See How the Worlds Intertwine: Learn About the 2027 Season

Our 2027 season titles connect in ways you might not expect. With shared text, related themes, and unexpected character bridges, we unspooled the red string across the board to trace the intertwining worlds from show to show.

From Shakespeare and contemporary dramas to comedies and a Golden Age musical, one story directly ignites the next. And be sure to watch closely! Early insider secrets and exciting Easter eggs are waiting for you to discover.

Henry V
By William Shakespeare
Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre
June 22 - September 3, 2027

A rousing tale of leadership, courage, and unity, Henry V follows the young king as he rallies England to an unlikely victory over France at Agincourt. Through fiery speeches, Shakespeare captures both the glory and the cost of war. The play is a sweeping story of transformation—from reckless prince to noble leader—and asks what it truly means to be a hero.

Into the Breeches!
By George Brant
Anes Studio Theatre
July 22 - October 1, 2027

When the men of a Shakespeare theater company leave to fight in World War II, a group of inexperienced actresses step in to save the season. Determined to mount an all-female production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Henry V, they embark on a hilarious and heartfelt journey of confidence, community, and purpose. This uplifting comedy celebrates the power of art and the connections that sustain us in difficult times.

William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead
By John Heimbuch
Randall L. Jones Theatre
June 26 - October 2, 2027

London, 1599. Shakespeare’s Henry V has just opened at the Globe Theatre when a mysterious plague sweeps through the city—one that leaves its victims dead… and then decidedly not dead. Trapped inside a quarantined playhouse, Shakespeare and his company must battle the undead, rivalries, and their own ambitions in a thrilling race for survival. This fast-paced mash-up of Elizabethan history, sharp comedy, and zombie horror is unlike anything else you’ve seen before.

The Merry Wives of Windsor
By William Shakespeare
Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre
June 23 - September 4, 2027

Sir John Falstaff hatches a scheme to woo two wealthy women for their money—only to find himself the target of their hilarious revenge. Set in a bustling English town, The Merry Wives of Windsor brims with mischief, mistaken identities, and middle-class triumph. Shakespeare’s most purely comic play celebrates wit, love, and the joy of comeuppance.

The Two Noble Kinsmen
By William Shakespeare and John Fletcher
Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre
July 21 - October 2, 2027

A rarely produced Shakespearean gem—and the only Shakespeare play never before produced by the Utah Shakespeare Festival—The Two Noble Kinsmen follows two devoted friends whose bond is shattered when they fall in love with the same woman. Set in ancient Greece, this sweeping tale of romance, rivalry, honor, and obsession explores how desire can transform even the noblest of hearts.

The Drowsy Chaperone
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg MorrisonBook by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Randall L. Jones Theatre
June 24 - September 4, 2027

A love letter to golden-age musicals, The Drowsy Chaperone bursts with tap-dancing joy, witty parody, and infectious heart. As a reclusive musical theatre fan drops the needle on his favorite record, the show springs to life in his apartment—complete with glamorous stars, mistaken identities, and nonstop laughter. Equal parts satire and celebration, it’s an irresistible valentine to the magic of theatre.

Arsenic and Old Lace
By Joseph Kesselring
Randall L. Jones Theatre
June 25 - October 1, 2027

Darkly hilarious and deliciously twisted, Arsenic and Old Lace follows two sweet elderly sisters who have a peculiar dark hobby. Their nephew Mortimer discovers their secret just as his deranged brother returns home, setting off a farcical chain of events. It’s a madcap comedy where good manners meet mayhem and murder has never been so charming.

The Crucible
By Arthur Miller
Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre
June 21 - September 2, 2027

Set amid the hysteria of the Salem witch trials, The Crucible transforms historical events into a searing allegory about paranoia, integrity, and power. As accusations fly and reputations crumble, one man’s moral stand becomes an act of defiance against collective fear. Miller’s taut drama lays bare the dangers of mass suspicion and the ease with which truth can be distorted.

All The Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain
Created and Performed by Patrick Page
Directed by Simon Godwin
Eccles Music Center - Okerlund Hall
July 28 - August 7, 2027

Dubbed “The villain of Broadway” by Playbill, Patrick Page has never shied away from exploring his dark side. Now, with this tour de force show, he turns his attention to the twisted motivation and hidden humanity at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest villains. Moving swiftly through the Shakespeare canon, Page illuminates the playwright’s ever-evolving conception of evil by delving into more than a dozen of his most wicked creations. Thrilling, biting, hilarious, and enlightening, what Page delivers is a masterclass on the most terrifying subject of them all: human nature. Created and performed by Patrick Page, and directed by Simon Godwin, the duo brings the fullness of Shakespeare to life in this dynamic, contemporary, and accessible take on Shakespeare’s villains, promising an evening of mesmerizing artistry, powerful storytelling, and a rare intimacy that will redefine your perception of Shakespeare and his villains. Following each performance, the audience is invited to 15-20 minute talkback, moderated by Patrick, to explore the world of Shakespeare’s villains and his relationship to them more intimately.

2026 Fall Food Drive Results

A huge thank you to Utah Shakespeare Festival guests this fall who contributed over 3,000 pounds of food to the Festival’s 22nd Annual Fall Food Drive. Between September 8 through October 3, 2026, residents of Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Piute, and Beaver counties in Utah and Lincoln County in Nevada were encouraged to take part in the drive. They donated six items of nonperishable food to receive a half-price ticket to a Festival production.

This food drive benefits the local food pantry, the Iron County Care and Share, which was founded in 1984 by a group of local churches of different denominations to address the issue of hunger in our community. Working with local partners, neighboring counties, and other state entities, the Iron County Care and Share is able to help homeless and low-income individuals and families work toward self-sufficiency. The Iron County Care and Share is located at 900 North 222 West in Cedar City, Utah. Monetary donations are always accepted. Donate to the organization.

