Cincinnati Shakespeare hopes new theater makes the Bard's work available to all

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is ready to show off during its first season in its new $17.5 million home, with flying fairies, large and innovative sets and plenty of behind-the-scenes tours. The Otto M. Budig Theater at the corner of 12th and Elm streets replaces the cramped, converted movie theater on Race Street, and Cincinnati Shakespeare is making the most of the upgrade. The first show of the season, “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” includes aerial flights for Puck and his fellow fairies — a trick that never could have happened at Cincy Shakes' old home. “Dracula” will fly, too, and the season ends with “Noises Off,” a farce that requires a two-story, revolving set. “That would have been impossible at the old theater,” said producing artistic director Brian Isaac Phillips. “We couldn't even do a second story without bumping our heads on lighting.” You'll be able to get your first look inside the Otto M. Budig Theater on Aug. 13 -- everyone is invited. After you tour the theater and backstage spaces, walk across the street to Washington Park for a free performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”