On Saturday, April 16, the Blackbird Theatre will host a spring patio party at Ann Arbor’s Aut Bar, at 325 Braun Court, to kick off Shakespeare West, Ann Arbor’s new summer-long outdoor theatre festival.

Join the Blackbird for drinks at 6 p.m., and then at 7 p.m., take a walk down to the newly-renovated West Park and bandshell, the Blackbird’s new summer home.

Blackbird Director Barton Bund will tell patrons about the new summer festival, which will include five full productions: "The Tempest," June 3-25; "Much Ado About Nothing," July 8-30; The Blackbird Theatre Academy’s production of "Pericles, Prince of Tyre," August 4-14; "Twelfth Night," August 19-September 3; and "Othello," September 9-October 1.

Shakespeare West is the Blackbird’s biggest project to date, employing dozens of local artists. These five innovative productions are designed for all ages. To buy tickets for the entire season or to make a donation, visit blackbirdtheatre.org.