Much Ado About Nothing at APT. 2024. Photo by Liz Lauren.
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American Players Theatre

4.9
·1k reviews·Spring Green, United States

A premier outdoor and indoor theatre renowned for its exceptional Shakespearean and classic plays, set amidst Wisconsin's natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Perfect for outdoor magic

CrowdHigh
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Much Ado About Nothing at APT. 2024. Photo by Liz Lauren.

American Players Theatre

Best Time

Summer evenings

Perfect for outdoor magic

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier outdoor and indoor theatre renowned for its exceptional Shakespearean and classic plays, set amidst Wisconsin's natural beauty.

4.9
(1k reviews)

"One of the best regional theaters in the country, with incredible actors and beautiful settings."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Don't forget bug spray for outdoor performances; it's a common recommendation!

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Save money and enjoy the grounds by bringing your own food and drinks.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hill Theatre

The Hill Theatre

Outdoor amphitheater

Experience Shakespeare under the stars in this stunning, rustic outdoor amphitheater. A truly magical setting.

Instagram
The Indoor Theatre

The Indoor Theatre

Indoor venue

For more intimate productions, this indoor space offers a different, yet equally high-quality, theatrical experience.

Instagram
Picnic Before the Show

Picnic Before the Show

Designated picnic areas

Enjoy a pre-show meal in the beautiful grounds. Many visitors bring their own food and drinks.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors (and Bugs!)

APT is an outdoor theater, so prepare for the elements. Bring bug spray – it's a common tip! Consider bringing your own picnic to save on concessions, as many visitors do. Reddit

Book Ahead for Prime Seats

Tickets for popular shows, especially on weekends, can sell out. Check the American Players Theatre schedule and book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats for your desired performance. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Perfect for outdoor magic
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Announcing the 2026 season! We hope you like it as much as we do! Learn more by visiting our website! #AmericanPlayersTheatre #APT #PlayInTheWoods 2026 SEASON ON THE HILL AS YOU LIKE IT By William Shakespeare Directed by Laura Rook THE MATCHMAKER By Thornton Wilder Directed by Brian Cowing UNCLE VANYA By Anton Chekhov | Adapted by Nate Burger Directed by Brenda DeVita SUEÑO Translated an...
americanplayers
708 likes • 11.2K views

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Don't forget bug spray for outdoor performances; it's a common recommendation! Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Save money and enjoy the grounds by bringing your own food and drinks. Reddit

There are only 2 more chances to see “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”…featuring Tim Gittings, Core Company Member at American Players Theatre. Tonight at 7:30pm and tomorrow at 2:00pm in the Center for the Arts Theatre. Visit tickets.uwplatt.edu or buy your tickets at the door! (Photos by Andrew McNeill).
uwp_pioneer_players
30 likes • 2.5K views
American Players Theatre Spring Green, WI #americanplayerstheatre #theatre #wisconsin #outdoortheatre #romeoandjuliet
white_rabbits_inc
24 likes • 506 views

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

Popular shows sell out fast, especially on weekends. Plan ahead! TikTok

🧥 Dress in Layers

Evenings can get cool, so bring a jacket or blanket for comfort. Instagram

Rained out of the Liar, so out of Alcippe we go. #americanplayerstheatre
casey_hoekstra
103 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!

Don't forget bug spray for outdoor performances; it's a common recommendation! Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Save money and enjoy the grounds by bringing your own food and drinks. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

Popular shows sell out fast, especially on weekends. Plan ahead! TikTok

🧥 Dress in Layers

Evenings can get cool, so bring a jacket or blanket for comfort. Instagram

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Allow extra time for parking and to find your seats, especially for evening shows. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise American Players Theatre for its high-quality productions, incredible actors, and beautiful, unique settings. The outdoor Hill Theatre is a particular highlight, offering a magical experience. While some find concessions pricey, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the best regional theaters in the country.

"Last night was my first experience at APT, and it most definitely will not be my last. I saw the show "Anna in the Tropics," and it was amazing. I laughed, I cried, I felt things deep in my soul. My favorite parts were the monologues. They were all done so perfectly (this the crying). The actors were great, the show itself was wonderful, intriguing, heartfelt, and funny. I loved everything about last night, I can't wait for my next show!

Also, the picnic area is so nice for before the show and the seats are so comfortable! 10s all around! ❤️"

Sarah Droessler

"Beautiful venue, setting in the woods. The Hill theater is gorgeous, with amazing sets & lighting. Very high quality productions. Incredible actors.

The concessions are very proud of their offerings, if you're ordering ahead for a picnic. Ample areas to bring in your own picnic food."

Diana Sparks

"Every year we are in awe of the content of shows and the fabulous performances. Not sure how they continue to get better and better but it's working!! One of our favorite places!!"

