Actors From the London Stage: “Much Ado About Nothing”
Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:30 PM
Brendle Recital Hall, Scales Fine Arts Center

Founded in 1975, Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS) is one of the oldest touring Shakespeare theatre companies in the world. Housed and workshopped in the UK and based in the United States at Shakespeare at Notre Dame, this intensive residency program is truly one of a kind.
The company presents residencies at approximately 16-18 universities per year. These one-week visits present students and faculty with an opportunity to experience a cross-disciplinary, in-depth, and dynamic set of workshops- further enhanced by performances of one of Shakespeare’s great masterpieces. AFTLS has been in residence at numerous prestigious institutions including the University of Texas-Austin, Wellesley College, Dartmouth College, Stanford University, Emory University, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Professor Homer Swander originally conceived and developed the program at the University of California-Santa Barbara, co-founding it with renowned British actor Sir Patrick Stewart. Each weeklong residency delivers a truly actor-driven tour de force.
These actors—hailing from prestigious companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain, and Shakespeare’s Globe—focus uniquely on engaging students across the academic spectrum. They create a collaborative learning environment where students experience Shakespeare’s texts and universal themes firsthand. Whether leading classroom workshops, onstage demonstrations, performances, text readings, or informal meetings, AFTLS actors commit themselves to teaching and remain entirely accessible to students throughout each campus visit.
The vibrant hands-on nature of the program provides an extraordinary opportunity to engage faculty and students far beyond the confines of the English and Theatre departments. Whether students are familiar with or new to the body of work, Actors From The London Stage provides an inclusive, interactive gateway to experiencing the richness of Shakespeare’s writing.
Adult $25
Senior $20
Student (non-WFU) $15
Child $10
WFU and Medical School Students, Faculty, Staff and Retirees – Free Pre-registration encouraged
Ticket prices include all applicable taxes and fees.
Please check back to see if a pre-concert talk will be offered.