Macbeth: A Scottish Play for a Scottish King

By Kathryn Neves

The year was 1606. Queen Elizabeth I had died three years earlier, and a brand new king sat on England’s throne––James I: the same individual known as James VI of Scotland, the son of a well-known English traitor, and a man paranoid about political assassinations, coups, and—of all things—witchcraft.

Shakespeare had done well under Elizabeth; she was a well-known patron of theater, and his company had flourished under her reign. By the time of her death, they’d become popular enough to attract the attention of the new king—an opportunity that left Shakespeare’s troupe more profitable than ever. In 1603 they became the King’s Men: King James was their official patron. Now all they had to do was stay on the king’s good side.

To that end, Shakespeare wrote a play tailor-made to cater to all of James’ interests; a Scottish play for a Scottish King. The result was one of the great masterpieces of the English language. 

Gunpowder Plot Paranoia

At the time Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, James was reeling from a major assassination attempt: the Gunpowder Plot. A group of Roman Catholics, tired of religious persecution, viewed James as a tyrant—and they wanted to get rid of him. They planned to blow up the House of Lords while James and other powerful nobles were all together in one place, then establish James’ 9-year-old daughter on the throne. However, after an anonymous tip, authorities found Guy Fawkes with dozens of barrels of gunpowder, leading to the arrest and execution of all the conspirators.

With this in mind, Shakespeare wrote a political thriller all about a man who assassinates a king. Macbeth conspires with his wife to murder King Duncan in his sleep, as part of a plot to place himself on Scotland’s throne. But Shakespeare doesn’t let Macbeth get away with it. Instead of ruling peacefully, the Macbeths are crippled by guilt, fear, and their own ambition. They spiral deep into madness and evil. And at the very end of the play, Macbeth dies and his head is paraded around Scotland.

A clear and visceral message for anyone considering regicide.

Besides the general theme of political assassination, scholars have found a few specific references inside Macbeth. One of these is the practice of equivocation. Equivocation is the practice of concealing the truth without lying; it’s a way to confuse, misdirect, and obfuscate. The Gunpowder Plotters all famously used equivocation in their defense. 

You can see equivocation all throughout Macbeth; especially with the Weird Sisters. “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him,” they tell him, without mentioning that soldiers will carry branches from the forest when they march on the castle. “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth,” they tell him—not revealing that Macbeth’s mortal enemy was born via C-section. 

The famous porter scene contains an even more specific reference to the Gunpowder Plot. Rambling to himself, the porter brings up an equivocator: “Faith, here’s an equivocator that could swear in both the scales against either scale, who committed treason enough for God’s sake yet could not equivocate to heaven.” In the same passage the porter refers to a hanged farmer. One of the more famous Gunpowder conspirators was named Henry Garnet—and he used “Farmer” as an alias. Of all the conspirators, he was the most famous for his equivocating defense.

The Gunpowder Plot was the big news of the day, and Shakespeare’s audiences would definitely have picked up on the references—especially King James.

King James’ (Fictional) Ancestor

Macbeth, while mostly fictional, is loosely based on accounts of a historical Scottish king. Various parts of the play come from Hollinshed’s Chronicles—including key characters like Lady Macbeth, the Weird Sisters, and Banquo. It was later proven that these last two were fictional, but during Shakespeare’s time, everyone thought they were real. Banquo was especially interesting; people—including the king—believed that Banquo was a direct ancestor of James I—and, therefore, proof that the Stuart line had a solid claim to Scotland’s throne.

Knowing this, Shakespeare included Banquo in the play, and even took it a step farther; he made Banquo into a heroic and tragic figure. In Hollinshed’s Chronicles, Banquo was listed as a co-conspirator in Duncan’s murder. Shakespeare, though, needed King James to like him; so he made James’ (fictional) ancestor into a sympathetic victim of the Macbeths’ ambition.

An Obsession with Witchcraft

Of all the Macbeth elements Shakespeare wrote for James, the most interesting is definitely the witchcraft. The Weird Sisters, and the chaos they bring, turn Macbeth from a standard tragedy into a horror. 

The play opens with the Weird Sisters plotting to meet Macbeth, and just a few scenes later they seal his fate. They prophesy he’ll be king, and later entice him with a terrifying ritual and more dangerous prophecies—all of which lead to his eventual death. While the Weird Sisters do appear in some historical accounts, Shakespeare’s versions are tailor-made for King James. They take front and center in the play, and they provide the driving force of the conflict. This was all meant to appeal to the king—who had a strong obsession with witchcraft.

James’ interest in witches dates back to an incident from 1590. While travelling on the seas, James’ ship was suddenly caught in a massive tempest, and almost sank. James was convinced that the stormy weather was actually supernatural—a targeted attack from nearby witches. His paranoia resulted in the North Berwick witch trials. Under torture, the suspected women “confessed” to using witchcraft, and ultimately around 70 people were executed.

James’ fascination with witches eventually led him to write Daemonologie—a book all about witchcraft, demons, and the supernatural. He tried to prove the existence of witchcraft, and even included some rituals and incantations—which the Weird Sisters end up performing in Macbeth.

A Timeless Classic

Four centuries later, the connection between James I and Macbeth is mostly just trivia for scholars and hardcore Bard lovers. The real excitement comes from the play itself. With terrifying characters, beautiful language, and an edge-of-your-seat plot, there’s a reason Macbeth is considered one of Shakespeare’s best. 

Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible show. Directed by USF Artistic Director John DiAntonio, and starring returning actors Walter Kmiec as Macbeth and Cassandra Bissell as Lady Macbeth; this season’s production will have you coming back “tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.”

For tickets or more information, visit bard.org.

