Festival Celebrates Shakespeare’s Birthday with 23rd Annual Bard’s Birthday Bash
The Festival celebrated William Shakespeare’s 460th birthday last week with a three-day bash consisting of jousting, dancing the Maypole, performances, theatre games, birthday cake with Queen Elizabeth, and more.
The 23rd Annual Bard’s Birthday Bash took place on April 22-24 this year and hosted nearly 1,000 students.
“This three day celebration of William Shakespeare with Iron County’s K-5 students is a highlight of the year,” Education Director Stewart Shelley said. “The opportunity to share our love of Shakespeare with such eager and willing young people is inspiring and energizing.”
Since the Festival was founded in 1961 by the late Fred C. Adams, the Festival has celebrated the importance of Shakespeare’s works and continues to recognize him as the cornerstone of its mission. Hosting this event is a way to not only celebrate the Bard, but it’s a wonderful way to involve the community.
“These are some of my favorite days at the Festival, because we get to share with our youngest patrons our love of Shakespeare and pass that love along to the next generation,” Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr said. “This event gives us another opportunity to open up the Festival to our friends and neighbors.”
Recently-appointed Artistic Director John DiAntonio was able to attend the Bard’s Birthday Bash for the first time this year. What made the event even more special was that DiAntonio was able to bring his own children.
“What an amazing energy buzzing around [Festival grounds] all week,” DiAntonio said. “My three and five-year-old were able to go through the stations today. They met the Queen and were even knighted after the jousting competition. What a fun event for these local kids!”
To register for next year’s Birthday Bash, email usfeducation@bard.org with the name of the school, the teachers, contact information, and the approximate number of students. For information about the Festival’s upcoming season and to purchase tickets, visit bard.org or call 1-800-PLAYTIX.
