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.