Utah Shakespeare Festival Invites Local Community to Open House
By Kathryn Neves, guest writer
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is inviting local community members and partners to a Community Open House at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts on April 22 from 4-6 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre lobby and patio (at approximately 300 West and Shakespeare Lane).
Intended to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Festival, guests will tour the theaters, learn about the Festival’s history, and discover what it takes to put on a professional theatrical season. Guests will also get a sneak peak into the 2025 lineup and see the artistic vision behind each production.
“This event aligns with one of the key strategic goals of the organization: Community,” says Artistic Director John DiAntonio. “Our organizational goal states: ‘We will strengthen the connection to our stakeholders and cultivate a culture of co-ownership by investing in new and existing relationships, affirming key partnerships, engaging in constructive conversations, and respecting differences.”
Community-building has always been an integral part of the Festival’s mission and purpose. This year’s open house coincides with another beloved community event during school day hours on April 21-23: Bard’s Birthday Bash. Each year, the Festival invites young students in the Iron County School District to the Festival grounds to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and discover the joy and value in his work.
Beginning under the leadership of former Education Director, now Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr, students rotate through five party stations: jousting, performance, court dancing, mask making, and birthday cake with Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespeare since the Bard’s birthday is April 23. “We get to welcome thousands of young students to the Beverley Center, introduce them to our theaters, and have them perform text from Shakespeare’s plays,” said Education Director Stewart Shelley. “It’s a lighthearted and fun way to learn a wee bit about the Bard, his plays, his time, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.”
While Bard’s Birthday Bash is exclusively for students K-5, all community members are welcome to come to this year’s open house anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. on April 22. “We want to be a great community partner and invite our friends, neighbors, businesses, and anyone who’s interested to learn more about who we are and what we do,” said Shelley. “We want every resident of Cedar City and Enoch to get excited about the upcoming 2025 season. There will even be birthday cake!”
“If you’ve never been to the Festival but are curious to learn more, or if you’ve been coming for years and want to get to know us on a deeper level, this is a fantastic time to visit!” said DiAntonio. “Stop by; bring the whole family or come solo; all are welcome. We can’t wait to meet you.”
