Past Productions

~2024~

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare; dir. David Hensley
August 15-25, 2024
The Tom S. Gettys Center, Downtown Rock Hill, SC

Prospero, a powerful magician and rightful Duke of Milan, lives in exile on a remote island with only his daughter Miranda, the spirit Ariel, and the monstrous Caliban as companions. When his usurping brother Antonio sets sail with the King of Naples and their companions, Prospero conjures a powerful storm and the group is shipwrecked on his island.
As the castaways navigate the mysterious island, they must contend with Prospero and Ariel's magical tricks, clumsy plots of betrayal and murder, and old wounds coming to the surface. Romance blossoms, alliances are tested, and forgiveness beckons. Don't miss one of Shakespeare's most iconic "problem plays", blending comedy and drama in a spellbinding, seafaring adventure.
Queen City Nerve Review: Free Reign Theatre Presents Trim, Syndicated Run of ‘The Tempest’
Photos by Perry Tannenbaum of Queen City Nerve

A mIDSUMMER Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare; dir. Emmanuel Barbe
May 16-26, 2024
The Tom S. Gettys Center, Downtown Rock Hill, SC
​Forbidden lovers Hermia and Lysander flee into the woods pursued by Demetrius, Hermia’s betrothed, who himself is pursued by Helena, who loves him in vain. As their romantic entanglements unravel, they stumble into the magical world of the fairies led by King Oberon and Queen Titania. Their latest marital dispute and the antics of the mischievous fairy Puck send the forest and everyone who enters it into chaos. This includes a group of working-class actors clumsily rehearsing a play for the Duke’s upcoming wedding, until their comically inept lead actor is swept up in the fairy mischief as well.

The Complete History of America (abridged)

by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor;
dir. Cara Hayes
February 8-18, 2024
The Tom S. Gettys Center, Downtown Rock Hill, SC
How much American history can fit into 90-ish minutes? You'll have to see it to believe it! Join us for an irreverent evening of hilarious history, and maybe even learn a thing or two as five actors recreate over 500 years of American history!

~2023~

a sOLDIER'S pLAY

by Charles Fuller; dir. Dr. Corlis Hayes
August 24 - Sept 3, 2023
The Tom S. Gettys Center, Downtown Rock Hill, SC
In a segregated Louisiana army camp in 1944, the murder of a rancorous Black sergeant stirs deep-seated animosity and corruption among the soldiers under his command. When a clean-cut Northern captain arrives to investigate, truths are confessed and a shocking secret is revealed.
Photos by Robin Neville
Queen City Nerve Review: Free Reign Theatre’s ‘A Soldier’s Play’ Recalls the Brink of a New Era
Winner of Four 2023 MTA Awards (Non-Musical Category):
  • Outstanding Production (Tied)
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor - Male - Dominic Weaver as C.J. Memphis
  • Outstanding Direction - Dr. Corlis Hayes
  • Outstanding Sound Design - David Hensley

Macbeth 

by William Shakespeare, dir. David Hensley
May 4 - 7 & 11 - 14, 2023
The Tom S. Gettys Center, Downtown Rock Hill, SC
"A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect himself from enmity and suspicion, he soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death."
a special thanks to

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

by Richard Abbott, dir. Cara Hayes
February 2 - 5 & 9 - 12, 2023
Historic Rural Hill, Huntersville, NC
"Based on the classic novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson, The story focuses on the respected London doctor Henry Jekyll and his involvement with Edward Hyde, a loathsome criminal. After Hyde murders the father of Jekyll's fiancée, Jekyll's friends discover that he and Jekyll are the same person; Jekyll has developed a potion that allows him to transform himself into Hyde and back again. When he runs out of the potion, he is trapped as Hyde and commits suicide before he can be arrested."

~2022~

          Julius Caesar

by William Shakespeare, dir. Robert Brafford
July 28 - July 31 & August 4 - 7, 2022
Historic Rural Hill, Huntersville, NC
Photos by Jonathan Golian
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is the iconic tale of political intrigue and false friendships that ultimately cause more harm than good. It is a time of chaos for the great city of Rome. The Republic has been torn for years by civil war, and for decades before that by the corruption and decadence of its ruling elites. A measure of order has finally been restored by the hand of Rome’s greatest general, Julius Caesar, who has been granted extraordinary power by the Senate to end the crisis and preserve the Republic.
Queen City Nerve review: Free Reign takes 'Julius Caesar' to the hills

