Georgia Classic Theatre Launches to Revive Georgia Shakespeare Legacy
In Atlanta, Georgia Classic Theatre has been established to bring back Georgia Shakespeare, which ran from 1985 until 2014. The first fundraising event on May 22 at Le Fais Do-Do successfully garnered nearly $20,000. Leading this initiative is artistic director Allen O'Reilly, who returned to Atlanta in late 2025, alongside actor Teresa DeBerry and founder Richard Garner. The premiere production will be Macbeth, presented in contemporary attire at Oglethorpe's Conant Performing Arts Center for one weekend in fall 2026, under the direction of Elisa Carlson. The cast features Daniel Thomas May, Courtney Patterson, and others. The organization plans a "soft rollout" with Actors Equity performers and intends to focus on educational programs and classic literature. A board of directors has been formed, and the nonprofit is officially registered.
Key facts
- Georgia Classic Theatre formed to revive Georgia Shakespeare (1985–2014).
- Inaugural fundraiser held May 22 at Le Fais Do-Do in Forest Park raised nearly $20,000.
- Artistic director Allen O'Reilly returned to Atlanta in late 2025 after 11 years in Cleveland.
- First production is Macbeth, staged in fall 2026 at Oglethorpe's Conant Performing Arts Center.
- Macbeth will be in modern dress, directed by Elisa Carlson.
- Cast includes Daniel Thomas May, Courtney Patterson, Tess Malis Kincaid, Mark Kincaid, Kyle Brumley, Rob Cleveland, Mary Lynn Owen, Carolyn Cook, Justin Walker, Bethany Anne Lind.
- Company uses Actors Equity performers on a theater authority contract for limited rehearsals and performances.
- Nonprofit registered with state; board of directors organized.
Entities
Artists
- Allen O'Reilly
- Teresa DeBerry
- Richard Garner
- Elisa Carlson
- Daniel Thomas May
- Courtney Patterson
- Tess Malis Kincaid
- Mark Kincaid
- Kyle Brumley
- Rob Cleveland
- Mary Lynn Owen
- Carolyn Cook
- Justin Walker
- Bethany Anne Lind
- Marie Andujar
- Kathleen McManus
- Chris Kayser
- Eugene H. Russell IV
- Benjamin Carr
Institutions
- Georgia Classic Theatre
- Georgia Shakespeare
- Oglethorpe University
- Conant Performing Arts Center
- Le Fais Do-Do
- ArtsATL
- American Theatre Critics Association
- Dramatists Guild
- Atlanta Press Club
- Horror Writers Association
- iHeartMedia
- Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival
- The Guardian
- The Story Plant
Locations
- Atlanta
- Georgia
- Forest Park
- Cleveland
- Ohio
- Long Island
- New York