This summer, the Piedmont Triad will experience something truly exciting: free, live professional performances of Hamlet in multiple locations across the region. The inaugural season of Piedmont Shakespeare Company (PSC) brings this timeless masterpiece to life at a variety of venues, from charming outdoor amphitheaters to convenient indoor spaces. The final performances will take place at the historic May Dell Outdoor Theater at Salem Academy & College in Winston-Salem on June 27 and 28, with many more opportunities to enjoy Hamlet throughout June.
Whether you’re an avid Shakespeare fan or someone curious about the classics, PSC’s production invites all audiences to experience the magic of live theater—no prior knowledge of Hamlet required.
Bringing Shakespeare to the Community
Founded by locally based industry veterans Carl Forsman, David McGraw, and Kim Shively, Piedmont Shakespeare Company is dedicated to creating high-quality, accessible theater for everyone in the community. PSC believes theater should not be an exclusive experience for those who can afford it, but an inclusive one, bringing together audiences to share in stories that reflect our humanity. “What better way to start than with Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most profound and universally relevant plays?” said Co-Artistic Director Kim Shively.
“It’s such a privilege to be part of this inaugural production,” said Alyssa James, a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, who plays a key role in Hamlet. “This production represents both what has come before and what is yet to come, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to dive in!”
A Play for Everyone
If you’ve ever doubted the power of theater to inspire or transform, Hamlet might just change your mind. “When Shakespeare is done well, there is nothing better! And that’s why we’re so committed to a theater that belongs to everyone and hopefully communicates to everyone,” shared Shively.
“We’re meeting people where they are—in the open air, on their own terms—and inviting them into something timeless. This isn’t just about theater. It’s about access, belonging, and the power of shared stories,” said Loren Brunson, Company Manager for PSC.
In true community spirit, PSC invites audiences to bring their families and picnic dinners to enjoy the performance. Whether you come for the Shakespeare or just for a fun, free family outing, Hamlet promises to deliver an unforgettable evening.
A Community Effort
The company for Hamlet includes faculty, students, and alumni from Elon University, UNCG, and UNCSA, making this not just an arts event, but a vital moment for local theater and academic communities. Reservations for performances are encouraged, especially for venues with limited seating. To reserve your spot and for more information on performances, visit PiedmontShakes.org.
A Future Full of Possibility
Piedmont Shakespeare Company is more than just Hamlet. It’s about contributing to the rebuilding of a sustainable, vibrant arts ecosystem in the Piedmont Triad. With the first production taking the stage, PSC is committed to making quality theater accessible and impactful for years to come.
Join us for this new chapter in the Triad’s arts scene. Come for the Shakespeare, stay for the community, and experience the transformative power of theater.
Support for the inaugural season of Piedmont Shakespeare Company was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts.
Piedmont Shakespeare Company
Reservations: piedmontshakes.org
Hamlet Performances in June – Free and Open to the Public
Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your family together for a unique experience. See you at the theater!
- Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre (south of Burlington): Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.
- Arts | Theater 202 (Lexington): Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- King Central Park Amphitheatre: Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.
- Oak Ridge Town Park Amphitheatre: Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.
- Van Dyke Performance Space in the Greensboro Cultural Center: Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. and ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted performance on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- May Dell at Salem Academy & College (Winston-Salem): Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.
