News From the Festival
Festival Feature: Meet 2023 Lighting Board Operator April Salazar
By Liz Armstrong
In theater, the lighting board operator’s main responsibility is to make sure that the lighting equipment is working and running smoothly throughout the run of the show. After all, what’s a play if you can’t see and experience it properly? Additionally, they run the cues from designers, making them an instrumental part in the success of a production.
Meet April Salazar, a light board operator for the 2023 season. From Laredo, Texas, Salazar is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. After graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in lighting design, Costume Crafts Supervisor Rosa Lazaro invited Salazar to come work at the Festival.
Salazar’s Journey at the Festival
In 2022, Salazar was the Technical Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Educational Tour of Much Ado About Nothing, making her responsible for managing sound, lighting, props, scenery, and costumes. After the tour, Salazar took a position at the Festival as a spotlight operator for Clue and The Sound of Music.
Salazar didn’t stop there, returning to the Festival for the 2023 Educational Tour of Othello as the Technical Director. For Salazar, the Festival is an “enchanting” place to work.
“There’s something that brings me back,” Salazar said. “The work environment is high production, but the people here are [welcoming].”
Now, for the 2023 season, she has landed the title of Board Operator for A Raisin in the Sun and Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical in the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
“I’m the person in the booth with the Stage Manager making sure everything works,” Salazar said. “I’m a part of the build crew, helping with lights and making them work during technical rehearsals. During the season, I’m essentially the designer’s fingers.”
The Start of It All
Salazar’s love for theatre started in middle school, when she began to act. Her transition into lighting, however, was where Salazar found her niche.
“In high school, I was one of the only people that showed up to run a light board, and people kind of depended on me from then on,” Salazar said.
Salazar was more than okay with that, voicing her love for the technology of lighting.
“I like working behind-the-scenes and the software and programming,” Salazar said. “People just assume you plug in lights, but there’s much more to it. I love the math and build process––the troubleshooting.”
What’s kept Salazar in lighting is the problem-solving aspect. For some, the puzzle of it all would be dissuading, but for Salazar, it’s the career-niche she’s always wanted, combining computer-science with theatre.
“It’s one of those jobs that people don’t think you can have, running lights in theaters,” Salazar said. “So I decided to pursue it.”
Eventually, Salazar plans to be a lead electrician and be able to work and manage shows as a leader.
Salazar Voices Personal Connection to A Raisin in the Sun
Salazar highly encourages patrons to come see A Raisin in the Sun this season. Personally, she didn’t expect to connect so fully to the show, but found herself in the character of Beneatha.
“I resonate with Beneatha, because she tries to do something out of the ordinary. She wants to be a female doctor,” Salazar said. “I wanted to pursue a career in theatre––something those from my culture wouldn’t deem as a successful career path. But I am succeeding.”
Salazar also connects to the racial themes in A Raisin in the Sun, having grown up in a bordertown in Texas.
“I grew up in a [rougher] neighborhood,” Salazar said. “I like the exposure the play is bringing to that type of lifestyle.”
To observe Salazar’s work at the Festival, purchase tickets to A Raisin in the Sun or Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical by calling 800-PLAYTIX or visit bard.org.
All Seven Productions Now Open at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to announce that all seven main stage productions, plus three Greenshows, are now open for the 2023 season.
This season, believe in the power of theatre and don’t miss out on an enchanting and thought-provoking lineup of productions, running until October 7.
What’s On
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s popular tale of fairies, dreams, and changes of heart. Created in a combination of worlds very different than anything seen on our stages before, this popular comedy features Corey Jones as Theseus/Oberon, Cassandra Bissell as Hippolyta/Titania, and Max Gallagher as Philostrate/Puck, directed by Jessica Kubzansky.
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known tales of tragedy, focused on rash decisions, enmity, and “star-cross’d lovers," featuring Ty Fanning as Romeo and Naiya McCalla as Juliet. After playing Juliet in the Festival’s 2017 production, Betsy Mugavero returned to direct this production.
Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, directed by Valerie Rachelle, is an enduring and charming love story featuring Allie Babich as the vivacious Emma and Rhett Guter as the straightforward Mr. George Knightley. If you know this story, but have never seen the musical version, its accessible and hummable melodies truly add a captivating dimension.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious and chaotic ill-fated play-within-a-play, featuring the earnest but amatuer efforts of the Cornley Drama Society members putting on “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” Directed by Geoffrey Kent, the cast displays comic genius, including that of Chris Mixon as Dennis, Jim Poulos as Max, Melinda Parrett as Annie, and Rhett Guter as Chris.
A Raisin in the Sun is an American theatrical masterpiece that breaks down barriers, challenges assumptions, and restores hope. It features Corey Jones as Walter Lee Younger, Kayland Jordan as Ruth Younger, Maureen Azzun as Beneatha Younger, and Monique Gaffney as Lena Younger (Mama), and was directed by Derek Charles Livingston.
Shakespeare’s rarely-done Timon of Athens explores friendship and the foibles of a materialistic society. Directed by OBIE Award-winner Lisa Peterson, who is also directing Coriolanus, the play features Elijah Alexander as Timon and Nell Geisslinger as Apemantus.
Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s least-produced plays, and focuses on themes of ambition, power, and weaknesses in leaders. James Ryen plays the hot-headed Coriolanus, with Jasmine Bracey as Menenius Agrippa and Darin F. Earl II as Sicinius Velutus.
These seven productions along with three fantastic nightly Greenshows, free seminars and orientations, backstage tours, and more make for the perfect summer get-away to lovely Cedar City. For more information about the plays and to purchase tickets, call 800-PLAYTIX or visit bard.org/plays.
The Ultimate Utah Shakespeare Festival Experience
Our season is here and five of our seven main stage shows are now open. Don’t miss this season’s fantastic lineup of productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Raisin in the Sun. Timon of Athens and Coriolanus will open July 17 and 18, respectively.
But we offer more than just world-class theatre. Attending just one of our productions can be a transformative and unforgettable experience in itself, but your ultimate Festival experience can be an entire day full of learning, enjoying, and believing in theatre, starting at 9:00 am and ending late at night when the final curtain closes.
Allow us to walk you through an ideal day at the Festival:
Free Play Seminars, 9 am and 10 am:
The following day after every performance, a free seminar is held in the Seminar Grove to discuss the previous day’s matinee play at 9 am, while the 10 am seminar will center around the evening performances. Theater scholars, accompanied occasionally by directors and actors, will lead lively discussions, encouraging audience members to share their interpretations.
Free Producer, Actor, Prop, or Costume Seminars at 11 am:
All of these seminars are the perfect opportunity to learn from Festival administration, actors, Properties Director Ben Hohman, and Costume Director Jeff Lieder. For more information and dates for these free events, visit bard.org/plays/#activities.
Orientation at 1:15 pm:
This is a perfect––and free––opportunity to better understand the plays before experiencing them firsthand. Conducted by theater experts, expect a play introduction and question-and-answer session that will only accentuate your play experience. This orientation time is for matinee plays, and will be held throughout the season.
Matinee play at 2 pm:
After grabbing lunch at one of Cedar City’s many top notch restaurants, it’s time for a matinee play! Visit bard.org/plays for our play lineup. On your way out, take a stroll through the grounds and enjoy our statue garden and beautiful flowers.
Visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art:
With time to spare before dinner and the next play orientation at 6:45 pm, we suggest stopping by SUMA, located directly north of the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
In one of the exhibits, Artists Aïsha Lehmann and Vitus Shell have contributed works to an exhibit that reflect the themes of the Festival’s 2023 production of A Raisin in the Sun, on display now through September 23. The exhibit is titled: “A Dream Deferred: New Perspectives on Black Experience.” For more information visit suu.edu/suma.
Orientation at 6:45 pm
This orientation will follow the same format as the matinee orientation, except that it will be centered around the evening performances. Shakespeare can be a bit intimidating, so whether you are a first-time play-goer or a loyal patron, we encourage you to stop by before The Greenshow.
