Extreme Makeover–Windsor Court Edition

Updating a Home-Away-From-Home for Company Members

By Liz Armstrong, guest writer

The Utah Shakespeare Festival serves as a place where actors and patrons alike can believe in the power of live theatre set among the stunning scenery of southern Utah. For many, the Festival is more than just a place of inspiration and entertainment, but home.

However, the productions don’t run year-round, thus requiring seasonal company members to travel from all over the country to their “artistic home.” So where do they stay for the three to six months of build, rehearsal, and performances? Most company members—including actors, designers, lighting and sound technicians, prop artisans, costumers, wardrobe and run crew and more—stay in the Windsor Court apartments, located right on Festival grounds.

Although our Company Management does a spectacular job of making sure that these apartments are clean and comfortable for the company, let’s be honest…they are in need of a facelift.

And they aren’t just getting a facelift, but an extreme makeover––Windsor Court Edition!

Company Manager Karin Edwards is thrilled about the exciting project. Working with the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, the 35 apartments will get makeovers from community members, organizations, and businesses starting this January.

“Windsor Court has been a longstanding part of our Festival, and it’s where our talented artists, technicians, and production staff live, unwind, and recharge after long days of bringing Shakespeare to life on stage,” Edwards said.

“However, over the years, the apartments at Windsor Court have aged, and the building now faces challenges that no longer reflect the world-class quality of the work our team creates. This project is a chance to honor their dedication by giving them a living space that truly supports their needs.”

But it’s more than just a home improvement project. Edwards noted that this is an opportunity for the Festival and community members to work together and transform Windsor Court into a beautiful, welcoming home for the artists and staff that bring the magic of professional live theater to Cedar City.

“Through this collaboration, we’re growing a sense of community where everyone can feel part of the art. By working together on Windsor Court, we’re bridging the Festival and the town in a meaningful way,” Edwards said.

“When our artists, craftsmen, and technicians feel valued and comfortable, they bring even more energy and creativity to their work, and that spirit ripples out to everyone who experiences our shows.”

For patrons interested in participating, find out more by reading these Frequently Asked Questions first. Then sign up and put your design skills to work. There is no fee to enter or participate in the competition. Sign ups will continue through December 14.

Various local businesses and organizations are stepping in to contribute to this project. Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore are giving every makeover team $50 to spend at the ReStore in Cedar City (124 N. Main). They are also adopting one of the 35 Windsor Court apartments so they can better answer questions and help other makeover participants who may come in to their store. ReStore has paint, flooring, light fixtures, furniture, and more.

Kustom Containers in Cedar City is also donating shipping containers onsite for participants who need a place to store items removed from apartments while renovations are happening.

Don’t have the time or ability to renovate an apartment? You can still help by donating monetarily to the overall project or sponsoring a team. You can also donate your time and skilled labor. There are opportunities to do things from flooring and countertops to simply painting and decorating.

There will be a multitude of awards to celebrate the effort and creativity put into the project. These awards will include Best Transformation, Most Creative, Most Sustainable, and more. Winners will be recognized with a plaque in the apartment. If you are a sponsor, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce will list your name or business.

Festival Facilities Director Michael Stewart and his team have begun inspections at the Windsor Court apartment, preparing them for the renovations ahead.

Renovation will run from January 20 through February 28, 2025, finishing in time for our company members to enjoy the updated spaces through the 64th season in 2025.

This community-led makeover will not only strengthen the Festival’s bond with the community, but express appreciation for seasonal employees.

“This project isn’t about just updating a building— it’s about investing in the people who make the Festival what it is and welcoming them with open arms,” Edwards said.

For more information on the logistics of the project, contact Edwards at companymanager@bard.org.