Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks

PSIP provides free and accessible Shakespeare to the residents of Pittsburgh, PA, in public parks and outdoor spaces. PSIP will reach audience members of all ages, races, and abilities, and income levels. PSiP will expand knowledge and appreciation of Shakespeare, develop and train actors in the milieus of classical and outdoor theatre, and foster the enjoyment of outdoor public spaces and parks.

In 2016, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks celebrates 12 years of performing FREE outdoor Shakespeare. PSIP has shared Shakespeare's masterpieces with almost 10,000 people to date. Our artistic aesthetic embraces the beauty of Pittsburgh's parks as our backdrops. We eliminate the distraction of overt design and focus on the actor within the parks space. A truly "green" theater company, PSIP's carbon footprint is small. Our resource use is minimal, and our waste is negligible. In addition, PSIP encourages our audiences to walk, bike, and bus to our performances. PSIP has a social vision to complement our artistic vision: We are an inclusive company. We do not limit access to high quality Shakespeare to only those who can afford a ticket price or those already familiar with the intricacies and traditions of theater. All are welcome, at any time. Bring a blanket, a thermos, and a loved one to experience a PSIP performance. See you in the parks!

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks fully celebrates the playful possibilities of live theatre with this fast-paced, vaudeville-inspired production of William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. Clowning and silly high jinks take center stage in one of Shakespeare's earliest (first performed on December 28, 1594), shortest and most accessible plays that is sure to bring a smile to audience members of all ages. The production's creative team includes Charles Beikert, director; Jennifer Tober, founding artistic director for Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks; and Lisa Leibering, production designer.

Testimonials

FROM KING LEAR 2015:
Gloriana - St. Clair: Theater is magic. Shakespeare in the Parks illustrates that truth with a highly energetic and effective performance of "King Lear"

Debra Lynn Gordon: Yesterday I saw PSIP's production of "King Lear." Do yourself a favor and go. And its free! Ron Siebert as Lear gives an astounding performance and raises the cast to a soaring level on his broad shoulders. His is the definitive King. It's nice to see a strong Lear, one who can actually carry poor dead Cordelia! His descent into madness is a revelation and vocally he has the chops to perform outside and his handling of Shakespearean text is
Ron Siebert as Lear during the storm without peer in this city. Jennifer Tober(artistic director) and crew should be applauded for all their strong support. You also must see Jennifer's compelling characterization of" Edmund." OMG, here is another soaring performance as she sheds new light on this villain/lover.

Dave Douglass: An absolute delight!

Melissa Beth: Truly an amazing, inspiring show. So glad I got to see the last performance!!



Mary Beth Czyps: Inspiring!

FROM AS YOU LIKE IT, 2014
To all the Pittsburgh Shakespeare players, directors, and supporters I just want to say thank you, and bravo/a for a truly wonderful performance. I attended the frick park show with some friends on Sunday and we are still recounting to each other how uniquely well acted verbally and visually the play was, how creative and approachable the performances, and how the natural/minimalist set highlighted the strengths of the actors in setting a scene and telling their stories. We were all English or communications majors in undergrad and are all pursuing doctoral degrees at Pitt, and we all agreed that this was one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences we've ever had reading or watching Shakespeare. Thanks again for brightening our weekend and our collective understanding of how Shakespeare's brilliance and relevance rings down into the 21st century. -Emily Ruppel

It was a wonderful production!! I loved it!!!! I'm so glad PSIP exists. -Jennifer Briggs

It was a fantastic show. Really strong cast. Thanks for a lively and humorous performance. - Jan Evans Falcona

Great show today! I never imagined the Forest of Arden to be quite so close to my house. - Michael O'Connell