Modern-day patrons of the theatre have it made. We have plush seating, fancy cocktails and a roof over our heads. However, our theatre-loving predecessors didn’t have it so good. The ancient Greeks and the Romans had their “come rain or sun” amphitheatres that held tens of thousands of people at once. Even London’s the Globe Theatre, which opened centuries later, had an open roof and a dirt floor.

Yes, our theatrical ancestors were pretty hardcore when it came to their love for the stage. But thanks to our warm(ish) Canadian summer, we can do them proud by trekking to these Toronto outdoor theatre festivals.

In love with Shakespeare
Around for more than 20 years, Canadian Stage’s Shakespeare in High Park (formerly known as Dream in High Park) has become a summer tradition for many Torontonians. This year, there will be two Shakespearean productions: Macbeth, the Bard’s famous tragedy about power and greed — along with a dash of witchcraft — as well as The Taming of the Shrew, a controversial battle-of-the-sexes romp, which is one of Shakespeare’s early comedies. The plays will run on alternate nights, and the fee is “pay what you can” with a suggested price of $20. Cushions, beverages and food are also on hand to purchase.
High Park Amphitheatre, June. 26 to Sept. 1

The sisterhood of the travelling Shakespeare
Now in its sixth season, the Humber River Shakespeare Company travels to communities along the Humber River this summer with its latest production, As You Like It, which is fitting since it’s the play that features Shakespeare’s famous “All the world’s a stage” speech. The troupe makes two stops in Toronto, performing for two nights at the Old Mill, July 30 and 31, and then to Etienne Brulé Park on Aug. 1.
Old Mill and Etienne Brulé Park, July 30 to Aug. 1

Ruffing it
With the slogan “Lovers and knaves in your own backyard,” it’s obvious that the Toronto-based theatre company Shakespeare in the Ruff is dedicated to bringing the works of the Bard right to our doorsteps. Or, in this case, the Leslieville and Riverdale neighbourhoods. After a successful debut last summer, the company is performing one of Shakespeare’s history plays, Richard III, in Withrow Park.
Withrow Park, Aug. 13 to Sept. 1

Get yourself to the Greek
Just as the Greeks did, the Guild Festival Theatre presents its annual festival of classics on an open-air Greek stage. A fairly new addition to the summer theatre festival circuit (they’ve been around since 2011), the company is dedicated to bringing a repertoire of classics to the stage in a beautiful setting that is surrounded by the Scarborough Bluffs. This year, the company is taking on the French farce master Molière and his play The Misanthrope, about a man who insists upon unconditional honesty when he’s surrounded by phony compliments and excessive schmoozing. Chaos ensues when he falls in love with Célimène, a woman who embodies everything he despises.
The Guild, July 18 to Aug. 11

Dancing in the park
If reciting verse and iambic pentameter isn’t really your thing, then you should check out Dusk Dances, an outdoor dance festival that happens, well, at dusk. The eclectic 10-minute dances occur at various locations in Withrow Park and are inspired by nature.
Withrow Park, July 30 to Aug. 4