New Artistic Director John DiAntonio Settles in at the Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival would like to congratulate John DiAntonio on his first 100 days as our new Artistic Director.
In September, DiAntonio was announced as the Festival’s Artistic Director after an extensive nation-wide search. To get to know DiAntonio, click here for our full-length introductory Q&A session.
Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr has noted that it’s been such a joy working alongside DiAntonio, and that his work with strategic planning and the Festival’s artistic vision has been inspiring.
“He is passionate about the art, Shakespeare, and the power theater has to connect communities,” Bahr said. “He has strongly articulated how Shakespeare provides the Festival our identity and the plays we produce provide relevance.”
Bahr is excited for Festival patrons and artists to get to know DiAntonio.
“When John starts to talk about the art, the room leans in and it suddenly goes electric,” Bahr said. “John bravely pushes the vision forward, celebrating the Festival’s legacy while working within the reality of the present.”
Enjoy DiAntonio’s personal update below:
Globe: How has your first 100 days been at the Festival?
John: It’s been an incredible adventure. I like to compare it to drinking from a firehose while going down a waterslide. From day one, I dove into the 2024 season preparations alongside the rest of the team. We’ve started 2025 season prep work, and launched into a new five-year strategic plan with the staff. I’ve attended board meetings, staff meetings, department meetings, endless meetings! I’m doing a lot of listening right now, building bonds and trust with the team.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the staff here. Our department heads have over 200 years of combined experience with the Festival, which is unheard of across the country. We have stellar collaborators who couldn’t be more invested in the Festival. Leadership transitions and starting a new job can be awkward at times, but it’s all gone quite smoothly as we navigate the subtle cultural shifts and get to know one another.
Like most theaters across the country right now, the Festival is facing some big challenges: budgetary limitations, post-pandemic audience shifts, and we’re an organization that’s seen a lot of transition over the last few years. But I absolutely love a challenge. The team is leaning into the big, important conversations about where we are headed as we look to the next 65 years of the Festival.
Globe: Have you and your family been able to start to feel a sense of community here, and if so, what have you been doing to integrate yourself into the community?
John: Yes! We have definitely felt integrated into the local community. The day after we moved in last fall (with neighbors who helped us unload our truck and brought us treats), we saw the sheep parade going down Main Street. We enjoyed trick-or-treating with our kids through our neighborhood. We were amazed by the spectacular holiday celebration with Santa arriving in a helicopter, touring houses filled with the lights and Christmas decor, and encouraging our boys to compete in the local coloring competition for holiday gifts.
Our two oldest kids have loved attending a unique local preschool where they’re being taught gymnastics and ninja skills while learning their letters and sounds. [My wife] Caitlin is in a great book group and we’ve gotten to know all the playgrounds in Cedar City, enjoy story times, and participate in sheep shearing adventures, as well as many small hikes that are great for families. I’ve been able to attend city, county, and school board meetings, and have begun the process of getting to know our local community leaders.
And not to mention the endless events at SUU. I held the Thor hammer for the Festival’s team at a fundraising competition just a couple weeks ago. We may have lost in the first round, but I’ve already begun my shoulder workout routine in preparation for next year’s competition! Last month I had the honor of being one of the judges for the Cedar City Star Search competition. I was blown away by the talent in this community. Last week we attended the Easter Egg hunt with helicopters dropping eggs in the park. My family and I love this place and can’t wait for the summer to begin!
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It’s not too early to purchase tickets! DiAntonio will also hit Festival stages this season, playing Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, alongside his wife, Caitlin Wise, who will be playing Kate.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the season that’s just around the corner. I cannot wait to get to know our seasonal staff as well as patrons on the green and in the lobbies,” DiAntonio said. “I want to hear their stories about the Festival and what this place means to them and their families.”
The play lineup for the 63rd season includes Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious The 39 Steps, the moving Silent Sky, and the inspirational The Mountaintop.
The season runs June 17 through October 5.