Festival Costume Director Jeff Lieder Retires After Four Decades with the Organization

By Liz Armstrong Jenkins, guest writer

After 41 years with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Costume Director Jeff Lieder is retiring. We congratulate him on four decades of success and express our heartfelt gratitude for the instrumental work he has done season after season at the Festival. 

Lieder joined the Festival the summer after his first year teaching at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Sandy Robbins was the casting director at the Festival that season, and he proposed the idea of Lieder coming to Utah during his summer off. After a phone call with then-producing director Doug Cook, he was on a flight to Utah, despite having never visited the state. Lieder fell in love with Cedar City and the people and returned season after season.

“Soon after arriving, I kind of fell in love with the place,” Lieder said. “I didn’t realize, 40 years ago that I was gonna end up making my life here, but it just became a really lovely place to work with a satisfying artistic environment and wonderful people.”

Lieder was a professor of theatre for over 30 years and plans to continue to guest teach. He will be teaching a millinery class at Florida State University and a resume portfolio workshop at University of Mississippi in the coming year.

“I was able to tie in the work at the university and my teaching, to the work here, and give the students a professional opportunity to work in a really, really good theatre,” Lieder said.

He believes his connections in the world of education were instrumental in the talent brought to the Festival and the work that was achieved over his 40 years spent in Cedar City. 

Lieder was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award for Costume Design and Technology from the United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) in 2020. The following year, Lieder was made a fellow of the Institute––an incredible and well-deserved honor.

“Well, that was a remarkable distinction. I was totally surprised and flattered,” Lieder said.

On top of his responsibilities as Costume Director, Lieder also undertook an immense project in 2024, working to catalogue every costume piece the Festival has created and stored. The Custom Costume Inventory project was created by Randy Handley and implemented by Lieder. 

“We barcode the costumes, photograph them, document them, and then have a visual searchable inventory database,” Lieder explained. “I’m eager to leave that in good hands with somebody in the future––it’s a really labor intensive process.”

Although the system has been created and implemented the past couple of years, Lieder expresses that there is an immense amount of work to be done and doesn’t think it will be completed without the help of a grant or volunteer work.

“It’s like if you were running a library all by yourself and you got 1,000 new books every year, and you had to catalog those books all by yourself [while going through a backlog of years and years of other books],” Lieder said.

Regarding the years he spent at the Festival, Lieder expresses that it is difficult to choose a standout season. However, he reflects fondly on the 2012 season and his work on the productions Stones in His Pockets and Les Miserables. This past season also holds a special place in his heart, perhaps because he knew it would be his last full season at the Festival, specifically for the play Troilus and Cressida. 

Over the years, Lieder also became known for leading the Festival’s bi-weekly Costume Seminars. He was a favorite of both new and returning patrons for his knowledge and humor about designing, building, and maintaining the productions’ elaborate costumes.

Lieder will remain in Cedar City, where he moved to full-time when he retired from teaching. Although he is technically retiring from his Festival position in the next month, Lieder will return to volunteer for the 2027 season work on costumes for The Two Noble Kinsman, as he hasn’t done that particular play of Shakespeare’s.

“It’s also exciting because Britannia Howe is directing, and I’ve known her since she was a child,” Lieder said, remarking how the show will feel full circle. “And Tori Niemiec is designing costumes, and Tori was a young student when they first came to the Festival as an employee––I recruited them from Northern Arizona University.” 

Reflecting over his years at the Festival, Lieder kept remarking on the connections and friendships he’s made.

“The most important thing is the connections I’ve made here that have really sustained my creative work and allowed me to make a life here with a wonderful circle of friends from Cedar City and around the country,” Lieder said. “And, at the cornerstone and center of all of that was Fred Adams––he has been an inspiration to me.”

That friendship with Festival founder Fred C. Adams and his mentorships from other past Festival leaders Cam Harvey, Doug Cook, and Scott Phillips were critical to Lieder’s growth “in every aspect” of his life. 

“For over four decades, Jeff’s aesthetic and leadership set the standard for artistic excellence in the Costume department of the Festival,” says Festival Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “Jeff, as a major leader in the field, hired and trained generations of costumers, who came from all over the country. After working at the Festival they would then work in other shops, at universities and theatre companies, across the industry, cultivating leaders throughout the theatre world. We are so blessed that the Festival became his home and are grateful for his expertise and passion that have created the legacy of costumes and quality performance at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.” 

In his retirement, Lieder also has several trips to Europe planned and is working on a production of The Lord of the Rings in 2027 at the Hale Center Theatre. Throughout it all, Lieder plans to continue to be involved with the Festival in the years to come. 

The Festival has been extremely lucky to have Lieder as part of the company over the past 41 years. We look forward to maintaining connections in the future and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Results of 2026 Shakespeare Competition

As North America’s largest scholastic Shakespeare event, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Southern Utah University hosted the 49th annual Shakespeare Competition which drew nearly 3,000 students from 99 schools across Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, and Wisconsin, and was supported by over 300 dedicated coaches and teachers.

From October 1 to 3, participants presented their work before more than 80 expert judges—including seasoned arts professionals and company members from the Festival’s 2026 season. The competition offers training, feedback, and recognition for students in grades 2 through 12 across four disciplines: acting, dance/choreography, music, and technical theatre. Top performers earned trophies, plaques, and scholarships to study alongside industry professionals at Southern Utah University and the Festival.

Schools competed across six distinct divisions: Buckingham (large schools), Oxford (medium schools), Cambridge (medium-small schools), Westminster (small schools), Stratford (junior high and middle schools), and Essex (independent or non-association groups).

