USF Announces New Facilities Director
By Katie Neves, guest writer
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce Michael Stewart as our new Facilities Director. With a wealth of experience in public service and a passion for the arts, Stewart is poised to revitalize the Festival’s facilities, ensuring they remain inviting, safe, and comfortable for everyone who visits.
Originally from Cedar City, Stewart spent most of his life in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, where he served for more than twenty years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. After retiring in 2022, his family spent a year in Estes Park, Colorado, before returning to Cedar City last year. “This journey has brought me back to my roots,” said Stewart, “and I’m excited to be back in a community that holds so much significance for me.”
A love of Shakespeare and high-quality productions drew Stewart to the Festival: “The opportunity to engage with classic texts in a vibrant, collaborative setting was incredibly appealing to me.” It’s the collaboration element that he looks forward to the most; noting that a theater environment provides a unique opportunity for teamwork and creativity. Stewart said, “I love the way theater brings people together to share stories and evoke emotions, creating a sense of community. Being part of a production means being part of something bigger than myself, and I find that incredibly fulfilling.”
As the Facilities Director, Stewart will oversee the maintenance of the entire Festival complex, from its three theaters, its gift shops, offices, and everything in between. The day-to-day upkeep and operations of the Festival is under his jurisdiction; he’ll ensure that the Festival remains safe, functional, and clean for patrons and staff to enjoy year-round. He also oversees the Festival’s compliance to safety and accessibility standards, and plans long-term improvements and upgrades that will keep the Festival facilities state-of-the-art for years to come.
Among the many projects ahead of him, Stewart is especially excited about the opportunity to implement environmentally-friendly practices, aiming to boost energy efficiency and reduce the Festival’s ecological footprint. Additionally, Stewart’s team is beginning inspections at Windsor Court apartments, preparing and renovating them for the 2025 seasonal employees. “By addressing these updates proactively,” he said, “we aim to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone who will be staying there.”
Stewart is dedicated to fostering a creative and collaborative environment at the Festival. He is eager to contribute to a vibrant community that understands the value of the arts. “Joining the Utah Shakespeare Festival means being surrounded by passionate artists and dedicated professionals who share a love for theatre and storytelling,” he said. “Overall, I am thrilled to be part of a team that is committed to artistic excellence and enriching the cultural landscape.”
