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William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2026
July 14 - September 6, 2026
The war for America’s independence has just been declared in this production set in 1776, but the battle of the sexes has just begun. Much Ado About Nothing follows two sparring skeptics, Beatrice and Benedick, whose witty war of words masks something far more tender. Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and enjoy a lively, laughter-filled evening of FREE Shakespeare in the Park.
Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and open to the public. There are no ticket or RSVPs required and all performances are general admission. For questions regarding a specific location's policies on outside food and drink, accessibility, etc. please contact the venue directly or reach out to our Box Office for assistance.
Past Productions:
Eva Olivia Catanzariti
Beatrice, Watchman
Liz Carman
Margaret, Conrade, Messenger
Sam Hopper
Benedick, Watchman
Bryce Nevison
Don Pedro, Sexton
Romeo Seay
Claudio
Emily Renee Shimskey
Leonata
Regan Utrup
Hero, Verges
Colin Waters
Dogberry, Don Jon, Friar
Directed by Robert Carlton Stimmel^
Costume Design: Rainy Edwards
Scenic and Lighting Design: Chris Holloway
FOH Engineer, A/V Tech, Sound Design: Val Molloy
Wardrobe Supervisor: Lydia Kabzinski
Choreographer: Montez Jenkins Copeland
Fight and Intimacy Director: Gina Cerimele-Mechley
Text Coach: Jemma Alix Levy
Stage Manager: Colton Wolf*
^Artist Sponsored by Judge Mark Painter
FREE Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through the generous support of companies, foundations, and donors throughout the tri-state and beyond. If you would like to make a gift in support of the program, please visit the Park Fund page to donate online or call 513.381.2273 to donate by phone.
Explore the impact this program has on the community:
73% have more pride in their community because of the park tour.
97% feel their neighborhoods are positively impacted through this program.
86% of audiences report that their community needs more arts opportunities
89% of audiences report that this is the easiest and most accessible way to attend live theatre
Following past initiatives like Project Hamlet, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its passion for exploring stories beyond Shakespeare’s original canon with Project Much Ado. This summer, audiences can enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing completely free at FREE Shakespeare in the Park July 14-September 6, 2026, then head to the mainstage July 10-25, 2026 for Dogberry and Verges are Scared, a wildly funny new adventure following two of Much Ado About Nothing's most chaotic and unlikely “heroes.” Together, these productions offer audiences the chance to experience Shakespeare’s classic story from two wildly different perspectives, discovering new layers of comedy, humanity, and theatrical imagination along the way!
This summer, audiences across the Tri-State could experience FREE Shakespeare in the Park in a whole new way by listening to 91.7 WVXU for a live radio drama version of Much Ado About Nothing!
Performed by the cast, this one-hour production brings Shakespeare into your home on the radio and offers audiences a fresh way to enjoy this beloved comedy. A limited number of patrons even joined us in person at the Cincinnati Public Radio Studios in Evanston for the LIVE broadcast!
Select FREE! Shakespeare in the Park performances with feature a preshow presented by the dance team, Q-Kidz!
Inspired by Much Ado About Nothing, this performance explores how friendship, communication, and community can overcome misunderstandings and bring people together. Through dance, Q-KIDZ celebrates the journey from conflict to connection, reminding us that laughter, forgiveness, and unity help build stronger relationships.
Filled with energy, movement, and celebration, this performance reflects the heart of Shakespeare's beloved comedy: despite our differences and challenges, life is better when we come together.
This program is sponsored by our Shakespeare Season Sponsors: The Linnemann Family Foundation. Additional support comes from the Western & Southern Financial Group and generous donors to the FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund.
Tickets & Admission
Admission is completely free and open to the public—no fees, no reservations, just great, FREE theatre!
Nope! All performances are general admission. Just show up, grab a spot, and enjoy the show.
We post all weather or venue updates on our Facebook and Instagram channels as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience and flexibility!
Park performances are booked in the winter/spring and the venue pays a fee to host the performance. To book a park performance or learn more, please email us.
Plan Your Visit
We recommend arriving 30-40 minutes before the show to find parking, set up your lawn chair or blanket, and get settled.
Every venue will be a little bit different but it is usually a good idea to bring your own seating. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, water, bug spray, and a light jacket.
We will be in 40 different venues and each has a different parking arrangement but most parks offer free on‑site parking, though spaces can be limited. Carpooling, biking, or arriving early is usually encouraged.
Accessibility & Special Services
Yes! Performances with this service will be clearly noted in our online schedule. For questions, just reach out.
Our productions are family‑friendly! They last approximately 2 hours including an intermission.
Contact & More Info
Each park has its own policies for food, alcohol, seating, and accessibility. For details, please reach out directly to that park or venue.
Our Box Office team is here Monday–Friday, 12 PM–5 PM. Call (513) 381‑2273 or email boxoffice@cincyshakes.com. We look forward to seeing you in the park!
This production of Much Ado About Nothing is a part ofAmerica 250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