The Greenshow at 7:10 pm
The Greenshow is a free, lively, and audience participatory experience. This year, we have three themed shows that will rotate throughout the season: The Hills of Appalachia, English Regency Garden Party, and Paiute Heritage and Celebration. During the performance, don’t forget to purchase one of our world-famous tarts––we promise you won’t regret it!
Evening play at 8:00 pm
Finally, it’s time to end the day with enchanting performances in the open-air Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, the beautiful Randall L. Jones Theatre, or (in a couple of weeks) the intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre. After a busy day, this is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the magic that live theater brings.
To purchase tickets for the 2023 season, visit bard.org, call 800-PLAYTIX, or visit the Ticket Office onsite.
Returning Festival Actors: Who's Back?
By Liz Armstrong
The Festival officially opened last week and will run until October 7. We are thrilled to welcome our friends and guests back for our 62nd Season! We’re also thrilled to welcome back members of our performing company. For a full calendar view of all our shows, visit bard.org/calendar.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is directed by Betsy Mugavero, whom Festival audiences will remember as a member of the performing company in eight seasons between 2008 and 2019. Returning Festival actors in lead roles include: Cassandra Bissell as Lady Capulet, Ty Fanning as Romeo, Tim Fullerton as Capulet, Alex Keiper as Nurse, Gilberto Saenz as Tybalt, and Marco Antonio Vega as Paris.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s beloved tale about fairies, dreams, and lovers and is directed by Jessica Kubzansky. Returning Festival actors in lead roles include Cassandra Bissell as Hippolyta/Titania, Ty Fanning as Demetrius, Corey Jones as Thesues/Oberon, and Alex Keiper as Petra Quince.
Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical with book/music/lyrics by Paul Gordon; orchestrations by Brad Haak, Paul Gordon, and Brian Allan Hobbs; based on the novel by Jane Austen
This is Austen’s enduring love story featuring an imperfect, but loveable, main character. Returning Festival actors in lead roles include Allie Babich as Emma, Laura Brennan as Harriet, Tim Fullerton as Mr. Weston, Rhett Guter as Mr. Knightley, Kat Lee as Mrs. Weston, Chris Mixon as Mr. Woodhouse, Melinda Parrett as Miss Bates, Jim Poulos as Mr. Elton, and Gilberto Saenz as Frank Churchill.
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
This piece of classic American theatre, A Raisin in the Sun, tells of a family’s dreams, breaking down barriers, and defining hope. It is directed by Derek Charles Livingston, the Festival’s interim artistic director/director of new play development. Returning Festival actors include Corey Jones as Walter Lee Younger and Nazlah Black as Mrs. Johnson.
The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious, chaotic, and ill-fated play-within-a-play. Returning Festival actors include Nazlah Black as Sandra, Laura Brennan as Stage Hand, Rhett Guter as Chris, Chris Mixon as Dennis, Melinda Parrett as Annie, and Jim Poulos as Max.
Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens is rarely performed and explores friendship, wealth, and the foibles of a materialistic society. Returning Festival actors include Elijah Alexander as Timon, Anatasha Blakely as Isadore/Poet, Jasmine Bracey as Lucullus/Caphis, Darin F. Earl II as Varro/Painter, Nell Geisslinger as Apemantus, and Jeremy Thompson as Ventidius/Factotumus/Soldier.
Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Coriolanus is another of Shakespeare’s rarely-produced plays that focuses on themes of ambition, family, love, and power. Returning Festival actors include Elijah Alexander as Aufidius/Roman Citizen, Anatasha Blakely as Valeria/Roman Citizen, Jasmine Bracey as Menenius Agrippa/Roman Citizen, Darin F. Earl II as Sicinius Veletus/Roman Citizen, Nell Geisslinger as Junius Brutus/Roman Citizen, and Jeremy Thompson as Titus Lartius/Roman Citizen.
To purchase tickets or for more information for the 2023 season, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.
Producing Quality Theatre for 20 Years: Meet Costume Crafts Supervisor Rosa M. Lazaro
By Liz Armstrong
There’s a lot that goes into producing high quality plays––including everything from props, sound, set design, costumes, and more. Rosa Lazaro has been a part of this process for over twenty years now at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and it’s people like her that have kept the organization producing quality productions since it was founded in 1961.