Utah Shakespeare Festival and Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games Come Together to Celebrate

The Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games are excited to announce a new collaboration for 2025. Both organizations are hosted on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, and are popular destinations for theatre and sports enthusiasts from throughout the state and region. 

Both organizations have existed independently for decades as departments of Southern Utah University. However, this year is the first time in both of their storied histories where the two departments are strategically working together to enhance the experience of both groups’ participants and guests. 

“Both institutions––the Festival and the Games––were created by visionaries, Fred C. Adams and Gerald R. Sherratt,” says Festival Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “Their vision was always about bringing people together in a communal celebration of art and sport. How wonderfully poetic that their vision is being strengthened through this collaboration.” 

USG is excited to invite Festival patrons to visit Cedar City for their Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 8:00 pm in the SUU Eccles Coliseum. It will feature music from Neon Circus––a Brooks and Dunn tribute band, the largest fireworks display in USG history, and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit utahsummergames.org.

Likewise, the Festival is pleased to invite USG participants and their families to experience their award-winning live theatre while in Cedar City. Celebrate “Utah Summer Games Night at the Festival” on Thursday, June 26, with two free tickets and up to four half-price tickets to that night’s performance of Macbeth at 8 p.m. in the outdoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre. Athletes can reserve their complimentary tickets by calling 800-PLAYTIX or by visiting the Festival Ticket Office in person (after June 2, when the public windows open), and must either be wearing their USG athlete t-shirt or have proof of USG registration when picking up their tickets. 

“It is an honor to collaborate with the Utah Shakespeare Festival on an initiative to involve our participants with the Tony Award-winning programming of the Festival,” said Jon Oglesby, Executive Director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games. “We are grateful to our campus colleagues Michael Bahr, John DiAntonio, and members of their teams for creating a special experience to merge art and sport in a unique way.”

In addition while in Cedar City, USG participants are invited to also attend The Greenshow––a free, 30-minute family-friendly Festival pre-show––which plays each evening Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. on the outdoor Greenshow stage. On “Utah Summer Games Night at the Festival,” the theme will be Scottish Highland Games, a perfect complement to the USG athletic experience.

To experience even more Festival, USG athletes and their families can return and get additional tickets throughout the season. From June 26 through August 23 enjoy 10% off, or a special 50% off discount from August 25 through October 3 (excluding closing performances). 

Please visit bard.org/about/utah-summer-games-2025 for more information. 

The Festival’s 64th season runs June 16 through October 4, and includes Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, and As You Like It, along with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Oscar Wilde’s popular satire The Importance of Being Earnest, the touching and hilarious Steel Magnolias, and the WWII love story Dear Jack, Dear Louise.

The Festival Announces the Cast of The Greenshow

The Festival is pleased to announce this year’s cast of The Greenshow. As a beloved part of the Festival Experience, The Greenshow features performers who sing, dance, tell stories, and interact with the audience during this free 30-minute, family-friendly pre-show on the outdoor Greenshow stage. 

Written and directed by Britannia Howe, it plays every night, Monday through Saturday, from June 16 through September 6, and rotates between three lively themes. Additionally, on July 18 and August 2, The Greenshow will feature music, stories, and cultural dance by the Paiute Tribe of Utah.

“This summer, I’m really excited that The Greenshow lawn will come alive again with these bold and entertaining nights under the open sky!” says Howe. “The Highland Games are storming The Greenshow with bagpipes, brawny feats of strength, flying sheep, and tug-o-war. Then, Mariners Greenshow docks with sea shanties, sirens, sailor antics, and a hilariously reimagined Roman tragedy aboard a ship-shaped stage. Finally, Mountain Wilderness Greenshow offers a love letter to the American West—filled with folk songs, audience line dances, soaring parachutes, and the magic of falling in love for the first time beneath a big, endless sky. I’m excited to begin working with this talented cast and our design team’s incredible concepts. Please join us for music and mischief.”

This design team includes Scenic Designer Ben Hohman, Costume Designer Diana Girtain, Music Directors Brandon Grayson and Andrew Flasch, Voice/Speech/Text Coach Jeremy Sortore, Choreographer Trey Plutnicki, Fight/Intimacy Director Jason Spelbring, and Stage Manager Grace Porter.  

The cast features nearly all new-to-the Festival actors:

Zac Barnaby is returning, as a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Last season, he made his debut as Lord/Mariner/Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale and a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Other credits include Jason in Falsettos, Snoopy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Ricky Potts in Ride the Cyclone, and more at Southern Utah University where he is currently studying for a BFA in musical theatre. 

Taya Christiansen is new this season and will be seen as a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater at Southern Utah University and has performed in Ride the Cyclone, The Wolves, and Sweet Charity. She is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program, a partnership program between the Festival and SUU.

Austin Fronk is debuting this summer, as a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. At Southern Utah University, he played Jason in Medea, Lucius in Julius Caesar, McCluskey in Roe, and Chip Tolentino in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee while studying for a BFA in Musical Theatre. He also received Improv Actor of the Year from Ridgeline Theatre Society and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

Pixie Isabel Merkley is making her debut at the Festival as a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. She is currently pursuing her BA in Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University where she has performed in The Secret Garden and The Wolves, as well as in Annie with St. George Musical Theatre. She is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

AJ Newbury is new to the Festival and will appear as a Featured Performer in The Greenshow.. As a student at Southern Utah University, he has played Oscar in Sweet Charity, Mischa in Ride the Cyclone, and Tuzenbach in Three Sisters. He also performed at Village Theatre SIP as Jimmy Ray in Bright Star, received Outstanding Leading Actor by 5th Ave Awards, and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

Mikki Pagdonsolan is debuting at the Festivalas a Featured Performer in The Greenshow. She has performed at Nocturne Theatre, Musical Theatre West, CSU Fullerton, and more. Other credits include performing with Filipino American Symphony Orchestra and being a chorus member for Do You Hear the People Sing? Music of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and More at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic. She has a BM in vocal performance and BA in business administration from CSU Fullerton. 

