Outdoor Summer Theatre
Meet Our Actors
Tickets on sale June 1
Directed by Earlene DeLeon
Join us for our 5th summer in parks and gardens in King County! Our show this summer is Kate Hamill's adaptation of Emma by Jane Austen, performances August 1 - 16. If you love Elizabeth Bennet’s wit in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, meet her "Queen Bee" counterpart: Emma Woodhouse.
In Kate Hamill’s high-energy adaptation, Emma isn't just a matchmaker—she’s a whirlwind of well-meaning chaos. Handsome, clever, and incredibly rich, Emma doesn't need a husband, so she spends her time "improving" everyone else's lives instead. This isn't a quiet tea-party drama; it’s a fast-paced, screwball comedy about the messiness of love and the danger of being "too sure" of yourself. Hamill’s script focuses on the absurdity of social conventions. It’s joyful, it’s loud, and while it stays true to the 1815 setting, the dialogue and humor feel like they were written yesterday. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good "enemies-to-lovers" trope or a story about a "mean girl" finding her soul.
Volunteer Park
on the Seattle Asian Art Museum Lawn
1400 E Prospect St,
Seattle, WA 98112
Seattle Outdoor Theatre Festival
July 25, 2026, Saturday. 11 am
Free Performance
We do ask that you RSVP online and donations are gratefully accepted and help keep us going.
RSVP HERE
Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center
29308 132nd Ave SE, Auburn, WA. 98092
August 1, 2026, Saturday 6:30 pm
August 2, 2026, Sunday 6:30 pm
Ticketed Event
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General Admission: $20
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Seniors/Youth 6-18/Military: $15
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Children 5 and under: Free
Buy Tickets HERE
Lake Wilderness Arboretum
22520 SE 248th St,
Maple Valley, WA 98038
August 8, 2026, Saturday 6:30 pm
August 9, 2026, Sunday 6:30 pm
Free Performances
We do ask that you RSVP online and donations are gratefully accepted and help keep us going.
RSVP HERE
Covington Community Park
17649 SE 240th St,
Covington, WA 98042
August 15, 2026, Saturday 6:00 pm
August 16, 2026, Sunday 6:00 pm
Free Performances
We do ask that you RSVP online and donations are gratefully accepted and help keep us going.
RSVP HERE
Emerald Theatre FAQs
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What is the admission cost for Emerald Theatre plays?
Most of our productions are free! We do ask that you RSVP online and donations are gratefully accepted and help keep us going. Productions at Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center and select other venues may have a low ticket cost to cover production expenses in these amazing locations. -
What should I bring to summer plays in parks?
Our summer in parks and gardens in King County are informal, relaxed events. Bring lawn chairs or blankets (low-backed chairs recommended), snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the park. -
Are there concessions? Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes! Please bring enjoy food and non-alcoholic drinks while you watch our plays in parks and gardens that allow it. Alcohol is not permitted in the parks. Although we sell water, soda, and small snacks at our shows, there are not concessions in most of the parks we perform in, please check out the local businesses nearby to pick up a picnic for the show. -
When should I arrive?
Performance times vary, check our website or your ticket. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance starts for the best event seating, which is first come first served. But you are invited to just stroll up to productions in the park at any time for our summer series. -
Can I bring my kids and dog?
Kids: yes, we love to introduce kids to theatre! Kids are welcome with adult supervision. Leashed pets are permitted in some parks but not others. Please check the park website for etiquette and pet rules. -
Is there parking?
All the park and garden venues have parking available, although depending on the day, parking may be challenging and you may have to park outside the arboretum or park. Please check the park websites for more information. -
Is it rain or shine?
Yes, the show must go on! Performances are held rain or shine. If there is severe weather or lightening, please check our social media for updates.