The Beginning
For Lazaro, it all started when she was a high school student in Delta, Utah. The Festival’s late Founder Fred C. Adams visited Delta, his hometown.
“He got me interested and excited [in theatre],” Lazaro said.
But Adams inspired the young student in more ways than one, influencing not just her interest in theatre, but also her educational journey.
“I was a first generation college student. My father was an immigrant from Mexico, and my prospects of going to college were very slim,” Lazaro said.
One of seven children, Lazaro was the first to successfully attend college.
“A lot of that was due to Fred, knowing that these amazing people came out of Delta,” Lazaro reflected. “I’m not sure I would’ve ever left [my hometown] had Fred not come through when he did.”
Lazaro’s Start at the Festival
Lazaro enrolled at Utah State University and first came to the Festival in 1996 as a scenery mover. At the time, she was primarily interested in carpentry, properties, and technical directing and spent about three years working in scenery and at the prop shop with Properties Director Ben Hohman.
Adams, along with other early Festival framers Doug Cook and and Cam Harvey, showed Lazaro that every member of the company counts.
Lazaro reflected on her first season at the Festival, when she was working on scenery for The Three Musketeers. Adams introduced himself to her, and from then on, remembered her.
“Everyone was so important to him, even the people who pushed the scenery,” Lazaro said.
“Later I would add many [other Festival] mentors like Lew Haslam, Phil Haslam, R. Scott Phillips, and, of course, Jeffrey Lieder,” Lazaro said. “All helped me see my own potential. I’m sure there were many others, but honestly the support from my Festival family has never rested.”
Furthering Her Education
In 1999, after finishing her undergraduate degree at Utah State University, Lazaro heard that Southern Utah University needed a part time assistant technical director. Since Lazaro had worked full time for several summers at the Festival, she was qualified for the job.
“From there I was encouraged to go to graduate school to become a technical director,” Lazaro said. “The Festival [instilled] in me that I could go to grad school. I discovered I could achieve more than I ever thought I could.”
Lazaro is now a professor of theater at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. From a young girl not sure she could finish her undergraduate degree to a professor teaching everything from costume design and production to stage management, this was a massive accomplishment.
“I get choked up thinking about what [those at the Festival] did for me,” Lazaro said.
Now, as a professor, Lazaro strives to plant the same passion in her students that those at the Festival instilled in her.
“In my interview at Texas A&M, I said I wanted to keep coming back to the Festival, and they told me they wanted me to do that, and to take students that I thought were good enough back with me,” Lazaro said.
Lazaro has done just that, bringing young students and technicians to the Festival, and influencing them the way she once was influenced.
“It’s amazing that [at the Festival], we touch each other’s lives and it has a domino effect,” Lazaro said. “We continue to pay it forward.”
The Transition from Props to Costuming
Lazaro began graduate school to become a technical director. From there, she discovered she loved costuming, and so she changed her graduate focus from technical directing to costume design.
“Jeff Lieder was kind enough to give me a chance and brought me into costume crafts, which is kind of when properties and costumes has a baby,” Lazaro said. “Twenty years later, I am the Costume Crafts Supervisor.
In this department, Lazaro and her team create things like shoes, armor, millinery, and accessories. She has been supervising since 2010.
Lazaro’s favorite show she has worked on to date was Richard III in 2003, when Henry Woronicz played Richard, designed by Bill Black.
“I built this beautiful piece of plate armor that I worked tirelessly on,” Lazaro said. “I remember Henry saying it was brilliant and hearing the applause when Henry walked out in it.”
For Lazaro, this was perhaps the most significant point in her career.
“I couldn’t imagine going back to any other part of theatre after that,” Lazaro said. “It was so amazing to see the appreciation, and they had planted in me what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Why She Keeps Coming Back
“Jeff tells everyone that the Festival is a very addictive place, and it’s true,” Lazaro said. “Not just because the people are wonderful to work with, but because of what it teaches you.”
