Utah Shakespearean Festival

The Utah Shakespearean 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, the Royal Feaste, seminars, classes and tours.

The Plays

Six plays are presented each Summer Season 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 Fall, the Festival presents three more world-class plays, including one Shakespeare play, a musical and a comedy.

The Royal Feaste, Backstage Tours and Seminars

Indulge in the fun of a four-course meal at The Royal Feaste, eaten in the style of renaissance noblemen. It's a magical world of color, light, music and dance. The Royal Feaste is available during the Summer Festival season. Reservations are required and can be made at the Festival Box Office. The Backstage Tour is an opportunity to step behind the scenes to learn inside information about the Festival and visit various production areas, including costume, makeup, and scene shops. Patrons can also attend one of the Literary Seminars to participate in lively give-and-take discussions between the play directors and audience members (sometimes actors will be present). Participants are encouraged to voice honest reactions to various aspects of the plays. Seminars take place in the Seminar Grove, Tuesday through Sunday.

The Greenshow and Play Orientations

The outdoor Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre. (Copyright Utah Shakespearean Festival. Photo by Karl Hugh.)

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 of the Elizabethan Period. 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.

Tickets

To purchase tickets to the Utah Shakespearean Festival plays and other activities call 1-800-752-9849.