Utah Shakespeare Festival

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre event hosted at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. Established with the intent to enrich cultural life and education, the festival has been a significant event for theatre enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of plays including the works of William Shakespeare and other classical and contemporary playwrights. The festival's seasonal calendar typically spans from June to October, featuring a variety of performances that may include timeless Shakespearean tragedies and comedies such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as well as other notable works like "A Raisin in the Sun" and adaptations such as "Jane Austen's Emma The Musical." The event is known for its commitment to high-quality productions, showcased in venues like the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre and the Randall L. Jones Theatre, as well as the more intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre. In addition to its mainstage productions, the Utah Shakespeare Festival also presents The Greenshow, an outdoor entertainment that complements the theatre-going experience with music, dance, and costumes, harkening back to the Elizabethan era. The festival is managed by a combination of acting and artistic companies, administrative staff, and governing boards, all dedicated to upholding the festival's reputation for excellence. The festival also maintains an extensive artists database, chronicling the contributions of actors and artistic staff from its inception in 1962 through to the present day. Education is a cornerstone of the festival's mission, with programs designed to engage students, educators, and the community in the appreciation and understanding of the arts. The festival provides employment opportunities, encourages volunteerism, and actively seeks support through donations to sustain and grow its offerings. The Utah Shakespeare Festival's mission, vision, and values are centered on bringing professional theatre to audiences in a way that is educational, stimulating, and accessible. It prides itself on being a destination for theatre lovers and a pillar of the cultural community in Southern Utah. For more information about the festival, upcoming shows, or to get involved, patrons can visit the official website at www.bard.org or contact the festival directly at 800-PLAYTIX (752-9849). The festival's rich history and ongoing dedication to the arts make it a treasured institution, continuing to draw audiences and performers alike to Cedar City each season.