This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with ArtsMidwest.

“And this our life, exempt from public haunt,

Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 

Sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

How do you feel when you walk into the woods? The soft earth beneath your feet, birdsong whistling faintly in your ears, crisp air filling your lungs. It shifts something inside you, doesn’t it? Shakespeare certainly explores how the land beckons us home in As You Like It.

Rosalind, our heroine, is banished from Court and forced to seek refuge in the Forest of Arden. Braving the natural elements comes with a certain level of danger and adversity – however, the forest also reveals beauty and hope. The changing of seasons brings to light the fleeting nature of time, as well as the possibility of change, thus emboldening characters to seize what they want. Here in this exquisite, wild place, removed from the rigid confines of society, everyone is allowed the space to transform. These transformations allow the characters to connect more deeply and authentically with themselves and each other, and ultimately find belonging in both the natural and civilized worlds. 

The resilient return to nature in the face of adversity is a narrative that rings true in our Appalachian region. Hardship born from extraction, the opioid epidemic, and poverty is present here – and yet, many are paving a different path forward by returning to their roots. We see local industry thrive around Appalachian heritage and culture; be it farming the land, ecotourism, music, and the list goes on. The more this region celebrates its authenticity, the more people recognize the value and power of this place.

- Sarah Van Deusen, Director of As You Like It

Orlando
Garrett Houston

Adam/Audrey/Phoebe
Ashley Campos*

Oliver/LeBeau
Sam McCalla*

Charles/Silvius
Sean Maximo Campos*

Celia
Libby Zabit*

Rosalind
Jenna Haimes

Touchstone
Zacchaeus Kimbrell*

Duchess Frederick/Jacques
Paris Bradstreet*

Duke Senior
Michael Poisson*

*Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.

Director
Sarah Van Deusen

Scenic Designer
Hana Eichin

Costume Designer
Kelly Jenkins

Lighting Designer
Camille Davis

Sound Designer
Sarah Van Deusen

Original Music
Jacob Nuti

Text Coach
Carrie Smith Lewis

Intimacy Coordination and Choreography
Ashley Campos

Fight Choreography
Sean Maximo Campos

Production Stage Manager
Cindi A. Raebel*

Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre
Katy Brown

*Denotes members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.

Wardrobe Supervisor
Chelsea Bannan

Production Assistant
Lizzie Komosa

Light and Sound Board Operator
Shawn Martin

Dresser
Sarah Slagle

Premier Sponsor

Season Sponsors

Production Sponsors