Weekend Trips from NYC for Theater Enthusiasts

If you love theater, and you'd like to take a day trip to further explore that interest outside of New York City, then you're in luck. The state offers several great festivals, theaters and activities for all to enjoy.

Shakespeare In Delaware Park

Buffalo, NY

When: Summers - Tuesdays through Sundays, 7:30 p.m.

Website: www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org

This highly popular Shakespearean festival draws approximately 50,000 patrons each year. This years plays will be King Lear and The Merry Wives of Windsor. So bring a picnic lunch and prepare to enjoy a lively performance. Check out their website for more detailed information on schedules, other activities and accommodations.

The Starry Night Theatre, Inc.

North Tonawanda, NY

When: see showtimes

Website: www.starrynighttheatre.com

This theatre was transformed from the Evangelical Friedens Church into The Starry Night Theatre, and is named after the famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh. A mural of the painting can be seen on the wall below the balcony in the theatre itself. The theatre is also a historical monument, being more than 115 years old.

The Adirondack Theatre Festival

Glens Fall, NY

When: see website

Website: www.atfestival.org

The Adirondack Theatre Festival (or ATF) provides quality, innovative theater performances to audiences in upstate New York. The performances are held in the Charles Wood Theatre, a 274-seat facility converted from a Woolworth's department store. The ATF offers performances for approximately one month each year.

The NACL Catskill Festival of New Theatre

Highland Lake, NY

When: August 15 - 23, 2008

Website: www.nacl.org/festival_master.html

The upcoming festival will be NACL's 9^th annual thus far. The festival features new plays, physical theatre and new media. It's a unique chance to see experimental theatre in action.