Community Engagement | Alabama Shakespeare Festival
1.334.271.5353 [email protected]

ASF serves as a cultural hub for community interaction and provides unique avenues for personal and collective discovery. Join us as we share insights on theatre-making, storytelling, and creating community through art.

For more information on Community Engagement events, you can always call the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353.

ASF Insights

This series provides a thought-provoking and behind-the-scenes look at the work on the stage and the art of theatre.

Sponsored by Auburn University at Montgomery.


THE WIZARD OF OZ
Speakers: Melissa Rain Anderson, director of THE WIZARD OF OZ and Edward Coffield, ASF Director of Production
Saturday, July 12, 2025
12:45 – 1:30 p.m.
ASF Patrons Room

We’re off to see the Wizard! But how?

Join Director Melissa Raine Anderson, ASF Director of Production Edward Coffield, and ASF Artistic Director Quin Gresham, for an in-depth discussion about what it takes to transform a beloved film into a thrilling stage adaptation.

Here’s your chance to ask, “How did they do that?!”

Talkbacks

Audience members at select performances are led in a postshow discussion about the themes of the play.

Town Hall at Kress

Using ASF’s plays as inspiration, our facilitators will lead community town halls about current issues in our region. Guest panelists will include local elected officials, school board members, students, thought leaders, community members, and artists. Hosted by Kress on Dexter.

Sponsored by Alabama State Council on the Arts. This programming is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Shakespeare-in-Depth

Join Dramaturg Dr. Susan Willis for a morning of deep exploration into one of Shakespeare’s plays.

Bard Talk

30 minutes before each public performance of a Shakespeare play, join us for a brief summary of the production’s themes, plot points, and story. Led by Dramaturg Dr. Susan Willis.

Marathon Dates

Looking for a binge-worthy experience? Put down the remote and come to the theatre! During one of our Marathon Weekends, you have the opportunity to see at least two paired productions, plus a community engagement event.

Garden Talks

Join Master Gardener Karen Weber as she shares insights on the plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, such as roses from Romeo & Juliet, narcissus from Anthony and Cleopatra, and lavender from The Winter’s Tale.

Narrated Changeover

During repertory, multiple productions use the same performance spaces. Join us as our teams of craftspeople changeover the sets. You’ll hear firsthand how our designers and artists create sets that easily transition from one show to the next.

To view our archive of previous community engagement events, click here.