ANNAPOLIS SUMMER GARDEN THEATRE

Photos Video Map Information: 143 Compromise Street 410-268-9212 http://www.summergarden.com Check ASGT's Web site for up-to-date show information and to find out how you can volunteer Related Stories: After 40 years, ASGT has scene it all A little high-school drama Advertisement

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is an outdoor theatre on the city dock that holds performances during the summer months only. ASGT presented its first plays, Brigadoon and You Can't Take It With You, at the William Paca Gardens in 1966. The following year, the Paca Gardens were restored to their colonial appearance, and the Summer Garden Theatre moved into its present home in the Old Shaw Blacksmith Shop at 143 Compromise Street.

This property is a historic and cultural landmark in the City of Annapolis' Registered National Historic District and figures in the city's records as far back as 1696. Legend has it that George Washington, a frequent Annapolis visitor, kept his horses in the stables behind the building - where the audience now sits for performances.

The property has served many purposes and passed through many hands over its 300-year history. Restoration work in 1983 revealed caverns under the building that may have been part of an "underground railway" system for fugitive slaves.

In 1962, the property was purchased by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education and later to Anne Arundel County. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre rented the property for the princely sum of $1.00 per year until 1990, when ASGT at last became its proud owner.

The Theatre is currently promoting STAGE/2, a campaign to restore and modernize the theatre that includes improvements for both the audience and cast members. The theatre settled upon a final architectural plan in December 2007, the most major decision being to keep the building roof-less - so that it will always be the Theatre Under the Stars. The theatre will unveil a concept package for STAGE/2 sometime in late April.

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is continually seeking volunteers to assist in all areas of the theatre. If you are interested in contributing to the theatre, volunteering, becoming a member, or enjoying a play under the stars, be sure to call or visit their website.