In the hills of Spring Green, Wisconsin, the American Players Theatre (APT) has become one of the country’s most remarkable destinations for live performance. Founded in 1979 by Charles Bright and Anne Occhiogrosso, APT was built on a bold vision: to stage classical theater—especially Shakespeare—in the open air, where language and landscape could share the spotlight. More than forty years later, that vision thrives, drawing audiences from across the nation to experience world-class acting amid the Driftless Area’s natural beauty.
The Hill Theatre: A Stage in Nature
APT’s signature venue, the Hill Theatre, is unlike any other stage in America. To reach it, audiences follow a wooded footpath that winds gently upward before emerging into an open-air amphitheater built of wood and canvas.
The design feels organic—both rustic and refined—framed by the whispering trees and wide Wisconsin sky.
With more than a thousand seats, the Hill Theatre somehow manages to feel both expansive and intimate. The stage opens toward the surrounding forest, allowing the evening’s changing light to become part of the production. Birds call in the distance; fireflies flicker between scenes. Despite its earthy charm, the theater is equipped with modern amenities like cushioned seating and a sophisticated sound system that ensures every line is clear, whether it’s a Shakespearean monologue or a contemporary aside.
The Touchstone Theatre: Close-Up Connection
Just down the hill, the Touchstone Theatre offers a different experience—enclosed, focused, and warmly lit. Seating a little over 200, it’s the kind of space where you can hear an actor’s breath catch or a prop creak beneath their hand. Built in 2009, the Touchstone preserves the same natural materials and understated elegance of the Hill Theatre but offers a weatherproof intimacy ideal for modern dramas or smaller ensemble pieces.
Classical Works with a Modern Pulse
APT’s repertory season runs from June through November and blends Shakespeare with modern playwrights who share his fascination with humanity—Chekhov, Stoppard, August Wilson, and others. The productions are acclaimed for their precision, energy, and deep emotional truth.
The company’s inclusive casting reflects a commitment to representation that enriches the storytelling. By inviting artists with diverse voices and perspectives to the stage, APT breathes new life into classic works and keeps their themes powerfully relevant.
Learning Through the Arts
Beyond its stages, APT is a thriving center for education. For four decades, APT’s education programming has connected classrooms to literature like Shakespeare. Recently they have developed a groundbreaking education program, the Potency of Poetry, Led by a professional APT teaching artist who can make words come alive for students. They also offer a week-long residency, “The Words Between Us” designed specifically to help teachers and students explore literature by authors of color while increasing their fluency around race and ethnicity.
And while APT’s educational programs nurture a love of theater, the experience truly comes alive once you set foot on its grounds.
Setting the Scene: A Day (or More) at APT
A visit to American Players Theatre is more than a night at the theater—it’s an immersion in art, nature, and community.
Morning: Arrival and Exploration
Arrive early to stroll the 100-plus acres of forest and meadow that surround the campus. Stop by the box office to pick up a map, chat with staff, and check for any behind-the-scenes tours or pre-show discussions happening that day. The slow pace of the property invites reflection—perfect preparation for the stories waiting to unfold later on stage.
Afternoon: Lunch and Local Discoveries
The nearby town of Spring Green offers plenty of options for dining and exploration. Pack a picnic to enjoy on APT’s grounds or visit one of the town’s cafés and art galleries. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin—his Wisconsin home and studio—is just a short drive away.
After lunch, return to APT for an educational talk, a workshop, or simply some quiet time in the shade. Bring a book or journal and let yourself sink into the rhythm of the place.
Evening: The Main Event
Gates to the Hill Theatre typically open a couple of hours before curtain—enough time to settle in, enjoy your picnic, or sip wine as the sun dips behind the trees. When the performance begins, the natural world becomes part of the production’s rhythm: wind, crickets, and the deepening blue of twilight blend seamlessly with the actors’ craft.
Night: After the Applause
When the final bow is taken, resist the urge to rush out. Walk slowly down the hill, glancing back at the glowing stage framed by stars. Many guests linger to share impressions, sketch, or simply listen to the rustle of leaves as they return to the parking area. The Driftless night has its own kind of encore.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Plan ahead. APT operates on a repertory schedule—multiple plays rotate throughout the season. Check the calendar early and book your tickets in advance, especially for summer weekends.
- Dress in layers. Evenings can cool quickly in the hills. Bring a jacket or blanket, especially for outdoor performances.
- Arrive early. Parking, picnicking, and the uphill walk all take time. Aim to reach the grounds at least 90 minutes before showtime.
- Bring or buy food. Many patrons pack picnics; others enjoy the on-site café. Either way, dining al fresco is part of the experience.
- Stay unplugged. Silence your devices and let yourself sink into the present moment—APT’s magic lies in its immediacy.
- Explore beyond the stage. Pair your theater visit with a stop at Taliesin, the Spring Green General Store, or the nearby Lower Wisconsin Riverway trails.
Why It Matters
American Players Theatre is more than a performance venue—it’s a conversation between story and landscape, art and environment. The Driftless hills surrounding Spring Green shape not just the scenery but the spirit of the place.
Each production reminds us why we gather to share stories: to see ourselves anew, to listen together, and to feel the pulse of something timeless. Whether you come for a single show or make a long weekend of it, APT offers what few places can—a union of human craft and natural wonder that lingers long after the curtain falls.
