Who was Doug Schutte?
Doug Schutte was the co-founder, owner and operator of The Bard’s Town, a local restaurant theater in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also a playwright, director, actor, teacher and coach. He passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2023, at the age of 47.
Schutte was born and raised in Louisville, where he graduated from St. Xavier High School and later received his master’s degree in literature from the University of Louisville. He was a Treadwell Fellow at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London in 2006, where he got the inspiration to open his own pub theater in his hometown.
Schutte was a prolific writer and producer of original works, such as “Chasing Ophelia”, “The Kings of Christmas” and “Mostron: The Absolute Moron’s Guide to Being an Absolute Moron”. He also served as the executive director of the Kentucky Theater Art Association from 2007 to 2010.
Schutte was a beloved teacher and coach at St. Xavier High School, where he taught English and coached football. He was known for his passion, humor, creativity and generosity. He mentored many young artists and athletes, and stayed in touch with them throughout their lives.
What was The Bard’s Town?
The Bard’s Town was Schutte’s dream come true. He opened the venue in July 2010, along with Jon DeSalvo and Scot Atkinson, both fellow St. X graduates. The Bard’s Town was a unique place that combined Schutte’s love of food, drinks and theater. It offered Shakespeare-inspired dishes, such as “Macbeth and Cheese” and “Hamlet and Eggs”, as well as a variety of entertainment options, such as stand-up comedy, live music, improv, poetry and theater.
The Bard’s Town became a hub for the local arts community, a space where performers could showcase their talents and audiences could enjoy a diverse and eclectic mix of shows. Schutte’s nonprofit Bard Theatre also operated at the space, producing several original plays every year. The Bard’s Town was known for its warm, welcoming and fun atmosphere, where everyone felt like family.
The Bard’s Town closed its original location in the Highlands at the end of 2022, due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising rent. Schutte was working on opening a new location in the Germantown neighborhood, which was scheduled to open in March 2023.