The Festival’s 64th season begins June 16 and runs through October 4. Get your tickets today at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of The Importance of Being Earnest

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the cast of this season’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. This is only the third time the play is hitting Festival stages, with the first being 35 years ago in 1990, and the most recent production in 2003. Oscar Wilde’s light-hearted comedy has been called by critics “one of the funniest play ever written,” drawing on satire to explore themes of class, deception, and romantic relationships. 

“The Importance of Being Earnest is truly Shakespearean in its theatrical devices of mistaken identities, secret engagements, and lover entanglements. I’m thrilled to pair this piece with such an eclectic theatrical season at the Festival and cannot wait for audiences to experience this rapid fire comedy of wits and manners,” says Director Rodney Lizcano, who audiences may remember as Gremio in last season’s The Taming of the Shrew and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing.

Lead production staff working with Lizcano are Scenic Designer Jo Winiarski, Costume Designer Bill Black, Lighting Designer Jessica Greenberg, Sound Designer/Composer Scott O’Brien, Voice/Text/Dialect Coach Gwendolyn Schwinke, Fight/Intimacy Director Jason Spelbring, and Stage Manager Terence Orleans Alexander.  

The cast is as follows: 

Katie Drinkard is debuting at the Festival, as Gwendolen Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest. She has performed at The Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, The Denver Center, and more. Other credits include an audiobook narration of Trained to Protect. Drinkard received a BFA in musical theatre from Ithaca College and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Luke Sidney Johnson is returning, as Lane/Merriman in The Importance of Being Earnest. Last season, he understudied Leontes in The Winter’s Tale and Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. He has also been in Romeo and Juliet, The Sound of Music, and Sweeney Todd at the Festival. He has performed at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, and Playmill Theatre. Johnson received a BFA in musical theatre from Southern Utah University. 

Valerie Martire is returning, as Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest. Previous roles at the Festival include Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing and Bianca/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. She has been in productions of Mauritius, The Wolves, and Appropriate at Illinois Wesleyan University, where Martire also received a BFA. Awards include Best Actress in an Indie Film (Top Shorts 2023).

Frank Oden is debuting at the Festival as Rev. Dr. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest. He has performed at Shakespeare in the Wild, The Arvada Center, Boulder Ensemble Theater Company, and much more. Other credits include touring as a solo artist for Poetry in Concert and receiving the Denver Drama Critics Award for Best New Play. Publications include Plays and Musicals: Holly Alaska!, Easy Money, The Winter Rose, and more. Oden has a BA in theater from Arizona State University. 

Christopher Joel Onken is debuting at the Festival as Jack Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest. He has been on Broadway in The Inheritance and off-Broadway in The Inn at Lydda. Onken has performed at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and Theater at Monmouth to name a few. Television credits include FBI on CBS. He has a BA in theatre from Clemson University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

Melinda Parrett is returning to the Festival as Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest. Previous roles at the Festival include Beatrice In Much Ado About Nothing, Miss Bates in Jane Austen’s Emma the Musical, Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong, and many more. Parrett just finished the Broadway National Tour and Madison Square Garden performances of Annie with Whoopi Goldberg. She has also performed at The Denver Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Geva Theatre, and more. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Rob Riordan is returning to the Festival as Algernon Moncrieff in The Importance of Being Earnest. Previous roles at the Festival include Ellard in The Foreigner and Huck Finn in Big River. He has performed off-Broadway in Vermont and Sea Gull. Other acting credits include those at TUTS Houston, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Geva Theater Center, and more. Film credits include roles in Concessions, The Surprise Visit, The Rebels of PT-218, and more. He received the award of Best Actor in The Surprise Visit from the San Diego Art Film Festival and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Sarah Shippobotham is returning, as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Previous roles at the Festival include Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky,  Duchess of York in Richard III and multiple roles in Pericles to name a few. She recently wrote and performed in the world premiere of the one-woman show Can I Say Yes to That Dress at Salt Lake Acting Company. She has worked as a voice and dialect coach at the Shaw Festival for eighteen years and as a dialect coach at Pioneer Theatre Company. She received her education at the Royal Central School of Music and Drama in London and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales.

The 2025 season runs June 16 through October 4. Tickets are on sale now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of Dear Jack, Dear Louise 

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to share the cast of Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig in the intimate Anes Studio Theatre this summer. This two-person play will be directed by Michael Perlman and previews July 11, 2025. 

“Ken Ludwig’s dramatization of his own parents’ unconventional love story evokes so many relationships that come to be, despite all odds against them,” says Perlman. “His gem of a play reminds us that the most important parts of our lives are our relationships, and the ways in which those connections help us move through even the most challenging obstacles. I’m thrilled that not only do we get to share this with audiences this summer, but that we get to do so featuring two of my favorite actors, who bring this play to life in the most heartfelt and hilarious ways.”

The lead artistic staff working with Perlman are Scenic Designer Ben Hohman, Costume Designer Jeff Lieder, Lighting Designer Scott Bolman, Sound Designer/Composer Melanie Chen Cole, and Stage Manager Caleb Thomas Cook.  

