Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival | Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF) is an annual summer event that brings live performances of Shakespearean plays and other theatrical works to the stunning outdoor venue at Sand Harbor, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, near Incline Village, NV. The festival is renowned for its unique combination of world-class theater and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, making it a beloved cultural event in the region.

History and Significance

The festival was founded in 1972 and has since become one of the premier outdoor theater events in Northern California and Nevada. It features a mix of classic and contemporary productions, attracting thousands of visitors each summer. The festival not only showcases Shakespeare's works but also presents a variety of musical performances and modern theater productions, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage: The festival takes place at the Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage at Sand Harbor, which is a spectacular setting with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background and Lake Tahoe serving as a natural backdrop. This outdoor amphitheater allows guests to enjoy theater performances with the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding landscape, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Mainstage Productions

Each year, the festival features a mix of Shakespearean classics and contemporary works. For the 2025 season, some of the highlighted productions include:

Twelfth Night – A comedic tale of love, mistaken identity, and intrigue, directed by the festival's artistic director, Sara Bruner. It will run from July 6 to August 23, 2025.

Peter and the Starcatcher – This Tony Award-winning prequel to Peter Pan explores the origins of Peter and his adventures before he reaches Neverland, directed by Jaclyn Miller. It will run from July 5 to August 24, 2025.

Showcase Series

In addition to the mainstage productions, the festival offers a Showcase Series, featuring musical tributes and performances from a variety of genres. Some of the 2025 highlights include:

Jumping Jack Flash – A tribute to The Rolling Stones (July 7, 2025).

David Brighton's Space Oddity – A tribute to David Bowie (August 11, 2025).

The Modern Gentlemen – Former members of The Four Seasons perform classic hits with a modern twist (August 12, 2025).

Quincy Jones Tribute by Reno Jazz Orchestra – A celebration of Quincy Jones' music (Date TBA).

Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2025 season go on sale starting March 18, 2025, with a pre-sale period beginning March 10, 2025, for VIP donor-members at the Shakespeare Society level and above.

Seating Options:

Reserved seating is available for certain events and may sell out quickly.

General admission offers open seating in designated gallery areas.

There are also youth tickets available for individuals aged 25 or younger at discounted rates.

Park Entrance Fee: A $10 per vehicle fee is required for entry into Sand Harbor after 5:00 PM on event days, which applies to all vehicles, including rideshare services.

Venue

The Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage is located at Sand Harbor, which is part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, at:

2005 Highway 28, Incline Village, NV 89451

Visitor Experience

Attending the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is not only about enjoying theater but also about experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. The setting provides a perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take in the breathtaking surroundings before the performances begin. Whether you are a fan of classic theater or are looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience, the festival offers something for everyone.

For further details on ticket purchasing, event schedules, and venue information, visitors can visit the festival's official website.