“This weekend was truly inspiring,” said Education Director Stewart Shelley. “Seeing so many young artists connect deeply with theatre and Shakespeare is a privilege. It’s an honor to celebrate their exceptional work and watch them thrive in a community that shares their passion.”

ACTING COMPETITION

For the acting portion of the competition, students compete in monologues, duo/trio scenes, and ensembles. Monologue competitors present a two- to four-minute monologue from a Shakespeare play or sonnet for the judges. In the duo/trio scenes competition, two or three actors present a three- to five-minute scene from a Shakespeare play or sonnet. In the ensemble competition, a group of students from a school present a six- to ten-minute Shakespeare scene.

In addition, first, second, and third place overall sweepstake prizes were awarded to the school in each division with the most total points from all categories.

Also, several scholarships are presented in the acting competition.

The first place winners in the duo/trio scene and monologue categories are awarded scholarships to either Southern Utah University or the Utah Shakespeare Festival summer classes, depending on the grade of the student.

Ray Jones Award: Given to seniors, this award is a $1,000 scholarship to Southern Utah University.

Barbara Barrett Award: Given to juniors and under, this award is a $500 scholarship to the Festival’s summer acting intensive Actor Training Camp or Junior Actor Training Camp.

Larry Lott Acting Award: In conjunction with the ensemble competition, judges annually recognize the best actor in an ensemble scene in each division. The recipient of this award received a trophy for his or her accomplishments and, if a senior, a $1,000 scholarship to SUU.

Here are the winners for the Acting Competition. 

BUCKINGHAM DIVISION

Sweepstakes First Place: Skyridge High School
Sweepstakes Second Place: Riverton High School
Sweepstakes Third Place: American Fork High School

Ensemble First Place: American Fork High School
Ensemble Second Place: Westlake High School
Ensemble Third Place: Skyridge High School

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Liam Huff and Lily Neff from Taylorsville High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Liam Gasser and Nicci Hudson from American Fork High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Cade Huizingh, Colin Haslam, and Trenton Lundberg from Riverton High School

Monologue First Place: Chloe Robbins from Skyridge High School
Monologue Second Place: TJ Chisholm from Skyridge High School
Monologue Third Place: Carlos Boscán from Riverton High School

Barbara Barrett Award: Liam Huff and Lily Neff from Taylorsville High School
Larry Lott Acting Award: Drake Nelsen from American Fork High School

OXFORD DIVISION 

Sweepstakes First Place: Hillcrest High School
Sweepstakes Second Place: Brighton High School
Sweepstakes Third Place: Corner Canyon High School

Ensemble First Place: Hillcrest High School
Ensemble Second Place: Brighton High School
Ensemble Third Place: Corner Canyon High School

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Ginger Witkamp, Nico Hodgson, and Sebastian Smith from Hillcrest High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Jaden Nelson and Liam King Brigham from Hunter High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Hyrum Lafeen and Winter Chafetz from Brighton High School

Monologue First Place: Arnav Nair from Hillcrest High School
Monologue Second Place: Elle Stotts from Corner Canyon High School
Monologue Third Place: Grace Scoville from Woods Cross High School

Barbara Barrett Award: Arnav Nair from Hillcrest High School
Larry Lott Acting Award: Alex Droukas from Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

CAMBRIDGE DIVISION

Sweepstakes First Place: North Sanpete High School
Sweepstakes Second Place: Timpanogos High School
Sweepstakes Third Place: Jordan High School

Ensemble First Place: North Sanpete High School
Ensemble Second Place: Jordan High School
Ensemble Third Place: Timpanogos High School

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Kamron Cox, Nolun Nielsen, and Tavian Smith from North Sanpete High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Adrian Perez and Andrew Richardson from Summit Academy High School
Duo/Trio Third Place: Ellie Thompson, Jane Wren, and Zoey Fletcher from Provo High School

Monologue First Place: Emmy Jensen from Provo High School
Monologue Second Place: Annika Amodt from Hurricane High School
Monologue Third Place: R. Henry Keele from Jordan High School

Barbara Barrett: Emmy Jensen from Provo High School
Larry Lott Acting Award: Misty Bailey from North Sanpete High School

WESTMINSTER DIVISION

Sweepstakes First Place: Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Sweepstakes Second Place: American Preparatory Academy - Draper 3
Sweepstakes Third Place: Rockwell Charter High School

Ensemble First Place: Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Ensemble Second Place: American Preparatory Academy - Draper 3
Ensemble Third Place: Rockwell Charter High School

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Clark Heinrich, Katira Davis, and Sadie McGhie from Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Brigham Ker, Brogan Juber, Ryker Trumble from Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Avery Stewart, Maddy Watabe, and Mariah Draper Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy-High School

Monologue First Place: Taebria Bybee from Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Monologue Second Place: Sophi Jones from Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Monologue Third Place: Echo Alvarado from City Academy

Ray Jones Award: Taebria Bybee from Liahona Preparatory Academy
Larry Lott Acting Award: McKenna Devanney from Rockwell Charter High School

STRATFORD DIVISION

Sweepstakes First Place: Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy - Middle School
Sweepstakes Second Place: Vista Heights Middle School
Sweepstakes Third Place: Rockwell Charter Junior High School

Ensemble First Place (tie): Vista Heights Middle School
Ensemble First Place (tie): Vista School
Ensemble Second Place: Rockwell Charter Junior High School
Ensemble Third Place: Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Annie Kotter, Jonah Keele, and Levi Hilmo from Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy - Middle School Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Norah Davidson and Teagan Snow from Lake Mountain Middle
Duo Trio Scenes Third Place: Kennedi Karslven and Kyleen Engman from Vista Heights Middle School