The Festival is excited to announce this real-life husband-and-wife cast as:

John Diantonio returns, as Jack in Dear Jack, Dear Louise. Previously at the Festival he performed as Petruchio in last season’s The Taming of the Shrew. His work has also been seen at Denver Center Theatre Company, Creede Repertory Theatre, Arvada Center, and Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, in addition to many others. He received his MFA in Acting from National Theatre Conservatory, classical acting training at the British American Drama Academy, and improvisation training with The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. He is the Festival’s artistic director and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  

Caitlin Wise also returns, as Louise in Dear Jack, Dear Louise. She played the roles of Kate in last season’s The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia in The Winter’s Tale. She has also performed with Arvada Center, Theatreworks, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Creede Repertory Theatre, among numerous others. She received her MFA from National Theatre Conservatory and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

The 2025 season runs June 16 through October 4. Get your tickets now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of Macbeth

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the cast of this season’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre. Last produced at the Festival in 2019, this will be the ninth production during its 64-year history and it will be directed by Festival Artistic Director John DiAntonio. 

“It’s not everyday the supernatural, raw heart, and edge-of-your-seat battles collide in one play. I cannot wait to share with audiences the tragic story, the blood, the witches, and the haunting language of Shakespeare’s Macbeth,” says DiAntonio.

The lead artistic staff designing this play’s world are Scenic Designer Apollo Mark Weaver, Costume Designer Lauren T. Roark, Lighting Designer Shannon McKinney, Sound Designer/Composer Lindsay Jones, Music Director Andrew Flasch, Voice/Speech/Text Coach Jeremy Sortore, Dramaturg Isabel Smith-Bernstein, Choreographer Trey Plutnicki, Fight Director Geoffrey Kent, Intimacy Coordinator Sacha Comrie, and Stage Manager Martinique M. Barthel.  

This play features both new and returning cast members and is as follows:

Lavour Addison is making his debut at the Festival, playing Macduff in Macbeth. He has also worked at Long Wharf Theatre; Idaho, Lake Tahoe, and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals, Cleveland Playhouse, and Creede Repertory Theatre. He received his MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  

Cassandra Bissell returns for her fifth season at the Festival, this time playing Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. She has acted regionally at the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, and Cleveland Playhouse, among many others. She earned a BA in Gender Studies from University of Chicago and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.    

Evelyn Carol Case is returning to the Festival, as a Weird Sister in Macbeth. Previous roles at the Festival include Verges/Attendant in Much Ado About Nothing, Brandon/Patience/Celebrant in Henry VIII, Mrs. Bates/Ensemble in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and more. She has appeared onstage with Prague Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Orange County, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Laguna Playhouse, and ten seasons as a resident artist with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Emma Cox is new to the Festival, playing Gentlewoman/Minion in Macbeth. She has appeared in Southern Utah University’s Julius Caesar as Brutus, Roe as Sarah Weddington, Twelfth Night as Malvolio, and Cloud 9 and Maud/Victoria. She received a BFA in Acting and a BS in History at SUU and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

Gabriel W. Elmore debuts this season, as Donalbain/Soldier (Menteith)/Minion in Macbeth. He has appeared with Quintessence Theatre Group, InterAct Theatre Company, and Delaware Theatre Company, among others. He was also in the film Alice Heart and taught at Temple University where he received his MFA in Acting.

Austin Fronk is debuting this summer, as Macbeth’s Servant/Soldier/English Soldier/Youth Apparition/Minion. At Southern Utah University, he played Jason in Medea, Lucius in Julius Caesar, McCluskey in Roe, and Chip Tolentino in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee while studying for a BFA in Musical Theatre. He also received Improv Actor of the Year from Ridgeline Theatre Society and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

Blake Henri returns for his third season, playing Porter/Seyton/Minion in Macbeth. He was previously seen at the Festival in The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Raisin in the Sun. He has worked at the American Shakespeare Center; the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa; Cleveland Playhouse, and Dallas Theatre Center, among many others. He has appeared in numerous television shows such as HBO’s Love and Death and The Chosen, as well as the films American Underdog and Great Plains. He holds a BFA from University of Oklahoma.   

Elijah Eliakim Hernandez is debuting on the Festival’s mainstage as Young Siward/Soldier/Murderer/Minion in Macbeth. They just returned from tour with the Festival’s Shakespeare in the School production of Henry IV as Hotspur and have performed with Tennessee and Wisconsin Shakespeare Companies. They earned a BA in Theatre Performances from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.    

Kayland Jordan returns to the Festival, as a Weird Sister in Macbeth. She previously performed in A Raisin in the Sun and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2023. She has also acted off-Broadway and at Theatre SilCo and American Stage Theatre Company, among many others. She has appeared in HBO’s Betty, ABC’s Emergence and The Brides, and in the films Gap Year and Keep Me At Bay. She is a resident teaching artist at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, earned a BFA in Acting from Pace University, and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Geoffrey Kent returns for his sixth season, as Lennox/Murderer in Macbeth. Last season he played Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale and Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII. He has also been seen in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare in Love, Treasure Island, and Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). He spent fourteen seasons with Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and multiple seasons with The Denver Center, as well as time at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Arvada Center, and American Shakespeare Center. He has taught at University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and ASOLO MFA. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.     

Walter Kmiec is returning for his second season, as Macbeth in Macbeth. He previously portrayed Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Norfolk in Henry VIII. He has also worked at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, and People’s Improv Theater, among others. He has taught at Stetson University and Florida State University, where he received an MFA in Directing. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Kat Lee returns for her fifth season, as a Weird Sister in Macbeth. She was seen last season as Margaret Leavitt in Silent Sky, as well as in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical and as the Narrator in the 2023 tour of Every Briliant Thing, among others. She has also appeared at Denver Center, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, and Lyric Repertory Company. She received the Festival’s 2023 Finlayson Acting Award and her BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University.   

