Four County Players Shakespeare at the Ruins: FAQs!

We are thrilled to welcome you back to the Historic Barboursville Ruins for another magical summer of Shakespeare at the Ruins!

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from the Box Office, voicemail, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and comments on our posts. Check out the answers below!

Q: ARE CHAIRS PROVIDED and/or CAN WE BRING OUR OWN CHAIRS?
A: Yes, chairs are provided! If you purchase a general admission ticket in advance, you are guaranteed an actual chair for the performance! These are folding chairs, arranged in rows with aisles, much like a theater.
You are encouraged to bring camping chairs, blankets, etc. for pre-show picnicking around the Ruins. We ask that you return your picnicking chairs and blankets to your cars before the performance begins due to space and safety. If you prefer to not sit in one of the provided theater seats, you may sit in your own chair/on your own blanket, but you must do so outside of the designated seating area, and you may experience an obstructed view—meaning, you can’t swap out a theater seat for one of your own.
We also have an accessible seating area for handicapable/differently-abled patrons, as well as accessible parking for these individuals.

Q: ARE TABLES PROVIDED FOR PICNICKING?
A: No, tables are not provided. You are welcome to bring small tables for picnicking—we just ask that you take them back to your car before the performance begins.

Q: WHAT FOOD TRUCKS WILL BE THERE?
A: We have several different food trucks coming throughout the run of Much Ado About Nothing! Check our website and social media for updates, as the food truck schedule may change each week. The food trucks will also be selling non-alcoholic beverages.
Please note: Our local food trucks deliver a fresh, high-quality, made-to-order product. Please allow time to order and have your food prepared. If you arrive 10 minutes before curtain and get in line, there is no guarantee your food will be ready in time for the show. It’s great food, fast. It’s not fast food, y’all!

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
A: Yes! Picnicking is encouraged—just no glass, and NO ALCOHOL is permitted with the exception of Barboursville wines that are purchased on-site at the wine tent. Please be sure to pick up and discard all trash.
Speaking of picnics, Palladio Restaurant will be offering a picnic dinner takeout for two priced at $95. Available for purchase by advance reservation only. To reserve a picnic dinner, contact book@palladiorestaurant.com. Note that picnic dinners must be reserved at least one week in advance of the performance you will attend and will be available for pickup on-site at the performance.

Q: WHAT IF IT RAINS?
A: Rain cancels. See below for more details.
IF WE CANCEL PRIOR TO 5PM: The theater will make the announcement via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fourcountyplayers) and website (www.fourcp.org), as well as a message on the Box Office voicemail. Audience members may contact the Box Office VIA EMAIL (4countyplayers@fourcp.org) if you would like to discuss rescheduling options. Your email should include the name your party was under, the number in your party, and the date of the performance to which you had tickets. We do not plan to schedule any rain make-up performances.
IF IT BEGINS TO RAIN WHILE ONSITE: If the weather causes us to need to stop the event, the event director will coordinate with the stage manager. The show will be put on hold for a minimum of 10 minutes and an announcement will be made to the audience. Patrons will be asked to return to the cars for safety. An event staff member will use a flag system to communicate with patrons every 10 – 15 minutes until we either restart or cancel the show.
– Green Flag: The show is back on and patrons should return to their seats.
– Yellow Flag: Continue to hold for another 10 – 15 minutes.
– Red Flag: The show has been cancelled. Please contact the box office VIA EMAIL at 4countyplayers@fourcp.org to discuss options for rescheduling. Your email should include the name your party was under, the number in your party, and the date of the performance you attended.

Q: HOW DO I GET THERE?
A: Access to Shakespeare at the Ruins is only by way of Mansion Road off of Governor Barbour Street. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS. Follow the signs to Mansion Road. It is marked with a white gate, welcome banner, and flags. This entrance will lead you down a dirt road to the parking field and boxwood entrance to the back-side of the Historic Barboursville Ruins. Parking attendants will be on-site to assist you.

Q: WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
A: The main gate at Mansion Road will open around 5:30PM to allow guests to form a line along the road without blocking traffic on Governor Barbour Street. The second gate will open at 6PM to allow patrons into the parking field. Parking attendants will be on-site to assist you.
The performance begins at 7:30PM sharp, so please allow yourself ample time to picnic, purchase Barboursville wines, and pick out your seats!

Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
A: We suggest you bring your own bug spray and/or sunscreen, water, any medications you may need (including/especially an Epipen), and anything else that would make you comfortable. We will have hand fans available for purchase, but you may bring your own personal fan as long as it does not make noise. Hats are fine to wear, but we cannot allow parasols or comparable sun-shielding items in the audience seats.

Q: ARE THERE RESTROOMS?
A: We will have an air conditioned restroom trailer on-site for when nature calls. We also have an accessible porta-potty available for individuals who may experience mobility challenges/are unable to use stairs.

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE SHOW?
A: If you wish to connect with your friend/loved one following the performance, we ask that you please make arrangements to do so back in the parking lot of the theater (5256 Governor Barbour Street) or somewhere else off-site. Due to the closing procedures following each performance, our actors and production crew will be unable to greet guests at the Ruins – no exceptions. All patrons will be asked to safely exit the Ruins and parking field immediately following the performance.

Have other questions? Email 4countyplayers@fourcp.org.
See you at the Ruins!