Monologue First Place: Quincy Skousen from Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy - Middle School
Monologue Second Place: June Harrison from Rockwell Charter Junior High School
Monologue Third Place: Cassandra Brown from Rocky Mountain Shakespeare Co. Junior High

Barbara Barrett Award: Quincy Skousen from Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy Middle School
Larry Lott Award: Jaden Bartlett from Lake Mountain Middle School

ESSEX DIVISION

Sweepstakes First Place: First Stage Young Company
Sweepstakes Second Place: Youth Theatre - University of Utah
Sweepstakes Third Place: SALT Shakers

Ensemble First Place: First Stage Young Company
Ensemble Second Place: Youth Theatre - University of Utah
Ensemble Third Place: SALT Shakers

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Ariella Fiederer and Clara Goni Beneke from Ogden Shakespeare Festival-Arden Academy Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Ava Rowley, Brooke Lundstrom, Mark Hokanson from The Kaleidoscope Collective
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Abigail Cashman and Evie Maasen and First Stage Young Company

Monologue First Place: Natalie Ottman from First Stage Young Company
Monologue Second Place: Elsa Johnstone from First Stage Young Company
Monologue Third Place: Lillian Pilstl from Youth Theatre - University of Utah

Barbara Barrett Award: Ariella Fiederer from Ogden Shakespeare Festival-Arden Academy
Ray Jones Award: Clara Goni Beneke from Ogden Shakespeare Festival-Arden Academy
Larry Lott Award: Paisley Stillman from Anchor Academy

DANCE/CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION

For the dance portion, students were able to compete in duo/trio or ensemble groups. In the duo/trio competition, two or three dancers presented a three- to six-minute interpretation of a Shakespeare play or sonnet. In the ensemble competition, a group of dancers interpreted a three- to six-minute Shakespeare play or sonnet.

Here are the winners for the Dance/Choreography Competition:

BUCKINGHAM DIVISION 

Ensemble First Place: Skyridge High School
Ensemble Second Place: Lone Peak High School
Ensemble Third Place: Westlake High School

Duo/Trio First Place: Alexa Valladares, Brinley Young, and Emilyn Johnson from Skyridge High School
Duo/Trio Second Place: Amelia Allan, Dara Rossiter, and Mylie Makin from Lone Peak High School
Duo/Trio Third Place: Chloe Norris, Kamryn Schoepke, Nora Mendenhall from Skyridge High School

OXFORD DIVISION

Ensemble First Place: Olympus High School
Ensemble Second Place: Kearns High School
Ensemble Third Place: Timpview High School

Duo/Trio First Place: Allison Dominguez, Haley Wood, and Madilyn Filby from Kearns High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Lillian Young, Mariia Voronetska, and Shaylee Elder from Timpview High School
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Alyse Allred, Libby Bruschke, and Octavia Gordon from Olympus High School.

CAMBRIDGE DIVISION 

Ensemble First Place: Timpanogos High School
Ensemble Second Place: Orem High School
Ensemble Third Place: Provo High School

Duo/Trio First Place: Alivia Dean, Lucy Keller, and Sophie Cutler from Orem high School
Duo/Trio Second Place: Avery Greene, Emily Nielson, and Raegyn Burrup from Timpanogos High School
Duo/Trio Third Place: Ashlyn Burrup, Kristen Ehat, and Shelby Duke from Timpanogos High School

WESTMINSTER DIVISION

Ensemble First Place: Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Ensemble Second Place: Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy - High School
Ensemble Third Place: Juan Diego Catholic High School

Duo/Trio First Place: James Fox and Jordan Hurley from Liahona Preparatory Academy - High School
Duo/Trio Second Place: Eliza George and Liesel Hanson from Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy - High School
Duo/Trio Third Place: Audrey Cole and Hannah Klaja from Intermountain Christian School

STRATFORD DIVISION

Ensemble First Place: Vista School
Ensemble Second Place: Lake Mountain Middle School
Ensemble Third Place: NA

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Jax Davis, Loya Wainwright, and Marshall Bracey from Vista School
Duo/Trio Scenes Second Place: Allie Dow, Kate Collins, Sophia Valdez from Lake Mountain Middle School
Duo/Trio Scenes Third Place: Claire Jacobsen and Mckinley Larsen from Crimson Cliffs Middle School

ESSEX DIVISION 

Ensemble First Place: Youth Theatre at the University of Utah
Ensemble Second Place: Youth Leaders for America
Ensemble Third Place: Ogden Shakespeare Festival - Arden Academy

Duo/Trio Scenes First Place: Clara Goñi Beneke, Isaac Wandrey, Lillyan Lacey from Ogden Shakespeare Festival - Arden Academy

MUSIC COMPETITION

The music competition encourages students to explore the music of the Renaissance (music prior to 1650). Students were encouraged to utilize creative combinations of instruments; however, no instrumentation was required. The competition was split into four divisions: Troubadour (one to five participants), Minstrel (six to ten participants), Canzonetta (six to 16 participants), and Madrigal (17 plus participants). Choral pieces could be up to ten minutes in length. 