Chris Mixon is returning for his thirteenth season at the Festival and will be seen as Duncan/Siward/Soldier in Macbeth. Some of his previous Festival roles include last year’s Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, Baptista in The Taming of the Shrew, and Old Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale, as well as roles in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, Big River, The Foreigner, The Book of Will, and Mary Poppins, among many others. He has been in the Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and on off-Broadway at the Pearl Theatre Company and Manhattan Theatre Club. His work has also been seen at The Denver Center, Milwaukee Rep, Pioneer Theatre Company, as well as in the film The Rosa Parks Story and on the television shows All My Children, One LIfe to Live, and Law & Order. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

AJ Newbury is new to the Festival and will appear as Caithness (Soldier)/English Soldier/Minion in Macbeth. As a student at Southern Utah University, he has played Oscar in Sweet Charity, Mischa in Ride the Cyclone, and Tuzenbach in Three Sisters. He also performed at Village Theatre SIP as Jimmy Ray in Bright Star, received Outstanding Leading Actor by 5th Ave Awards, and is appearing courtesy of the SUU Fellowship Program.

Christopher Joel Onken makes his Festival debut, as Malcolm in Macbeth. He was on Broadway in The Inheritance and off-Broadway at Red Bull Theatre in The Inn at Lydda. He has also performed at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and Playhouse on the Square as well as many others. He has been in CBS’s FBI and the web series This is B.S. He earned his BA in Theatre from Clemson University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.    

Benjamin E. Rosengren is brand new to the stage and will be performing as the younger Macduff son in Macbeth. He is age eight and will be entering the third grade in the fall. He loves to play the piano, read books, sing in choir, spend time with family, and play board/card games. He is grateful for the opportunity to be in Macbeth and is most excited to be in the play with his older brother, to see how everything works behind the scenes.

Jacob C. Rosengren is new to the Festival, appearing as the older Macduff son in Macbeth. He is eleven and will be in sixth grade this fall. He likes making up stories, reading, playing piano, singing in choir, camping, and enjoys being part of a local scout troop. He participated in a nationwide commercial for United We Stand and after having attended plays at the Festival, he is now so excited to actually be in one.

Chauncy Thomas returns for his second season at the Festival, as Banquo/Doctor in Macbeth. He was seen in last season’s The Winter’s Tale as Leontes and in Henry VIII as Duke of Suffolk. He has performed at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Bay Street Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Gulfshore Playhouse. HIs television work includes Madam Secretary and Run the World, and is a winner and five-time nominee for St. Louis Theater Circle Awards for his work at St. Louis Black Rep. He holds a BA in Drama and Psychology from Washington University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

Kathryn Tkel is making her Festival debut, as Lady Macduff in Macbeth. Her previous work includes productions at Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Folger Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, and many more. She was seen in the film Harriet and currently teaches at Southern Utah University. She has an MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting, as well BAs in Drama and Anthropology from University of California, Irvine. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.     

Patrick Vest returns for his second Festival season, as Ross in Macbeth. His previous work includes last season’s Much Ado About Nothing and Henry VIII. Other theatres where he has performed include Rubicon Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, and Asolo Rep. He earned an MFA in Acting from Alabama Shakespeare Festival. 

Amara Webb returns as Fleance/Banquet Server in Macbeth. She was previously seen as Miranda in The Tempest, Diana in All’s Well That Ends Well, and Ensemble in Ragtime and The Pirates of Penzance at the Festival. She was in Little Shop of Horrors at Oregon Cabaret, The Tempest at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Rep. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster University.

Caitlin Wise is returning for her second season, as Hecate in Macbeth. She played Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia in The Winter’s Tale in last year’s season. She has also worked at The Denver Center, Arvada Center, and Creede Repertory Theatre, among others. She received a Henry Award, Denver Post Ovation Award, and Donald R. Seawell ANTA Fellowship. She earned an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

The 2025 season runs June 16 through October 4. Tickets are on sale now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of Steel Magnolias

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to announce the cast of this season’s production of Steel Magnolias in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. Making its debut at the Festival, the play is a story of resilience, friendship, and grief. A tribute to his sister, playwright Robert Harling depicts how connection and humor can get us through the most difficult of times. 

“Ours is a story of sisterhood. Through thick and thin, our magnolias are there for each other, to celebrate each other’s successes and, most importantly, to buoy one another through every grief and heartache,” says Director Melissa Maxwell. “Though there is a lot of wacky humor in this play, what makes it so beloved and why it stands the test of time, is its heart.”

Lead production staff working with Maxwell to design the world of Steel Magnolias in 1980s Chinquapin, Louisiana are: Scenic Designer Jo Winiarski, Costume Designer Lauren Roark, Lighting Designer Jessica Greenberg, Sound Designer/Composer Scott O’Brien, Voice/Speech/Text Coach Gwendolyn Schwinke, Fight/Intimacy Director Jason Spelbring, and Stage Manager Terence Orleans Alexander.  

This production includes both new and returning cast members:

Evelyn Carol Case is returning to the Festival, as Ouiser in Steel Magnolias. Previous roles at the Festival include Verges/Attendant/Candle Bearer in Much Ado About Nothing, Brandon/Patience/Celebrant in Henry VIII, Mrs. Bates/Ensemble in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, and more. She has appeared onstage with Prague Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Orange County, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Laguna Playhouse, and ten seasons as a resident artist with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Olivia D. Dawson is debuting at the Festival, as M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. She has performed at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Indiana Repertory Theatre to name a few. Television credits include Chicago Med, The Resident, Cobra Kai, and more. Dawson’s film credits include Honk for Jesus and teaching credits from UW Madison. She received the 2020 Arts and Social Justice Fellowship and Emory University and was the 2021 Fellow with the Hambidge Center. Dawson has a BA and MFA and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

Valerie Martire is returning, as Annelle in Steel Magnolias. Previous roles at the Festival include Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing and Bianca/Player in The Taming of the Shrew. She has been in productions of Mauritius, The Wolves, and Appropriate at Illinois Wesleyan University, where Martire also received a BFA. Awards include Best Actress in an Indie Film (Top Shorts 2023).

