Utah Shakespeare Festival

"What is life without a little play?"

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is widely recognized as one of the best professional theater events in the nation; in 2000, it was awarded the Tony Award for "Outstanding Regional Theater." The festival is a grand event that includes not only Shakespeare and contemporary productions, but also the "Greenshow", literary seminars, classes and intimate detailed backstage tours.

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The Plays

The Summer Festival offers six plays in two grand theaters: the outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre, which is a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and features only Shakespeare plays; and the indoor Randall L Jones Theatre, a modern facility that features contemporary works. In the summer the Festival offers free nightly Greenshow performances featuring music, song, and comedic tales and entertainment on the outdoor stage.

The Fall Festival offers three plays, free actor, literary and prop seminars, backstage tours and play orientation before all shows.

Backstage Tours and Seminars

The Backstage Tour is an opportunity to step behind the scenes to learn the inner workings of the Festival and visit various production areas, including costume, makeup, and scene shops. Patrons can also attend one the Literary Seminars and participate in lively give-and-take discussion between the play directors and audience members (sometimes actors will be present). Participants are encouraged to voice honest reactions to various aspects of the play. Seminars take place in the Seminar Grove, Tuesday through Sunday.

Curtain Call lunches give visitors a chance to enjoy a delicious meal and intimate discussion with a Festival actor or other artist. Get up close and personal while listening to an actor, designer, director or other Festival luminary over lunch. Learn what goes into the production of a play from those close to the process - and ask questions you have being dying to ask. Curtain Call lunches are at 12 noon each Friday in July and August. Tickets can be purchased prior to lunch.

The Greenshow and Play Orientations

Before watching the Festival productions, visitors are encouraged to prepare by participating in the Greenshow. The Greenshow allows guests to immerse themselves in the music and dance, enjoy a treat and relax on the grass below towering shade trees. The Greenshow is held in the courtyard surrounding Adams Theatre. The Greenshow is free. Additionally, play orientations where patrons can get a quick overview of the play they are about to see, are offered before each show.

Location

The Utah Shakespearean Festival is located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City. Coming from the north or south, take I-15 Exit #59. Head east on 200 North, to 300 West, then head south to Center Street. The Randall Jones Theater is on the corner of 300 W. and Center St. 351 W Center Street, Cedar City, UT 84720

Tickets

To purchase tickets to the Utah Shakespearean Festival and other activities call (435)-586-7878 or 1-800-PLAYTIX. (800) 752-9849.

Mission Statement

The Utah Shakespearean Festival presents life-affirming classic and contemporary plays in repertory, with Shakespeare as our cornerstone. These plays are enhanced by interactive festival experiences which entertain, enrich and educate. The Utah Shakespearean Festival is committed to excellence through diversity.

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