conversation about Little Women and King Lear with Directors Constance Swain and Paul Barnes and Little Women playwright Erin Riley March 7 – Meaning and Madness in King Lear with Dr. Susan Anderson April 4 – A Conversation with Chris Johnston, Director of The Comedy of Errors May 2 – A conversation with Sense & Sensibility director, Jemma Alix Levy June 6 – A conversation with The Winter’s Tale director, Raphael Emmanuel, and Dr. Peter Kirwan (editor of the Arden 4 edition of WT) August 1 – The Music Behind The Winter’s Tale featuring Dr. Stacey Jocoy and Jordan Friend, Music Director and Composer September 5 – A conversation with Costume Designer Elizabeth Wislar October 3 – Pirates and Bandits and Drug Dealers: O, Dear! with Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen on Romeo & Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona October 10 – Gentlemen-like Dogs: Directing Two Gentlemen of Verona with Aidan O’Reilly. A history of the story that inspired Two Gents, its staging across centuries, and how it became one of Shakespeare’s most controversial plays. October 24 – A conversation with Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper Professor of Shakespeare Studies, King’s College London, and Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library. Special thanks to Mary Baldwin University for making this Lights ON Blackfriars possible. November 7 – A “Pirate Panel” featuring Peter Simon Hilton, Sara Linares, and Chris Seiler – Come hear all about the writing, Spanish translation, and music for this world premiere musical featuring the artists who made it happen. Check back often for additional events and guest speakers throughout the year. Join us before select performances at Blackfriars Playhouse for an evening of engaging conversation and in-depth theatrical exploration. 1 hour