Alia Shakira is returning, as Truvy in Steel Magnolias. Previous roles at the Festival include Camae in The Mountaintop and Annie Cannon in Silent Sky. Other credits include those at Horizon Theater, Impact Theater, New Federal Theatre, and more. Television credits include The First Lady, The Come Up, Woke, and the film The Color Purple. Shakira received a BFA in acting from Howard University.

Sarah Shippobotham is returning, as Clairee in Steel Magnolias. Previous roles at the Festival include Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky, Duchess of York in Richard III, and multiple roles in Pericles, to name a few. She recently wrote and performed in the world premiere of her one-woman show Can I Say Yes to That Dress at Salt Lake Acting Company. She has worked as a voice and dialect coach at the Shaw Festival for eighteen years and as a dialect coach at Pioneer Theatre Company. She received her education at the Royal Central School of Music and Drama in London and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales.

Amara Webb is returning to the Festival, as Shelby in Steel Magnolias. Previous roles at the Festival include Miranda in The Tempest, Diana in All’s Well That Ends Well, and more. She has performed at Oregon Cabaret, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Webb received a BFA in musical theatre from Webster University.

The 2025 season runs June 16 through October 4. Tickets are on sale now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of Antony and Cleopatra

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the cast of this season’s production of Shakespeare’s rarely-done tragedy Antony and Cleopatra in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre. Last produced at the Festival almost 20 years ago in 2006, this will be only the fourth production in its 64-year history. It will be directed by Carolyn Howarth, who directed last season’s The Winter’s Tale. 

“I’ve never been quite so surprised by a play as I am by Antony and Cleopatra,” says Howarth. “Its personality is unique. Sometimes tragedy, sometimes history, oftentimes comedy, now poetry, now prose…At its core are magnificently messy, complicated characters, feeling the most human of emotions, and looking to fulfill their humanity, both here and in the afterlife.”

Working with Howarth to create the world of this show are the following lead artistic staff: Scenic Designer Apollo Mark Weaver, Costume Designer Raven Ong, Lighting Designer Shannon McKinney, Sound Designer/Composer Lindsay Jones, Music Director Andrew Flasch, Voice/Speech/Text Coach Jeremy Sortore, Dramaturg Isabel Smith-Bernstein, Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator Sacha Comrie, Fight Director Geoffrey Kent, and Stage Manager Caleb Thomas Cook.

Returning and new actors to the Festival make up this cast, which is as follows:

Lavour Addison is making his first appearance at the Festival as Scarus/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. He has also worked at Long Wharf Theatre; Idaho, Lake Tahoe, and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals, Cleveland Playhouse, and Creede Repertory Theatre. He received his MFA in acting from Case Western Reserve and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.    

Cassandra Bissell returns for her fifth season at the Festival, playing Agrippa/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra this season. She has acted regionally at the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, and Cleveland Playhouse, among many others. She earned a BA in gender studies from University of Chicago and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.    

Olivia D. Dawson is debuting at the Festival as Maecenas/Soothsayer/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. She has performed at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Indiana Repertory Theatre to name a few. Television credits include Chicago Med, The Resident, Cobra Kai, and more. Dawson’s film credits include Honk for Jesus and teaching credits from UW Madison. She received the 2020 Arts and Social Justice Fellowship at Emory University and was the 2021 Fellow with the Hambidge Center. Dawson has a BA and MFA and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  

Gabriel W. Elmore is debuting this season as Octavius Caesar in Antony and Cleopatra. He has appeared with Quintessence Theatre Group, InterAct Theatre Company, and Delaware Theatre Company, among others. He was also in the film Alice Heart and taught at Temple University where he received his MFA in acting.

Blake Henri returns for his third season, playing Eros/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. He was previously seen at the Festival in The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado About Nothing, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Raisin in the Sun. He has worked at the American Shakespeare Center; the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa; Cleveland Playhouse; and Dallas Theatre Center, among many others. He has appeared in numerous television shows such as HBO’s Love and Death and The Chosen, as well as the films American Underdog and Great Plains. He holds a BFA from University of Oklahoma. 

Elijah Eliakim Hernandez is debuting on the Festival’s mainstage, as Menas/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. They are currently on tour with the Festival’s Shakespeare in the School production of Henry IV as Hotspur and have performed with Tennessee and Wisconsin Shakespeare Companies. They earned a BA in theatre performances from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.   

Kayland Jordan returns to the Festival, as Alexas/Menecrates/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. She previously performed in A Raisin in the Sun and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2023. She has also acted off-Broadway and at Theatre SilCo and American Stage Theatre Company, among many others. She has appeared in HBO’s Betty, ABC’s Emergence and The Brides, and in the films Gap Year and Keep Me At Bay. She is a resident teaching artist at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, earned a BFA in acting from Pace University, and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Geoffrey Kent returns for his sixth season, as Mark Antony in Antony and Cleopatra, as well as Fight Director for these three productions. Last season he played Polixenes in The Winter’s Tale and Buckingham/Lord Chancellor in Henry VIII. He has also been seen in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare in Love, Treasure Island, and Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). He spent fourteen seasons with Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and multiple seasons with The Denver Center, as well as time at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, The Arvada Center, and American Shakespeare Center. He has taught at University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver, and ASOLO MFA. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. 