Here are the winners for the Music Competition: 

LARGE SCHOOLS

TROUBADOUR
First Place: Cache Diederich, Chloe Maddox, Danica Herring, Elle Stotts, and Isaac Nichols from Corner Canyon High School
Second Place: Alex Bown, Courtney Bradfield, Haedyn Fox, Scarlett Bohls, and Taya Dean from Herriman High School
Third Place: Enzo Stokes, Lonami Herrera Alejo, and Titus Tyler from Jordan High School

MINSTREL
First Place: Payson High School
Second Place: Herriman High School
Third Place: Corner Canyon High School

CANZONETTA
First Place: Payson High School
Second Place: Corner Canyon High School
Third Place: Herriman High School

MADRIGAL
First Place: Herriman High School
Second Place: Corner Canyon High School
Third Place: Jordan High School

SWEEPSTAKES
First Place: Corner Canyon High School
Second Place: Herriman High School
Third Place: Jordan High School

SMALL SCHOOLS

TROUBADOUR
First Place: Lindsay Grimshaw from Canyon View High School
Second Place: Ashley Bautista, Clara Whatcott, Draco Magdaleno, Kaysha Jean Baptiste, and Sam Rusby from Freedom Preparatory Academy High School
Third Place: Angela Hastings, Aurora Hamilton, Presley Taylor Call, and Scarlet Thomason from City Academy

MINSTREL
First Place: City Academy
Second Place: Pacifica Christian High School

CANZONETTA
First Place: Youth Theatre - University of Utah
Second Place: Desert Star High School
Third Place: Karl G. Maeser Prep Academy - High School

MADRIGAL
First Place: Canyon View High School
Second Place: Freedom Preparatory Academy High School
Third Place: American Preparatory Academy - Draper 3

SWEEPSTAKES
First Place: Canyon View High School
Second Place: Freedom Preparatory Academy High School
Third Place: City Academy

TECHNICAL THEATRE COMPETITION

The final competition was in the technical theatre area for students who work behind-the-scenes creating sound, lighting, props, scenery, make-up, and costumes. In the portfolio area, students were given the chance to have their technical and/or design portfolios evaluated by professionals in technical theatre. Technical theatre students were able to compete in Tech Olympics, with winners named in costumes, lighting, make-up, props, rigging, set construction, sound, and stage management. Overall school winners were also named. The best portfolio and runners-up were also recognized.

TECH OLYMPICS––INDIVIDUAL WINNERS 

Costumes: Layla Anderson from Riverton High School
Lighting: Eli Skinner from Hillcrest High School
Make-up: Araceli Ibarra from Mountain Ridge High School
Props: Lena Seely from Alta High School
Rigging: Isaac Nichols from Corner Canyon High School
Carpentry: Gaige Dupaix from Mountain Ridge High School
Audio: Stuart Ellingford from Orem High School
Stage Management: Grace Scoville from Woods Cross High School

TECH OLYMPICS––OVERALL WINNERS 

First Place (Gold Drill): Hillcrest High School (Overall Time = 9 min 35 sec)
Second Place (Silver Spotlight): Orem High School (Overall Time = 12 min 00 sec)
Third Place (Bronze Boot): Mountain Ridge High School (Overall Time = 12 min 47 sec)

TECH PORTFOLIO WINNERS 

Overall Winner: Rowan Willis from Hillcrest High School
Runners-up: Kaden Vidovic-Jones from Hillcrest High School
Third Place: Ioanna Ge from The Meadows School

For more information on the Shakespeare Competition, visit competition.bard.org.

To Our Local Friends: 2026 Fall Food Drive is Here

The Utah Shakespeare Festival returns with its 22nd annual Fall Food Drive, taking place from September 8 through October 3.

The Festival is again collaborating with Iron County Care and Share to make a meaningful impact in the community by supplying food to those who need it most. 

Residents of Iron, Beaver, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Piute, and Lincoln counties are invited to donate and join in for a good cause. For every six non-perishable food items donated along with proof of residency, guests receive a half-price ticket to a play of their choice. 

This special offer replaces the standard local discount for the duration of the food drive. There is no limit on the number of half-off tickets local guests can get. Tickets for shows in the Randall L. Jones Theatre (the musicals She Loves Me and Something Rotten!) may be reserved in advance. Tickets for shows in the Anes Studio Theatre (Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and The Book Club Play) and closing performances in both theatres may only be reserved for day-of performances. Please also note that premier seating is not available for this promotion.

“We love that this partnership is an annual tradition,” says Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “We are proud to support Iron County Care and Share in their essential mission of caring for our neighbors who face food insecurity and homelessness.”

Iron County Care and Share is a private, non-profit organization located in Cedar City dedicated to providing compassionate assistance and resources to individuals and families in need, offering them exits from crises and pathways to increase their stability and self-sufficiency. 

It was founded in 1984 by local churches to address hunger in the community, and over 40 years later, the Care and Share is still working to help those in need.

Through this food drive, the Festival typically receives contributions of at least 2,500 pounds of food each year for the Iron County Care and Share. Monetary donations are also accepted. Click here to donate to the Iron County Care and Share.

To participate, residents can bring food items and proof of residency to the Festival Ticket Office, open 10am–5pm on Mondays and 10am–8pm Tuesday through Saturday, or by calling 800-PLAYTIX (800-752-9849). This offer is not valid online, retroactive, or combinable with other offers and is subject to availability.

Double the Drama: Utah Shakespeare Festival’s BOGO Sale is Here!

Fall theatre is right around the corner, and we’re making it easier than ever to bring a friend to the Festival! From September 1 through September 12, buy one ticket and get the second one FREE* for select 2026 performances using promo code BOGO26.

BOGO Details

• Sale Dates: September 1 – September 12 at 11:59pm
• How to Book: Online at bard.org or over the phone at 800-752-9849
• Promo Code: BOGO26
• Restrictions Apply*

Eligible Performances

• All Performances of: She Loves Me and Something Rotten!