“We work hard to create beautiful costumes to help tell impactful stories that can change people’s lives,” Lazaro said. “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
Lazaro reflects on where the Festival started, when it was only the Adams Memorial Theatre across the street to the three theatres, administration center, production shops, and rehearsal hall it boasts now.
“I’m a part of that. Being able to look back where we started and knowing the passion that is put into each show . . . the standards at the Festival are something to be proud of,” Lazaro said.
For Lazaro, it comes down to one simple question: Why do it at all if you’re not going to do it to such a brilliant standard?
“We know what it takes to do great, great theatre,” Lazaro said. “That is what’s going to keep me coming back year after year.”
For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2023 season, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.
Announcing the Festival's 2024 Season!
By Liz Armstrong
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce its 2024 season, featuring seven plays from June 17 to October 5. In an effort to make it easy for loyal Festival guests to order their tickets well in advance, tickets go on sale beginning July 7, 2023. To purchase tickets, visit bard.org, call 800-PLAYTIX, or visit the Ticket Office near the Anes Studio Theatre.
“We are thrilled to announce our shows for our sixty-third season in 2024,” says Interim Managing Director Michael Bahr. “We are proud to focus on our cornerstone of Shakespeare, presenting four of his marvelous works.”
“We are also delighted to bring back a previous comedy by popular demand, and two shows new to our audiences to complete our robust season,” comments Interim Artistic Director/Director of New Play Development Derek Charles Livingston.
IN THE ENGELSTAD SHAKESPEARE THEATRE
Henry VIII
By William Shakespeare
Having first been produced in 1981, Henry VIII hasn’t hit Festival stages since 1995. Following the story of a ruthless race to power and the desire for a male heir, King Henry VIII listens to Cardinal Wolsey counsel, while honorable Duke Buckingham is convicted of treason. The play also focuses on topics of divorce and the treatment of women in a male-dominated society, as Henry leaves his wife Katharine and, in the yearning for an heir, marries Anne Boleyn.
The Winter’s Tale
By William Shakespeare
The Winter’s Tale has been produced in 1972, 1989, 1996, 2004, and most recently in 2011. Focusing on themes of betrayal, loss, and forgiveness in the setting of a family drama, Shakespeare’s romance follows King Leontes, his paranoia of his wife’s infidelity, and the consequences that follow.
The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
The Taming of the Shrew was one of the first of Shakespeare’s plays to ever be produced here, in 1962, and was performed most recently in 2015. This is the eleventh time this Shakespeare play has been shared with Festival audiences. Full of deception and disguise, Petruchio attempts to tame the wild Katherina into being an obedient wife. Suitors attempt to win her sister Bianca’s hand in marriage, but can only do so if Katherina weds first.
IN THE RANDALL L. JONES THEATRE
Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing has been produced seven times, most recently in 2016. Shakespeare’s popular comedy centers around two romantic pairings and the ways in which we can deceive each other, ourselves, and be both opposed and open to love through it all.
The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the Novel by John Buchan
From the Movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Original Concept by Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble
Returning by popular demand, The 39 Steps was last seen at the Festival in 2010. This humorous play follows an innocent man accused of a crime who must clear his name. A fast-paced “whodunit” comedy with only four actors, the play balances both suspense and nonstop comedy, with a little splash of romance.
IN THE EILEEN AND ALLEN ANES STUDIO THEATRE
Silent Sky
by Lauren Gunderson
This is the first time the Festival has produced Silent Sky. Following astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, this play explores what a women’s place in society was during a time of scientific discoveries in the 19th century. Including themes of gender equality and work/life balance, this play is one for the times – even though it takes place over one hundred years ago.
The Mountaintop
By Katori Hall
The Mountaintop has never before seen Festival stages. Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., audience members watch as he is forced to confront both his mortality, and the future of his people. Although fictional, the play shows themes of being a figurehead versus a private human.
For details or to order, visit our website at bard.org or call the ticket office at 800-PLAYTIX.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival: What's On
Starting June 21, the Utah Shakespeare Festival will offer over three months of enchanting productions. Running Monday-Saturday and offering four different shows daily on most days, along with a free nightly Greenshow, there’s ample opportunity to believe in the power of theatre and attend this season.