Walter Kmiec is returning for his second season, as Canidius/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. He previously portrayed Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Norfolk in Henry VIII. He has also worked at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, and People’s Improv Theater, among others. He has taught at Stetson University and Florida State University, where he received an MFA in directing. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Chris Mixon is returning for his thirteenth season at the Festival and will be seen as Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra. Some of his previous Festival roles include last year’s Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII, Baptista in The Taming of the Shrew, and Old Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale, as well as in productions of Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, Big River, The Foreigner, The Book of Will, and Mary Poppins, among many others. He has been in the Broadway tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and on off-Broadway at the Pearl Theatre Company and Manhattan Theatre Club. His work has also been seen at The Denver Center, Milwaukee Rep, Pioneer Theatre Company, as well as in the film The Rosa Parks Story and on the television shows All My Children, One Life to Live, and Law & Order. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

Alia Shakira is returning, as Charmian in Antony and Cleopatra. Previous roles at the Festival include Camae in The Mountaintop and Annie Cannon in Silent Sky. Other credits include those at Horizon Theater, Impact Theater, New Federal Theatre, and more. Television credits include The First Lady, The Come Up, Woke, and the film The Color Purple. Shakira received a BFA in acting from Howard University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Chauncy Thomas returns for his second season at the Festival, as Pompey/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. He was seen in last season’s The Winter’s Tale as Leontes and in Henry VIII as Duke of Suffolk. He has performed at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Bay Street Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Gulfshore Playhouse. His television work includes Madam Secretary and Run the World, and is a winner and five-time nominee for St. Louis Theater Circle Awards for his work at St. Louis Black Rep. He holds a BA in drama and psychology from Washington University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

Kathryn Tkel is making her Festival debut as Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra. Her previous work includes productions at Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Folger Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, and many more. She was seen in the film Harriet and currently teaches at Southern Utah University. She has an MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting, as well BAs in drama and anthropology from University of California, Irvine. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.  

Patrick Vest returns for his second Festival season, as Thidias/Ensemble in Antony and Cleopatra. His previous work includes last season’s Much Ado About Nothing and Henry VIII. Other theatres where he has performed include Rubicon Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, and Asolo Rep. He earned an MFA in acting from Alabama Shakespeare Festival. 

Graham Ward is debuting at the Festival as Lepidus/Ambassador/Clown in Antony and Cleopatra. He has performed at The Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, and Lone Tree Arts Center. He has performed with Boomtown Improv Comedy and at Ghostlight RPGs. He received a BFA in acting from Brigham Young University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

Amara Webb returns as Iras in Antony and Cleopatra. She was previously seen as Miranda in The Tempest, Diana in All’s Well That Ends Well, and Ensemble in Ragtime and The Pirates of Penzance at the Festival. She was in Little Shop of Horrors at Oregon Cabaret, The Tempest at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Rep. She has a BFA in musical theatre from Webster University.

Caitlin Wise is returning for her second season, as Octavia in Antony and Cleopatra. She played Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Emilia in The Winter’s Tale in last year’s season. She has also worked at The Denver Center, The Arvada Center, and Creede Repertory Theatre, among others. She received a Henry Award, Denver Post Ovation Award, and Donald R. Seawell ANTA Fellowship. She earned an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

The Festival’s 64th season runs June 16 through October 4. Tickets are available online at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

The Festival Announces the Cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder 

Coming this summer to the Festival is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. It will be directed by Amanda Berg Wilson with music direction/conducting by Brad Carroll, who has called the play “clever, smart, hilarious, and infected with the British sense of humor” but the feeling and spirit of “American Vaudeville.”

“I’m thrilled about the cast that is going to bring A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder to life,” says Berg Wilson. “Some I’ve worked with before, some I’ve seen their work before, and some I’ll be meeting for the first time at our first rehearsal, and in all cases, I’m giddy. Our music-hall production of the piece requires performers who are as playful as they are skilled, as game as they are good, and we’ve the cast that’s up to the task.”

The lead artistic staff working to build this production are Scenic Designer Jo Winiarski, Costume Designer K.L. Alberts, Lighting Designer Jessica Greenberg, Sound Designer Scott O’Brien, Voice/Speech/Text Coach Gwendolyn Schwinke, Choreographer Diana Dresser, Fight/Intimacy Director Jason Spelbring, and Stage Manager Tanya J. Searle.  

The Festival welcomes new and returning cast members and is as follows:

Zac Barnaby is returning, as Man 3 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Last season, he made his debut as Lord/Mariner/Shepherd in The Winter’s Tale and Featured Performer in The Greenshow. Other credits include Jason in Falsettos, Snoopy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Ricky Potts in Ride the Cyclone, and more at Southern Utah University where he is currently studying for a BFA in musical theatre. 

Laura Brennan is also returning, as Woman 2 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. She was last seen at the Festival as Harriett in Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical, as well as in The Play That Goes Wrong and in the Shakespeare in the Schools educational tour of Much Ado About Nothing. Other theatres where she has performed include Texas Shakespeare Festival, Citadel Theatre, and Cider Mill Playhouse. She has a BFA in acting from Ithaca College.

Katie Drinkard is debuting at the Festival as Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. She has performed at The Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, The Denver Center, and more. Other credits include an audiobook narration of Trained to Protect. Drinkard received a BFA in musical theatre from Ithaca College and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Nicole Eve Goldstein is debuting as Phoebe in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder this season. She has performed off-Broadway and at Carnegie Hall, as well as with Red River Lyric Opera and Ridgewood Gilbert and Sullivan Players, among others. She was in the film Dead Reckoning and received the Emerging Talent Award from the Lotte Lenya Competition. She has a BM in vocal performance from Oberlin Conservatory and also attended the New York Film Academy.    

