American Players Theatre

Outdoor classical theatre company in the woods south of town.

American Players Theatre stages classical drama — heavy on Shakespeare, but also Molière, Chekhov, Wilde and contemporary work — in two purpose-built theatres in the wooded hills south of Spring Green. The original Up-the-Hill amphitheatre seats around 1,100 under the open sky; the newer indoor Touchstone Theatre seats 200 for more intimate productions.

The season runs roughly from June through early October. Bring layers — Wisconsin summer nights cool off quickly — and arrive at least an hour before curtain to enjoy the pre-show picnic atmosphere. Tickets sell out for popular plays; book a month or more in advance for weekend performances.

things to do sight theatre
A story
American Players Theatre — APT to its loyal audiences — runs the second-largest outdoor classical theatre operation in the United States, after Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The walk from the parking lot to the hilltop Up-the-Hill amphitheatre takes about ten minutes and rises 100 feet. Patrons traditionally picnic on the grass before the show, and the company keeps a list of which actor each pre-show food vendor likes best.