In the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre:
Seating over 900 patrons in a lovely outdoor space, our Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre is the ultimate place to enjoy a night of theatre. The classic Elizabethan-inspired architecture offers an unforgettable experience of watching Shakespeare under the stars––literally. We can’t wait for you to see our very own replica, boasting impressive similarity to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s luxurious tale of fairies, dreams, and finding love. This popular comedy features actors Topher Embrey as Bottom and Cassandra Bissell as Hippolyta/Titania.
Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare’s most popular and tragic tale of “star-cross’d lovers" featuring Ty Fanning as Romeo and Naiya McCalla as Juliet.
In The Randall L. Jones Theatre:
The Randall is an indoor modern theatre, offering a comfortable theatrical experience––no matter the weather. Built to expand the Festival’s productions to musicals and more, the theatre was dedicated in 1989 and is named after a Cedar City native, known as the father of tourism in the area.
Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical is a charming and enduring love story featuring Allie Babich as the vivacious Emma and Rhett Guter as Mr. George Knightley.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious, chaotic, and ill-fated play-within-a-play featuring Chris Mixon as Dennis and Melinda Parrett as Annie.
A Raisin in the Sun is a theatrical masterpiece that breaks down racial barriers and addresses hope and the American dream, featuring Corey Jones as Walter Lee Younger and Kayland Jordan as Ruth Younger.
The Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre:
This intimate theatre was designed to produce smaller-scaled shows for the Festival and is home for our new plays program, highlighting the “Shakespeares of tomorrow.” Seating approximately 200 guests, the theatre is designed as a flexible space, with audience members this season surrounding three sides of the stage to ensure there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens explores wealth, friendship, and the foibles of a materialistic society. The Festival has only produced this play once before, thirty years ago. It features Elijah Alexander as Timon and Jasmine Bracey as Lucullus.
Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s rarely-produced plays that focuses on themes of ambition, family, love, and power. James Ryen will play the hot-headed Coriolanus, with Sheila Tousey as Volumnia.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2023 season, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.
Follow us on Instagram (@utahshakespeare) and Facebook (Utah Shakespeare Festival) to stay up-to-date on announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and more!
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Education Courses at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the exciting world of the Utah Shakespeare Festival! Our education courses, designed for theatre enthusiasts, educators, aspiring actors, and students, offer a unique learning experience. Here are some common queries about our courses to help you understand what we offer:
1. Who are these education courses for?
Our education courses cater to a broad audience. They are designed for aspiring actors honing their skills, educators seeking professional development and continuing education credits, theatre lovers keen to deepen their understanding of theatrical arts, and students looking for a hands-on experience in a world-class professional theatre setting.
2. What types of courses does the Utah Shakespeare Festival offer?
The festival offers a variety of courses, both online and in-person. These include online courses designed to enrich the theatre experience, in-person professional development for educators, and sleep-away summer camps for youth offering practical, hands-on experience.
3. What added value can I get from my Festival experience by taking these courses?
By participating in these courses, you can gain an in-depth understanding of theatre, engage with artists, and earn continuing education credits. These continuing education credits are granted through Southern Utah University, and transfer to other states. Our courses offer an elevated Festival experience by introducing a variety of perspectives and lenses through which to view live theatre, and opportunities for educators to enrich their teaching practice through intensive 3-day professional development courses at the Festival. Furthermore, our summer camps offer an immersive theatre experience, including interactions with professional actors, designers, and technicians, and the opportunity to perform in a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.
4. What is the goal of the online courses?
Our online courses aim to enrich your theatre experience, whether you’re earning continuing education credits or simply broadening your knowledge. Each module encourages learners to view theatre through the perspective of different types of artists, offering insights into the many art forms involved in theatre production. Participants will have access to exclusive interviews with artists and company members, and interactive discussions where you can post your ideas and thoughts.
5. How flexible are these online courses?
Our courses are self-paced, allowing you to move through them at your own speed. They are built around attending performances at the Festival, and can be accessed at any time during the season.
7. What kind of interaction can I expect in these online courses?
All participants will receive individualized feedback and comments from the education director, Katherine Norman.