Luke Sidney Johnson is returning, as Man 1 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Last season, he understudied Leontes in The Winter’s Tale and Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. Prior to that he was in Romeo and Juliet, The Sound of Music, and Sweeney Todd, among many others. He has performed at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, and Playmill Theatre. Johnson received a BFA in musical theatre from Southern Utah University. 

Frank Oden is debuting at the Festival as Man 2 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. He has performed at Shakespeare in the Wild, The Arvada Center, Boulder Ensemble Theater Company, and much more. Other credits include touring as a solo artist for Poetry in Concert where he did original performance poetry, appearing with symphony orchestras nationwide. He has received the Denver Drama Critics Award for Best New Play and publications include Plays and Musicals: Holly Alaska!, Easy Money, The Winter Rose, and more. Oden has a BA in theater from Arizona State University. 

Mikki Pagdonsolan is debuting at the Festival as Woman 3 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. She has performed at Nocturne Theatre, Musical Theatre West, CSU Fullerton, and more. Other credits include performing with Filipino American Symphony Orchestra and being a chorus member for Do You Hear the People Sing? Music of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and More at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic. She has a BM in vocal performance and BA in business administration from CSU Fullerton. 

Melinda Parrett is returning to the Festival, this time as Miss Shingle/Woman 1 in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Previous roles include Beatrice In Much Ado About Nothing, Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mrs. White in Clue, Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and many more. Parrett is currently on the National Broadway Tour of Annie. She has also performed at The Denver Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Geva Theatre, and more. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Rob Riordan is returning to the Festival, as Monty Navarro in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Previous roles at the Festival include Ellard Simms in The Foreigner and Huck Finn in Big River. He has performed off-Broadway in the world premiere of Vermont and Sea Gull at Adult Film NYC. Other acting credits include TUTS Houston, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Geva Theater Center, and more. Film credits include roles in Concessions, The Rebels of PT-218, and The Surprise Visit, for which he received Best Actor Award from the San Diego Art Film Festival. He is also a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Graham Ward is debuting at the Festival as the D’Ysquith Family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. He has performed at The Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, and Lone Tree Arts Center. He performed with Boomtown Improv Comedy and at Ghostlight RPGs. Ward received a BFA in acting from Brigham Young University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. 

The 2025 season begins June 16 and runs through October 4. Get your tickets now at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

Stitched Together: Schmid Family to Work Together at the Festival This Season

By Liz Armstrong, guest writer 

A student at Southern Utah University at the time, Steven Schmid’s first year at the Utah Shakespeare Festival was in 1993. Working in the costume shop, Steven met Kathie, who was also acting that season. The two fell in love with theatre and each other and got engaged two weeks after they started dating. They’ve been married now for over 30 years and have since had three children, all of whom are pursuing a career in the arts in some capacity. 

“We always joked with our kids, ‘There’s nothing wrong with an accounting degree,’ but they’ve followed us into the arts,” Steven said.

It’s been nearly 32 years since they worked side by side at the Festival, but the couple is thrilled to return to Cedar City this season, where their love story began over three decades ago.

“Cedar City has always felt like a second home,” Kathie said. “Even when we haven’t been working for the Festival, we try to come most summers to see the shows, and it always feels like coming home.” 

August, their oldest son, will be joining his mother and father working at the Festival this season, making the 64th season a bit of a Schmid Family Affair. 

As a child, August would attend rehearsal with his mother when she was designing for Tuacahn Center for the Arts. Exposed to the arts at a young age, he naturally drifted toward theatre. Last season, August worked as an electrician alongside Festival Electrics Director Scott Palfreyman and will do so again this season. 

Steven also worked at the Festival last season, returning to the Festival each year since 2014, often working closely with Costume Designer Bill Black. This season, he will be the Black’s draper for The Importance of Being Earnest. A draper is the artist who takes a costume designer’s renderings as well as performers’ measurements and creates the patterns from them in order to build the costumes.

Kathie will work this season in the costume crafts department, primarily as a milliner, returning for the first time since 1993. Since then, she has worked as a milliner at Utah Opera and Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City. Kathie did freelance work at several other theatres before she was hired 13 years ago as a Professor of Theatre at Brigham Young University-Idaho. 

“I’m returning to the Festival as part of my sabbatical experience from BYU-I,” Kathie said. “I am excited to have this break to come back to the Festival not just to work, but to learn from my colleagues and make sure I’m still training my students in the things they should know as I send them out into the workforce.”

Steven said he is excited for his wife to come to the Festival and praises her talent and organization. 

“It is rare that Steve and I get to work together,” Kathie said. “When he taught full time, I did freelance work and now that I teach full time, he travels for freelance work. It will be fun to be in the same place, at least for a [short amount of time].”

Although Steven didn’t see August much last season due to their busy schedules, having three of the six Schmid family members working at the Festival this summer is a unique opportunity and will allow them to experience their “home away from home” in Cedar City together.

Steven is excited to return again because of the quality of the work. 

“When you walk up and down the corridor of the costume shop, you are just amazed at the caliber and quality and creativity of what is being produced,” Steven said. 

Steven noted that the work is “exemplary,” and praised Costume Director Jeff Lieder’s organization and efficiency. 

”The ‘incubation’ period we have of working and creating and collaborating…that build up to [opening night] is so exhausting,” Steven said. “But it’s so fulfilling because you get to see all the components come into play.” 

To see the work that Steven, Kathie, and August contribute to this summer, purchase tickets to the 2025 season today.