VENTURE SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS
Community & Culture Weekend
Much Ado About Nothing
August 21–22, 2026 | Asheville, NC
Free outdoor Shakespeare. Local vendors. Live music. Community giving.
THE EVENING
Made in Asheville
An evening built by and for the people of Asheville. On the lawn, under the sky, together.
The Performance
A 100-minute outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing. One continuous performance — lively, intimate, and unforgettable. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Food & Drink
Local food vendors, craft beer, and lemonade from Devil’s Foot with more being added all the time. Card, cash, and venmo.
Local Vendors
Local artists, makers, and small businesses set up shop on the church lawn. Browse handmade goods, books, artisan soap, and more.
Pre-Show Festivities
Live music from Sarah Tucker starts an hour before the show while you eat, shop, and settle in. Family-friendly activities including flower crowns and photo ops.
Community Giving
Bring donations for the Period Project and local veterans’ support. Socks, undershirts, hats, and hygiene products all welcome.
Practical Details
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC. Outdoor seating on the lawn. Bring blankets, chairs, and bug spray. Rain plan: indoors, rain updates will be delivered via social media, please follow! :)
ABOUT VENTURE SHAKESPEARE
Theater That Belongs to Everyone
Venture Shakespeare is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Asheville, NC. We produce free outdoor Shakespeare performances that are as much about community as they are about craft.
Founded and led by Kirstin Daniel, Venture combines scholarly text work with an ensemble approach rooted in generosity, curiosity, and care. Our mentors are working professionals. Our apprentices are emerging artists. Our audience is everyone.
Free & Accessible
Every performance is free. Always has been. Donations are welcome, always appreciated.
Woman-Led
A company committed to inclusive, wholehearted art making that honors every voice in the room.
Six Seasons Strong
From Twelfth Night to Hamlet, Venture has been building ensemble-driven Shakespeare in Asheville since the beginning.
A Full Experience
Vendors, live music, community drives, family activities. This is a gathering and a celebration.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Apprenticeship Program
Two immersive weeks. Voice, movement, text, and ensemble. Train alongside professional actor-educators and perform in Much Ado About Nothing. Ages 18–25. Free to participate.
FROM OUR APPRENTICES
In Their Own Words
"The work we did was terrifying and truly transformative. This community was a safe place to learn more about myself, which has made me a better person and an even better artist."
— Ellie W., Apprentice
"Venture keeps the people and their souls at the heart of its work, and it's what kept me coming back each year."
— Lindsay W., Apprentice
"My time with Venture shaped and encouraged me to become who I was meant to be. I was meant to chase my dreams and strive for more."
— Shane C., Apprentice
Every Gift Keeps This Stage Free
Venture Shakespeare is 100% donation-funded. Your support covers artist stipends, rehearsal meals, production materials, and community programs.
SUPPORT THE WORK
Venture Shakespeare is a registered 501(c)(3). Donations over $100 are eligible for a tax receipt.
VENDORS & PARTNERS
Sell Your Work. Join the Gathering.
We're looking for 7–10 local artists, makers, and food vendors for the August weekend. You keep 100% of your sales. We provide the crowd, the energy, and the community.