Shakespeare & Company has been recognized as one of the top outdoor theater companies in the country by Newsweek in its 2025 Readers’ Choice list of “Best Outdoor Theater Performances”.
Nominations are editorially driven with contributions by a panel of travel experts and voted on by Newsweek readers. The list celebrates outdoor theater experiences across the United States that merge artistic excellence with striking natural settings. Shakespeare & Company ranked sixth on the list for its work on the 540-seat Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre, located on the company’s 33-acre campus in the Berkshires.
Described as a “romantic location for Romeo to fall for Juliet,” — Shakespeare & Company’s mainstage outdoor show this season — “the Arthur” is bordered by spruce trees and offers a vibrant setting for Shakespearean classics and contemporary works alike. It’s one of three outdoor stages at Shakespeare & Company’s grounds, including the Roman Garden Theatre and the tented Rose Footprint Theatre.
“We’re honored to be included among such inspiring outdoor theaters,” said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. “Performing under the open sky connects us directly to the roots of classical theater, and we’re proud to share that tradition each summer with our audiences in Lenox.”
Shakespeare & Company welcomes more than 40,000 patrons each season, with opportunities for picnicking and gathering before performances, as well as discounted and accessible ticket options. Its 2025 Summer Season includes outdoor performances of Romeo and Juliet, July 12 through August 10, and its Pla
ys in Process series, August 26 through 28, which celebrates new works. Learn more about the Company’s full season and purchase tickets at shakespeare.org, or call the Box Office at 413.637-3353.
About Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company was founded in 1978 by Tina Packer. Located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, the Company offers performance, education, and actor-training opportunities year-round, and attracts more than 40,000 patrons annually with a core of more than 150 artists.