• Limited Availability on These Selected Dates:

  • The Book Club Play

    • Sept. 10 at 2pm
    • Sept. 24 at 2pm

  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

    • Sept. 15 at 8:00pm (BOGO availability limit reached. Quick, select another date!)
    • Sept. 16 at 8:00pm
    • Sept. 23 at 8:00pm

How to Redeem Online

1. Choose the production you’d like to attend from the options above.
2. Select your preferred date.
3. Above the seat selection map, click “Click to Enter Promo Code” and enter BOGO26.
4. Pick your seat, then select the ticket type “50% General Discount (Buy One…”.
5. Repeat step 4 to select your second seat. Tickets must be selected in pairs for the discount to apply. The two tickets may be for the same or different performance.
6. Click “Add to Order” and proceed to checkout—or add more shows to your cart!

*Offer valid on select 2026 performance dates only. Promotion ends September 12 at 11:59pm or when supplies sell out. Excluding premier seating. Standard fees apply. Subject to change and availability. Tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be exchanged. Offer not retroactive and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Local Favorites Supply Concessions Items This Season 

By Liz Armstrong Jenkins, guest writer

Shakespeare may bring the drama, but some of Cedar City’s favorite local eateries are bringing the flavor to this season’s concessions lineup. Alongside the Festival’s legendary tarts, patrons can now sample signature treats from favorite local places like The French Spot, Palette Bakery, and Ganache-d, in addition to local vendors like Nancy Lou’s Buttermints and Red Rock Chocolates.

“Our guests come to the Festival for an experience they cannot get anywhere else,” Concessions Manager Jimmy Twitchell said. “By featuring local products, we add a sense of place and community that elevates the entire visit.”

Park Place Eatery is back, having created our delicious and traditional tarts for the Festival for the past few seasons. Flavors include cherry berry, lemon, cream cheese, and apple. 

“I remember traveling from Arizona to the Festival when I was young and enjoying the tarts,” said Park Place Eatery owner Cullaine Boone. “Now to be a part of it is amazing. We are honored and blessed to work alongside the Festival.”

In honor of the 65th season, Palette Bakery––another local favorite––is providing a new, personal Charcuterie Board with artisan meats and cheeses, dried fruits, olives, fresh herbs, and chocolate on a 65th Anniversary Commemorative Board. Twitchell highly recommends this charcuterie board, calling it a “standout this season.”

The French Spot is contributing yummy macarons in a variety of flavors like raspberry, coffee, coconut, mint, pistachio, rose water, and cheesecake. Also there are indulgent brownies by Ganache-d with flavors varying weekly, including triple chocolate, lemon raspberry, red velvet, mint, peanut butter, cookie dough, and coconut. Both are popular eateries in Cedar City. 

Perhaps most exciting of all is the ice cream that has been added to the Randall L. Jones Theatre, once again sourced from Palette Bakery. Try the She Loves Me Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for the ultimate play experience. Ice cream sandwiches offer unique flavors like blackberry lavender with a cinnamon lavender shortbread, cardamom ginger with a ginger snap cookie, and chocolate macaron and pistachio ice cream.

New this year are Nancy Lou’s Buttermints, owned and operated by Ramona Jessop in Beaver, Utah. What started out as a personal project in a little back kitchen has grown into full-fledged production now found in over 100 stores. The Festival offers numerous flavors including coffee, cinnamon, key lime, vanilla mint, and lemon. 

Red Rock Chocolates––founded by Jake Potter of Enoch, Utah––are also new on the menu this year. A local bean-to-bar craft chocolate business, it uses cocoa beans from around the world.  The variety of soils in such places as Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Peru, Belize, and Indonesia help to achieve their unique flavors.

“Local vendors bring a quality that mass-produced products simply cannot match,” Twitchell said. “Concessions are far more than a convenience, they are an integral part of the Festival experience.” 

The Festival spends an immense amount of time on the details with our patrons in mind. It is in all aspects of theatre, from acting and directing to set, costume, and sound design. It is even in the concessions, ensuring that each moment spent at the Festival ensures a quality experience.

“A world-famous tart in hand during The Greenshow, a local crafted treat at intermission, or a beautifully created charcuterie board before the curtain rises. . . these moments become part of the memory guests take home,” Twitchell said.

“Our local vendor partnerships bring the flavors of southern Utah to the table, and our traditional British treats connect guests to the Elizabethan heritage that makes the Festival unique,” Twitchell concluded.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Season, visit bard.org, call 800-PLAYTIX, or visit the Ticket Office today.

To find out more about these vendors, please visit their sites:

• Park Place Eatery - Facebook, Instagram
• The Palette Bakery - Facebook, Instagram
• The French Spot - Website, Instagram
• Ganache-d - Website, Facebook, Instagram
• Nancy Lou’s Buttermints - Website, Shop, Facebook
• Red Rock Chocolates - Website, Facebook, Instagram

A History of the Utah Shakespeare Festival—Celebrating 65 Years!

By Kathryn Neves, guest writer

Celebrating 65 years of magic at the Utah Shakespeare Festival this year has been marvelous! From world-class productions to educational outreach, the Festival is a cornerstone of Cedar City—and of Utah’s cultural arts scene. There have been a lot of milestones over the years—here’s just a few major moments that shaped the Festival into the cultural landmark it is today.

The Dream Begins (1960)

Fiancés Fred Adams and Barbara Gaddie spent one afternoon doing laundry together at Cedar City’s Fluffy Bundle Laundromat. And, while doing their laundry, they brainstormed. Fred had visited the Oregon Shakespeare Festival the year before; and, as the College of Southern Utah’s only theatre professor, he was inspired by their vision and innovation.

Now, in the Fluffy Bundle, Fred and Barbara wondered about the possibility of a Shakespeare Festival in Utah. Cedar City was the perfect place; after all, every summer an estimated quarter of a million tourists visited the nearby national parks. They’d need something to do in the evenings, wouldn’t they? Why not theatre? Why not Shakespeare?

As they waited for their laundry to dry, they wrote down notes on a little yellow notepad—notes that formed the foundation for a theatre company in their own little town of Cedar City, Utah.

