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The National Players Tickets

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On the schedule

The National Players Performances & Tickets

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Inside the production

Story, stage & company

Cast & creatives

People behind the production

Founded in 1949 by Father Gilbert V. Hartke at the Catholic University of America, The National Players are widely recognized as America’s longest-running touring theatre company. Since 1952, they’ve made Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Maryland their home base, bringing classical and literary works to communities across the United States. Their mission blends rigorous artistic quality with accessible, inclusive storytelling, performing Shakespeare alongside other great authors such as Eugene O’Neill, Molière, Bernard Shaw, and Franz Kafka. The National Players tour to schools, community centers, correctional facilities, and a variety of venues, often including post-show discussions and workshops to deepen engagement with audiences of all ages.

Cast & creatives

People behind the production

With a history of performances across 41 states, the company has collaborated with national and international communities and nurtured alumni who have moved on to Broadway and television. The National Players maintain an active online presence through @nationalplayers on Twitter and Instagram, with official updates also featured on the Olney Theatre Center channels. For current schedules, touring locations, and outreach programs, check the official site at nationalplayers.org and follow the group on social media for timely announcements.

The essentials

Quick Facts About The National Players

  • Founded in 1949 by Father Gilbert V. Hartke (Catholic University of America).
  • Based at Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Maryland since 1952; widely regarded as America’s longest-running touring theatre company.
  • Repertoire focuses on Shakespeare and other classical literature (e.g., O’Neill, Molière, Shaw, Kafka) with adaptations for diverse audiences.
  • Tours to schools, community centers, correctional facilities, and other venues; includes post-show discussions and workshops.
  • Majors achievements include performances for audiences across 41 states, collaborations with national and international communities, and alumni who moved on to Broadway/TV; recognized by theatre organizations (e.g., Shakespeare Guild).
  • Social media presence historically includes @nationalplayers on Twitter and Instagram; official site is nationalplayers.org; ongoing updates are shared via Olney Theatre Center channels.

With a history of performances across 41 states, the company has collaborated with national and international communities and nurtured alumni who have moved on to Broadway and television. The National Players maintain an active online presence through @nationalplayers on Twitter and Instagram, with official updates also featured on the Olney Theatre Center channels. For current schedules, touring locations, and outreach programs, check the official site at nationalplayers.org and follow the group on social media for timely announcements.

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