8. What are the in-person educator courses like?
We offer four in-person courses for educators here at the Festival. Come spend an intensive three or four days with a small group of like-minded teachers and dive into topics like theatre tech, teaching Shakespeare, or using theatre as a method for teaching multiple subjects. All in-person courses include attending performances together!
9. What opportunities does the festival offer for students?
Our summer camps are perfect for students ages 12-18 seeking to develop their theatre skills and interact with professional actors, designers, and technicians. The camps offer hands-on experience in a world-class professional theatre setting, including performing in a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. We offer both day camps and sleep-away camps, designed to cater to students’ different needs and preferences.
10. How can I enroll in these online courses and find more information about the summer camps?
Enrollment details for online courses and detailed information about the summer camps are available here.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival’s educational courses offer an enriching and immersive experience, whether you’re an educator, a theatre lover, or an aspiring actor. We invite you to join us and deepen your appreciation and understanding of the theatrical arts.
10 Reasons the 2023 Season at the Utah Shakespeare Festival is the Most Exciting Yet!
By Liz Armstrong
Next week we welcome audiences for the 2023 Season, starting with a Romeo and Juliet preview on June 21. The Festival offers over four months of live theatre, running Monday-Saturday. Most days, there are four different shows along with a free nightly Greenshow that plays into September. There’s ample opportunity to attend this season and share in our belief in the power of theater.
The lineup for the 2023 season includes: Romeo and Juliet (officially opening June 23), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (opening June 24), A Raisin in the Sun (opening June 29), Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical (opening July 1), The Play That Goes Wrong (opening July 4), Timon of Athens (opening July 17), and Coriolanus (opening July 18).
Here are some fun facts that make this sixty-second season extra special:
- Last time the Festival produced Romeo and Juliet was in 2017. Betsy Mugavero played Juliet, and now, six years later, she is directing the very same play. For the beloved Festival actor, this is a very full-circle moment.
- Former Festival actor Geoffrey Kent has returned to make his directorial debut with The Play That Goes Wrong. Previously at the Festival, Kent was an actor in Treasure Island, Shakespeare in Love, As You Like It, Othello, and more.
- Lisa Peterson is also making her directorial debut at the Festival with Timon of Athens and Coriolanus. She is a two-time OBIE Award-winner for her productions of An Iliad and Light Shining in Buckinghamshire. Her most recent production, Good Night, Oscar starring Sean Hayes, is currently on Broadway. Winning Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his role as Oscar, Hayes said, “Half of my performance I owe to Lisa Peterson, the director. She’s phenomenal.”
- Actor Elijah Alexander, known for his role as Atticus Aemilius in The Chosen TV series, will be Timon in Timon of Athens and Tullus Aufidius/Roman Citizen in Coriolanus. Don’t miss out; tickets are going fast!
- Speaking of Timon of Athens, the last––and only––time the Festival has produced this play was 30 years ago!
- This is the first time the Festival is producing A Raisin in the Sun and The Play That Goes Wrong.
- The famous tarts are made fresh locally, directly from Park Place Eatery. What’s better than enjoying a tart at a free 30-minute Greenshow this summer?
- A lot of hard work goes into a repertory theater to produce seven shows in a season, and so the number of staff and company members rise exponentially during the season. From a year-round staff of 25 members, the Festival employs a seasonal staff of over 300 from June to October.
- This is the first time that both plays in the Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre have both been works of Shakespeare. 1992 was the first time four of the Bard’s plays were produced, and since then, the number of Shakespeare’s plays have always fluctuated between three and four. This season, the Festival boasts four, with Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coriolanus, and Timon of Athens.
- This is the eleventh time the Festival has produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the ninth time Romeo and Juliet has been produced.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2023 season, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.
Educational Opportunities at the Festival
Shakespeare himself once said, “Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.” What better way to gain knowledge than to take an educational class here at the Festival?
There are a variety of courses, targeted toward aspiring actors as well as teachers and simply those who want to get more out of their attendance at the Festival’s shows. These interactive courses allow lovers of the arts to explore the world of theatre while gaining valuable skills and insights.