Opening Night of the Festival (1962)

In 1961, Fred directed a student production of The Taming of the Shrew. It was a test season; a proof of concept to see if there was any community interest in a Shakespeare Festival. This proto-season was successful. Fred and Barbara had a year to drum up support for the Festival’s inaugural season.

Students and community members built a simple outdoor stage, along with costumes and props. They put together three shows: The Taming of the Shrew (a repeat of the previous year), The Merchant of Venice, and Hamlet. Barbara Gaddie designed The Greenshow, a way to immerse the audience into the Tudor world before the plays. And, with a $1,000 loan from the local Lions Club, they launched the very first season on July 2, 1962.

When he first approached the Chamber of Commerce in town about the Festival, “the idea went over like a pregnant pole vaulter,” Fred would repeat over the years that followed. But these fears were unfounded. Audiences loved the Festival—enough for Fred and Barbara to continue on the next year, and the next, and the next. 

Dedication of the Adams Theatre (1977)

As the years passed, it became clear that the temporary stage on the grass was no longer sufficient. The Festival needed a permanent theatre. Based on 1969 designs by Doug Cook, a plan was created: an Elizabethan, Tudor-style theatre among the red rocks of Iron County. It would be as close as they could get to a replica of Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre in London.

Construction began in the mid-70s, first with the building of the tiring house and the lower seats, and eventually the addition of the upper balcony. In 1977 the Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre—named for Thomas and Luella Adams, the parents (and parents-in-law) of donors Grace and O.C. Tanner—was dedicated.

The theatre was a huge hit. Audiences loved sitting in this beautiful space; it felt like Shakespeare himself could be sitting in the audience, or reciting on that Tudor stage. It was so authentic, in fact, that the BBC would later select it as a filming location for a television program about William Shakespeare. 

The Inaugural High School Shakespeare Competition (1977)

Very quickly, the Festival realized that it could expand its programming. They could make a difference—not just in the lives of the community, but in the lives of students. The educational power of Shakespeare and live theatre was undeniable. So, in the summer of 1977, the Festival hosted the first ever High School Shakespeare Competition. Students from six local schools gathered together to perform Shakespeare, compete against each other, and learn from world-class theatre professionals.

Now known simply as the Shakespeare Competition (or Shakes Comp, by the staff), the program has grown exponentially. As of 2025, the competition has grown to include more than 3,000 students from 107 schools, welcoming students not just from Utah but states all over the Southwest and Pacific Coast, and not only from high schools, but from elementary and middle/junior high schools, and after-school programs too. And not only do the students participate in acting or technical theatre, but also music and dance inspired by Shakespeare.

Groundbreaking for the Randall L. Jones Theatre (1987)

After more than two decades, the Festival realized it had outgrown its single theatre. They needed a new space; something more modern, where they could perform the works of “Shakespeares of other lands.” Musicals, contemporary plays, and new works—all of these needed a new type of theatre.

In 1987 ground was broken on this new theatre. It would be indoor, rather than outdoors, and would feature a gold-leafed balcony and state-of-the-art stage technology systems. After two years of construction, the Randall L. Jones Theatre was dedicated on June 23, 1989—marking a turning point in the evolution of the Festival.

The Regional Theatre Tony Award (2000)

On May 8, 2000, the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League presented the Utah Shakespearean Festival with the coveted Tony Award—the highest honor in American Theatre. The award was for Best Regional Theatre: a special recognition of the Festival’s quality work and its impact on the community and region.

A group of Festival staff and board, including Fred C. Adams and R. Scott Phillips, accepted the award onstage in New York City and brought it back to Cedar City. A procession of local community members followed the group all the way from the airport to the Festival grounds; the Tony made its way onto the Adams stage, where Fred gave a speech thanking the patrons, artists, and community. Today, the award, normally housed in a display case inside the Randall Theatre lobby, can be seen at the brand new Museum of Utah at the State Capitol in Salt Lake City for the next few years. 

Passing the Leadership Torch (2005)

After 44 years as the Executive Director of the Festival, Fred Adams stepped down, passing the torch to R. Scott Phillips, who in the 1970s became the Festival’s first full-time employee. During his tenure as Executive Director, Scott led the Festival through a period of unprecedented growth, including a name change (going from “Shakespearean” to “Shakespeare”) and the fundraising and building of a new campus.

After stepping down in 2017, Scott would go on to serve on Cedar’s City Council where he is currently still a councilman, continuing his tireless efforts to help Cedar City grow and thrive.

Emmy Award Recognition (2011)

The Festival’s 2011 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream during its 50th anniversary season was directed by Fred Adams and proved to be a community favorite. With this in mind, a television production team filmed and broadcast the production airing it on the BYUTV channel to audiences all over Utah. It is, to date, the only full Festival performance to be broadcast.

The Festival was awarded a regional Emmy for this production, further recognition of the high caliber of its work. This award can also be viewed in the Randall lobby.

Farewell to the Adams Theatre (2015)

After 38 years of use, the Adams Theatre held its closing performance on September 5, 2015. Audience members, Festival staff, and the actors from the night’s performance of Henry IV Part Two all said goodbye to this beloved and historic building. From here, Fred Adams carried a lit candle from the Adams stage to the construction site of the new campus across the street—carrying on the Festival’s tradition of excellence and theatre magic.

A New Artistic Center is Dedicated (2016)

In 2016, the Festival completed its most ambitious project to date—the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts, a complex including the Randall L. Jones Theatre, the Festival administration offices, The Greenshow stage, and two new theatres—the outdoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre and the intimate Anes Studio Theatre—as well as the Southern Utah Museum of Art. 