William Shakespeare & the Multiverse of Madness

A Dungeons & Dragons fundraiser, GM Chelsea Hunter
July 10th, 2023
Virtual & ​Hickory Tavern Rock Hill 
Every dollar donated shaped the wild and wacky world created by the GM, Chelsea Hunter - from silly character quips, to monsters, to insanely hilarious appearances by "Loretta" the gator, and of course, a dragon, this fundraiser continues to be a highlight of our donation season. With over $1,800 raised we could not have shaped the multiverse without YOU!
Players: Alex Creech, David Hensley, Megan Hirschey, Avery Kendall, & Joe Watson

ROmeo & Juliet

by William Shakespeare, dir. Emmanuel Barbe
February 11-13 & 16-19, 2022
Brooklyn Grace Events, Charlotte, NC
photos by David Hensley of Long Walk Productions
The classic tale that follows the story of two young lovers separated by their parent’s hatred for one another. Reconciliation is possible but at a terrible cost. Free Reign Theatre is proud to present the story that has survived centuries of re-telling - iconic, dynamic, poetic, and above all, romantic.

~2021~

[They FIGHT] 2.0

​dir. Charles Holmes & David Hensley
November 11-14 & 18-21, 2021
Brooklyn Grace Events, Charlotte, NC
photos by David Hensley of Long Walk Productions
Back by popular demand, our stage combat show, [They Fight] features the best brawls in literature. Journey through an evening of scenes that frame the iconic faceoffs of Macbeth, Cyrano de Bergerac, Hamlet, Robin Hood, and more. This show is designed to move quickly and deliver a snapshot of the classics that you won’t soon forget. Join us for the blade-brandishing, the fisticuffs, and yes, even a wrestling match. ​You’ll buy the whole seat but you’ll only need the edge!

~2019~

LEAR

by William Shakespeare, dir. Heather Bucsh
November 14-16 & 21-23, 2019
Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, Charlotte, NC
photos by David Hensley of Long Walk Productions
A Viking king of Britain has decided to retire, passing on the responsibilities of leadership to her daughters, but in doing so loses her power and can’t see that she’s been deceived by them until it’s too late. This gender-bent casting explores the bond between the mother and her children. Themes of familial love, deception, and the quest for reconciliation will launch audiences into one of Shakespeare’s most tragic tales of loss. 
BWW Review: Viking Queen LEAR Remains True to the Bard
Charlotte Observer: Free Reign Theatre's latest take on a classic turns King Lear into a Viking queen

SAINT JOAN

by George Bernard Shaw, dir. David Hensley
August 8-10 & 15-17, 2019
Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, Charlotte, NC
photos by Robin Neville of Komadori Photography
Set in 15th century France, Saint Joan follows a country girl whose mysterious visions propel her into elite circles. When the nation’s rulers become threatened by her popularity and influence, they unite to bring her down and she finds herself on trial for her life. This timeless and powerful play dramatizes the limits of an individual in a society dominated by overwhelming political and religious forces.
BWW Review: Free Reign's SAINT JOAN Handsomely Shaves as Shavian Tragedy

~2018~

REVELRY

October 4-6 & 11-13, 2018
Jack Beagle's NODA, Charlotte, NC
Free Reign Theatre celebrated their anniversary as an arts and education entity in the Carolinas at the iconic Jack Beagles in NoDa for an afternoon of live performances by some of Charlotte's best, local musical artists. This outdoor event was FREE and there was an enter-to-win raffle prize drawing for some great prizes that really kicked-off the summer.

[THEY FIGHT]

​dir. Charles Holmes
October 4-6 & 11-13, 2018
Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, Charlotte, NC
photos by Robin Neville of Komadori Photography
Did you have to read Shakespeare in school? Boring, wasn’t it? Especially those pesky stage directions in bracketed italics – [They fight.] Where is the fun in reading that? Shakespeare’s plays are intended to be performed by actors and seen by audiences. Free Reign Theatre is proud to bring you [They Fight]: the best battles, brawls, and blade-brandishing in the works of William Shakespeare. 
This engaging show will have you cheering for Hamlet, hissing at Tybalt, and gasping for Macbeth. Intended for all ages, this fast-paced show is comprised of the most popular Shakespearean scenes and some lesser known works that have plenty of sword-slinging gusto. [They Fight] is a blended atmosphere of comedy and drama, and an evening of combat theatre you won’t soon forget!

CORONATION

Sunday June 3rd, 2018
Jack Beagle's, Charlotte, NC
photos by David Hensley of Long Walk Productions
"Hear ye, hear ye! You think the royal wedding is a big deal? How about a Coronation?"
​Free Reign Theatre Company was proud to partner with some favorite NoDA acts to start-up our community outreach. We produced an afternoon of free live entertainment featuring Evergone, Robot Johnson, Will Edwards, and Jade Moore.
​Many supporters entered to win raffle prizes provided by our favorite local businesses.