For Anyone:
NOTE: These classes aren’t just for educators, but for anyone who loves Shakespeare and wants to learn more. The more, the merrier!
SHAKESPEARE SURVEY
June 21 - October 7, 2023
Tuition: $130 (does not include play tickets)
Registration closes August 12, 2023.
Credits: 1 SUU Professional Development credit
Shakespeare Survey is a self-paced, individualized-learning course available anytime throughout the Festival season. Educators of all kinds receive SUU professional development credit for attendance at two plays, pre-show orientations, post-show seminars, and completion of online course materials. For general patrons, participating in the course will provide an elevated Festival experience by introducing a variety of lenses and broadened perspectives through which to view live theatre. Play tickets must be purchased separately. Click here to register.
SHAKESPEARE FORUM
June 21 - October 7, 2023
Tuition: $260 (does not include play tickets)
Registration closes October August 12, 2023.
Credits: 2 SUU Professional Development credits
Shakespeare Forum is a self-paced, individualized-learning course available anytime throughout the Festival season. Educators of all kinds receive SUU professional development credit for attendance at four plays, pre-show orientations, post-show seminars, and completion of online course materials. For general patrons, participating in the course will provide an elevated festival experience by introducing a variety of lenses and broadened perspectives through which to view live theatre. Play tickets must be purchased separately. Click here to register.
SHAKESPEARE SEMINAR
June 21 - October 7, 2023
Tuition: $300 (does not include play tickets)
Registration closes October August 12, 2023.
Credits: 3 SUU Professional Development credits
Shakespeare Seminar is a self-paced, individualized-learning course available anytime throughout the Festival season. Educators of all kinds receive SUU professional development credit for attendance at six plays, pre-show orientations, post-show seminars, and completion of online course materials. For general patrons, participating in the course will provide an elevated festival experience by introducing a variety of lenses and broadened perspectives through which to view live theatre. Play tickets must be purchased separately. Click here to register.
For Educators:
THEATRE METHOD FOR THE CLASSROOM—ELEMENTARY
June 28-30, 2023
Age: Educators in Elementary setting
Tuition: $300 (includes 3 play tickets)
Registration closes June 26, 2023.
Credits: 3 SUU Professional Development credits
Register here.
THEATRE METHODS FOR THE CLASSROOM—SECONDARY
July 5-7, 2023
Age: Educators in Secondary setting
Tuition: $300 (includes 3 play tickets)
Registration closes June 23, 2023.
Credits: 3 SUU Professional Development credits
Register here.
These professional development courses explore methods of developing and implementing drama as a method of teaching across varied curricula. The course will provide an introduction to the philosophy, methodology, and practice of drama as pedagogy based on current neurological, psychological, and sociological research. Tuition includes classroom materials, special sessions with Festival actors, and tickets to three plays.
TEACHING SHAKESPEARE
July 17-20, 2023
Tuition: $300 (includes 4 play tickets)
Registration closes July 7, 2023.
Credits: 3 SUU Professional Development credits
Teaching Shakespeare is aimed at providing active and engaging classroom approaches for language arts teachers and others who teach Shakespeare’s text. The class will help you get out from behind the desk and explore theatre techniques to hook student engagement with Shakespeare’s text. Tuition includes tickets to four plays. Register here.
TECH FOR TEACHERS
July 24-26, 2023
Tuition: $300 (includes 3 play tickets and the opportunity to watch post-production changeovers)
Registration closes July 14, 2023.
Credits: 3 SUU Professional Development credits
An essential professional development course for any educator or director! Learn the secrets and acquire the tools necessary to present a play from the technician’s point of view. Festival technicians create a hands-on learning experience of designing, building, and running a production. Tuition includes tickets to three plays, plus the opportunity to watch post-production changeovers. Register here.
The 2023 season of the Utah Shakespeare Festival runs from June 21 to October 7 and includes Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, A Raisin in the Sun, The Play That Goes Wrong, Timon of Athens, and Coriolanus, as well as all the experiences surrounding the plays, such as The Greenshow, seminars, orientations, and backstage tours. Tickets and information are available by calling 800-PLAYTIX or visiting bard.org.