With the same Elizabethan spirit as the original and the addition of modern and state-of-the-art amenities, the new campus provided the Festival with ample space to expand and create, bringing its world-class productions to its beloved community and countless new audiences every year.

New Leadership Team (2023)

After the departure of R. Scott Phillips in 2017, as well as his successor Frank Mack, the Utah Shakespeare Festival announced Michael Bahr as the new Executive Managing Director. Michael had already been with the Festival for decades, having started out in the Ticket Office while a college student and eventually becoming the Education Director for over twenty years, where he shared his passion and dedication through outreach and student programs. Already a beloved Festival figure, he was a natural choice for this new position.

The Festival also brought on John DiAntonio as the Artistic Director, a newcomer to the Festival, and well-established in the theatre world from his work at Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado. His work here as Artistic Director, as well as his performance as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew and Jack in Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise and his direction of Macbeth and Twelfth Night since his arrival, has made him a favorite among Festival patrons.

A Double Anniversary Milestone (2026)

This year, the Festival celebrates two anniversaries: 65 years since that original season back in the sixties, and 10 years since the opening of the Beverley Center for the Arts. While the Festival’s aesthetic and operations have evolved over the past six decades, the same spirit of artistry, sustainability, innovation, and community continues to drive everything it does.

The Festival has grown from its origins, from a small student-led experiment into a thriving world-class theatre. Its decades of history are a testament to the hardworking artists and professionals who have built it into the beloved institution it is today.

To see a more detailed timeline, visit the Festival’s Portrait Gallery hallway near the Engelstad Theatre to see a new commemorative history display featuring all the amazing milestones over the years, as well as decades of portraits representing the work on Festival stages. You can also now enjoy the Portrait Gallery online at bard.org/portrait-gallery.

Looking Towards the Future

While the past six and half decades have brought countless successes, challenges, memories, milestones, relationships, and growth opportunities, we at the Festival could not be more grateful to be a part of the Festival today, and looking forward to all that lies ahead for this amazing organization. We are so grateful and appreciative to our friends, donors, patrons, and supporters who have helped us grow in so many different capacities throughout our history. To that we say “Thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks” (Twelfth Night, Act 3 Scene 3).

2026 Military Appreciation Days 

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is celebrating our Armed Forces by offering free tickets to military members for performances from September 9 to 12, 2026. Our Military Appreciation Days recognize the invaluable sacrifices, commitment, and unwavering dedication of our veterans and active-duty members.

Eligible patrons—those with a military ID or DD214 form, whether active or veteran—are entitled to a total of two (2) complimentary tickets per ID for select shows during the specified dates. These tickets can be split between two shows or used for a single performance.

Reserve tickets now by calling 800-PLAYTIX (800-752-9849) or by visiting the Ticket Office. Please note: these tickets cannot be redeemed for premier seating sections, this special offer cannot be reserved online, and spaces are limited. 

Available performances are:

Wednesday (9/9)

• Something Rotten! - 2:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.)
• She Loves Me - 8:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.)
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein - 8:00 pm, Anes Studio Theatre (Military ticket limit reached — tickets no longer available for this performance.)

Thursday (9/10)

• The Book Club Play - 2:00 pm, Anes Studio Theatre (Very limited availability.)

Friday (9/11)

• She Loves Me - 2:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.)
• Something Rotten! - 8:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.) 

Saturday (9/12)

• Something Rotten! - 2:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.)
• She Loves Me - 8:00 pm, Randall L. Jones Theatre. (This is a musical.)

For more information about the productions, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.

And don’t miss this extra event! During Military Appreciation Week, the Festival is commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a special one-time presentation of Anne Nelson’s The Guys on September 11 at 9:30am in the Anes Studio Theatre. Tickets are $11. All proceeds from the performance will benefit 9/11 first responders. Read more and purchase your tickets here.

Utah Shakespeare Festival to Present 9/11 Commemorative Reading of "The Guys"

By Kathryn Neves, guest writer

The Utah Shakespeare Festival will commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a special one-time presentation of Anne Nelson’s The Guys on September 11 at 9:30am in the Anes Studio Theatre. All proceeds from the performance will benefit 9/11 first responders.

Directed by Festival Artistic Director John DiAntonio and starring longtime Festival artists Melinda Pfundstein and Chris Mixon, this production will be a staged reading with the actors reading from scripts, akin to the Festival’s Words Cubed new play program.

According to DiAntonio, the simplicity allows for an intimacy that will deeply move audiences. “That simplicity is at the heart of the play. It doesn’t need elaborate scenery or theatrical effects to have an enormous impact. It’s about two people, their words, and what happens between them. A staged reading allows that humanity and intimacy to come through with great directness.”

The Guys follows the true story of a journalist who, in the days following the attack on the World Trade Center, helps a New York fire chief write the eulogies for eight of his men who were killed. Through this reading, the Festival hopes to commemorate and honor those first responders who gave their lives responding to the 9/11 attacks. To that end, all proceeds from the event will go to helping 9/11 first responders and their families.

“It’s a beautiful and tender script—so simple, so intimate, and perfectly suited to the Anes Theatre. I’m incredibly excited about our cast: Melinda Pfundstein and Chris Mixon are both beloved members of the Utah Shakespeare family, and I know our audiences will be thrilled to see them together,” said DiAntonio. “I hope you can join us for what will be a very special morning. The Guys is a small play about an enormous event, but its power lies in its humanity—in two people trying to find the words when words seem impossible. Twenty-five years after September 11, that feels like a story still worth telling.” 

In this anniversary year, The Guys offers audiences a chance to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and the people who were left behind to tell their stories. Tickets for the performance are $11 and can be purchased online here or by calling the Ticket Office at 800-PLAYTIX (800-752-9849).