The Bard Theatre

The Bard is back!

Equal parts irreverent, experimental, and essential, The Bard is more than a venue—it's a home for new voices and a vital part of Louisville’s cultural ecosystem. 

Since it opened in 2010, The Bard has:

• Produced 19 world premieres

• Commissioned 72 ten-minute plays by Kentucky playwrights

• Mounted 32 full-length plays by Kentucky writers

• Paid over $110,000 in stipends to local artists

• Hosted 400+ weeks of theater, comedy, improv, and more

• Produced more plays by women and hired more first-time female directors than any other Kentucky theater

Now, we’re reopening in a newly renovated space—an old church located between Paristown, Germantown, and Old Louisville. Last year we asked you to help to finish the final stage of construction and reopen our doors, and you delivered!

This year’s Give for Good campaign will support continued improvements to the venue, with a focus on finishing the downstairs Lounge which will be a space for eating, drinking, and being merry! The Lounge is where, dining area, and smaller performance stage.

At The Bard, we believe that art should be bold, accessible, and locally grown. We exist to nurture original voices, especially those who don’t always have access to the stage. We are intentionally scrappy, proudly weird, and deeply rooted in community.

Whether you’re an artist, an audience member, or someone who believes in the power of new ideas, we hope you’ll join us. Together, we can create a space where creative risk is welcome and local artists are truly supported.

Your support last year was amazing, please help us keep up the momentum at the new Bard!