Tracie Hodina Van Pelt

What People Like

Incredible actors
Beautiful outdoor setting
High-quality productions

What People Dislike

Pricey concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

American Players Theatre is located in Spring Green, Wisconsin. It's best accessed by car. The nearest major airports are in Madison (MSN) and Milwaukee (MKE), both about an hour and a half to two hours away. Many visitors drive from Chicago as well. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available on-site. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially for evening performances, to allow time to park and walk to the theatre. Instagram

Ride-sharing services may be available, but coverage can be spotty in rural areas like Spring Green. It's advisable to check availability in advance or have a backup transportation plan. Instagram

You can find detailed driving directions on the official American Players Theatre website. It's generally located off Highway 23. Instagram

Yes, there are several hotels and lodging options in and around Spring Green, Wisconsin, catering to visitors of the American Players Theatre. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased online through the official American Players Theatre website, by phone, or at the box office. It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, as popular shows sell out quickly. TikTok

The American Players Theatre schedule typically runs from late May through October, featuring a repertoire of classic and contemporary plays. You can find the most up-to-date schedule on their website. TikTok

Ticket prices vary depending on the performance, seating location, and day of the week. Check the American Players Theatre website for current ticket prices and any available discounts or promo codes. TikTok

While it's possible to purchase tickets at the box office on the day of the performance, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Booking in advance is the safest bet. Instagram

The American Players Theatre website provides a seating chart for both the Hill Theatre and the Indoor Theatre, allowing you to choose your preferred seats when purchasing tickets. TikTok

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

Dress comfortably and casually. For outdoor performances, layers are recommended as evenings can get cool. Many attendees opt for smart casual attire. Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the designated areas before the show. Concessions are also available for purchase. Reddit

American Players Theatre strives to be accessible. They offer accessible seating and have programs like Deaf Immersion Weekends with ASL interpretation. Check their website for specific accessibility information. Instagram

The atmosphere is magical, especially at the outdoor Hill Theatre. It's a blend of sophisticated theatre and a relaxed, natural setting. Visitors often describe it as enchanting. Instagram

Yes, restrooms are available throughout the theatre grounds for visitor convenience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the actors and audience. You can take photos before the show or during intermission in designated areas. Instagram

The grounds themselves, the rustic architecture of the theatres, and the surrounding natural beauty offer great photo opportunities before and after the show. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the stage and theatre spaces before the performance begins, as long as you are not disrupting others or violating any specific signage. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

American Players Theatre can be a wonderful experience for families, especially for older children and teens who can appreciate the performances. For younger children, consider shows that are known to be more accessible or engaging for a younger audience. The outdoor setting can be more forgiving for fidgety kids, but it's important to manage expectations regarding attention spans for longer plays. Instagram

Bringing a picnic can be a great way to keep kids happy and fed before the show. Reddit Also, be sure to pack bug spray, as this is a common concern for all visitors, including families. Reddit Check the schedule for any specific family-friendly programming or student matinees that might be available. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

To make your visit to American Players Theatre more budget-friendly, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Reddit This significantly cuts down on food expenses. Look for weekday performances, as ticket prices can sometimes be lower than weekend shows. TikTok

While there aren't explicit 'promo codes' widely advertised, keeping an eye on their website for any special offers or package deals might yield savings. TikTok Also, consider carpooling with friends if you're traveling from a distance to share fuel and parking costs. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Outdoor Theatre

American Players Theatre is renowned for its stunning outdoor Hill Theatre, a rustic amphitheater nestled in the Wisconsin countryside. This unique setting provides an immersive experience, allowing audiences to connect with the performance in a way that indoor theatres often can't replicate. The natural surroundings become part of the stage, with the sounds of nature occasionally weaving into the dialogue. It's a truly enchanting atmosphere, especially on a warm summer evening. Instagram

However, this outdoor setting also means being prepared for the elements. As one Reddit user humorously noted, it can feel like a 'mosquito farm' if you're not prepared. Reddit Visitors are strongly advised to bring insect repellent to ensure a comfortable experience. Dressing in layers is also key, as temperatures can drop after sunset, even on warm days. Instagram

The theatre also features an indoor venue, offering a more traditional theatrical setting for certain productions. This provides flexibility in their programming and allows for different types of shows to be staged, catering to a wider audience and a variety of artistic visions. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Picnics

Securing your tickets for American Players Theatre is a crucial step in planning your visit. The theatre offers a diverse schedule of plays, often including Shakespearean classics and contemporary works. It's highly recommended to check the official American Players Theatre schedule and purchase tickets well in advance, especially for popular weekend performances, as they tend to sell out. TikTok The website provides detailed information on showtimes, pricing, and a seating chart for both the outdoor Hill Theatre and the indoor venue, allowing you to select your preferred seats. TikTok

A beloved tradition at APT is the pre-show picnic. The grounds offer ample space for visitors to spread out blankets or set up tables and enjoy their own culinary creations. This not only adds to the relaxed, communal atmosphere but can also be a cost-effective option compared to purchasing concessions. Reddit While concessions are available and offer a convenient option, many patrons embrace the picnic culture, making it a significant part of the overall APT experience. Reddit

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