Living Theatre
The Actors Theatre of Louisville has been offering groundbreaking performances and a unique cultural environment for more than five decades.
Founded in 1964 during the rise of the American regional theatre movement, Actors Theatre was created from a merger of two young local companies with the shared belief that Louisville could be a home for professional, nationally significant theatre.
It was a big dream, but over the decades it has gained international recognition as a leading incubator of new work, launching hundreds of productions — including multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning plays — that went on to shape American theatre.
Whether creating reimagined classic works for contemporary audiences or inspiring young thespians, the goal has always remained the same — fostering a sense of belonging for all.
It has continued to grow from there, expanding performance spaces, investing in education and community engagement, and building a culture and home on Main Street in Louisville.
“I still feel like a parent and it is my child,” says Richard Black, co-founder and producer-director from 1965 to 1969. “[We want to continue] caring for the history and looking toward and planning for the future of this wondrous, living, treasured home of human experience, exploration, enrichment, humor and joy.”
Today, Amelia Acosta Powell, Artistic Director for Actors Theatre of Louisville, says the theatre still sits at the intersection of national artistic leadership and deep local responsibility.
“For decades, we’ve been a place where world-premiere plays are developed and launched into the American theatre to be seen around the country,” Powell says. “Artists, audiences, volunteers and neighbors are in genuine relationship with one another, brought together by unique shared experiences.”
Theatre has long been a catalyst for creativity and imagination, often providing a “home” for those who have a passion for the arts.
Adults and youth alike can gain skills that benefit them on and off the stage, including listening across differences, creative problem-solving, disciplined collaboration and civic imagination.
“We don’t just produce theatre in Louisville, we help model how the arts can strengthen community, reflect the complexity of this place and invite people to see themselves as part of a shared cultural life,” Powell says.
The remainder of the 2026 season promises to be just that.
In March, Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors takes the stage in collaboration with New York-based company Fiasco Theater and The Saunders Collective, a family of multi-talented performers, singers, composers and producers.
“This performance is especially exciting due to the original music composed for the show by Heath Saunders,” Powell says. “It will also be unique because the two sets of identical twins from Shakespeare’s story will be portrayed by two real-life sets of identical twins from the Saunders family.”
The Comedy of Errors runs March 4-15, 2026.
Later this spring, the Storytelling Revolution Festival will feature the world-premiere production of Wave After Wave by Benjamin Benne over two weekends, April 2-12.
“The festival offers a range of storytelling modalities, including readings, short plays, sketch comedy, puppetry and more,” Powell says.
In the spring of 2026, Actors Theatre will announce its 2026-27 season. Outside of upcoming shows, other programs and opportunities continue to inspire artists.
The Learning and Creative Engagement (LACE) programs for lifelong learners of all ages include initiatives intended for professional skill development in theatre as well as fun and play.
Student matinees serve thousands of young audience members from elementary school through university each year.
In addition, adult scene study classes with professional acting instructors are offered, along with a monthly series, Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse, in partnership with the Louisville Tool Library, which focuses on arts-based tools for survival, sustainability and joy.
“We also offer in-school or in-community residencies where our teaching artists provide hands-on workshops in playwriting, poetry, comedy, music, movement and more,” Powell says.
This summer, Actors Theatre will host its first summer camp for middle school and high school students.
“We’re very excited,” Powell adds. “Each week has a different theme, so participants can engage in one week of their favorite topic or attend the full month for a robust dive into all of the different disciplines.”
Summer camp will run throughout the month of July. Week One’s theme is Audition Techniques for Theatre. Week Two features Epic Voices/Epic Battles — Stage Combat and Vocal Production. Week Three focuses on playwriting, and Week Four’s theme is Technical Theatre and Design.
Powell says it is important for the theatre to foster creativity at all ages, especially for the next generation.
“We know that participation in the arts builds social skills, increases self-confidence, improves mental health and opens the mind to new ideas,” Powell says. “We also believe that investing in future generations of arts enthusiasts is an investment in our city and our region, as data shows that communities with thriving arts ecologies also thrive in other ways, such as health outcomes, economic growth, technological innovation and social connectivity.”
In addition to fostering creativity and inspiration for Louisville and far beyond through groundbreaking performances, music and innovation, the staff and volunteers at Actors Theatre know they are offering something special to the community.
“The most meaningful way to support Actors Theatre of Louisville is to show up with curiosity, openness and a willingness to engage,” Powell says.
Buying a ticket, becoming a member, inviting friends and family and sharing experiences with others not only helps sustain the theatre’s work but also helps lead and direct it.
“Audiences help shape the theatre by being present and in conversation with us. It’s important to check out the theatre because Actors Theatre of Louisville is where professional theatre is being created right here in Kentucky,” Powell says. “Unique stories are being shared, and they reflect the wonder in our world and the spirit of this community. It’s not just entertainment. It’s an invitation to connect and to participate in a cultural institution that belongs to and is strengthened by the people who choose to be a part of it.”
To learn more about upcoming shows and other opportunities, visit actorstheatre.org.
