Utah Shakespeare Festival | Cedar City

The Utah Shakespeare Festival, held annually in Cedar City, Utah, is a premier theatrical event renowned for its professional performances of Shakespearean plays as well as classical and contemporary works. Founded in 1961 by Fred C. Adams, the festival has grown into a nationally recognized cultural institution, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each season and contributing significantly to Cedar City’s identity as “Utah’s Festival City.”

Setting and Atmosphere

The festival is set against the backdrop of southern Utah’s red-rock landscapes, with Cedar City’s high desert and nearby forests providing a scenic and inspiring environment for theatergoers. The combination of open-air amphitheaters and indoor stages allows performances to take full advantage of natural light, crisp mountain air, and the acoustics created by surrounding hills.

Walking through the festival grounds, visitors experience a lively, artistic atmosphere. The scent of summer flowers and sagebrush mingles with the sounds of actors rehearsing, musicians tuning, and audience chatter. Festival banners and period costumes add a historic and celebratory feel, evoking both the Elizabethan era and the vibrant modern theater scene.

Theaters and Venues

The festival utilizes two primary venues:

Adams Shakespearean Theatre: An outdoor amphitheater seating around 780 people, designed to emulate Elizabethan playhouses while integrating the natural surroundings. Its open-air setting allows performances under the sky, enhancing dramatic effects and audience immersion.

Bryce C. Taylor Theatre: A 500-seat indoor venue used for more intimate productions, including contemporary plays, comedies, and musicals. Its stage and technical facilities support elaborate lighting, sound, and set designs.

Both theaters provide comfortable seating, clear sightlines, and professional stage technology, ensuring high-quality performances year-round.

Productions and Programming

While Shakespeare remains the festival’s core, the Utah Shakespeare Festival features a diverse repertoire:

Shakespearean Classics: Regularly staged plays such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream bring timeless narratives to life with innovative direction and professional acting.

Classical and Contemporary Plays: Works by modern playwrights, adaptations of classic literature, and musicals expand the festival’s appeal to a broad audience.

Educational Programs: Workshops, youth productions, and internships provide hands-on theater experience for students and aspiring artists.

The festival typically runs from late June through October, with multiple performances per day during peak season. Special themed evenings, post-show discussions, and behind-the-scenes tours enhance the visitor experience.

Cultural and Educational Impact

The festival is deeply intertwined with the Southern Utah University Theatre Department, offering students and local performers opportunities to train, perform, and engage with professional actors. Its educational mission extends to the Shakespeare-in-the-Schools program, which brings theater workshops and performances to local students, fostering literacy, creativity, and confidence.

The festival also has a national reputation, drawing actors, directors, and scholars from across the United States and internationally. It has been recognized for excellence in theatrical production, community engagement, and historic preservation of Elizabethan performance practices.

Visitor Experience

Attending the festival offers more than just performances:

Scenic Setting: Outdoor shows capitalize on natural vistas, allowing the sun, wind, and ambient sounds to enhance storytelling.

Interactive Atmosphere: Costumed performers, period music, and audience engagement create an immersive experience.

Local Amenities: Cedar City’s restaurants, galleries, and shops complement festival visits, making for a full cultural excursion.

Photography and Memorabilia: Visitors can capture dramatic stage moments and purchase programs, books, and artisan goods reflecting the festival’s artistic heritage.

Accessibility and Facilities

Location: Cedar City, Utah, within walking distance of downtown accommodations and SUU campus facilities.

Parking and Transit: Ample parking lots and shuttle options support visitor access during busy festival weekends.

Accessibility: Both theaters provide wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps, and accessible restrooms, ensuring inclusive attendance.

Closing Impression

The Utah Shakespeare Festival combines artistic excellence, cultural enrichment, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Its performances bring classic literature to life, while its educational programs inspire new generations of theater enthusiasts. The fusion of Elizabethan storytelling with southern Utah’s red-rock beauty makes the festival a unique and enduring highlight of the American theater landscape, offering visitors a chance to experience both the drama of Shakespeare and the grandeur of the region in a single, unforgettable experience.