The Ragdale Ring

Architect Howard Van Doren Shaw designed the original 1912 Ragdale Ring as an open-air theatre to showcase the plays and poems of his wife, Frances Wells Shaw. Audiences gathered for outdoor performances on the property where the Shaws designed lighting systems, costumes and props to welcome an extended group of artists and friends, who saw Ragdale as a haven for creativity and community. These performances were hallmarks of the period and would also lay the groundwork for how future generations of artists would come to understand the transformative potential of Ragdale.   

In 2013 Ragdale launched the first design-build competition to activate the campus in new ways. Since that time, it has presented eleven dynamic open air installation that have provided architects and designers with the opportunity to create works in a unique setting. These constructions have served as backdrops for public presentations of readings, musical performances, and theatrical productions, which encourage new ways of understanding architecture, public space, and the larger history of the site. 

Ragdale is now accepting proposals for the 2026 & 2027 Ragdale Ring, you can learn more on this site. Winning designs will be announced in March 2026 and Ragdale will announce summer performances for the Ring in the late spring. Sign up here for Ragdale’s e-news to find out more about Ragdale’s programming.