The festival received the 2000 Regional Theatre Tony Award for excellence in American regional theater.
The Adams Shakespearean Theatre, which served as the outdoor centerpiece for decades, was modeled after the Globe Theatre in London.
The festival grounds house an extensive costume shop that constructs hundreds of garments annually for its repertory productions.
The annual Greenshow features diverse cultural performances ranging from Scottish bagpipers to Renaissance dancers.
The festival was founded by Fred C. Adams, a theater professor who sought to bring high-quality Shakespearean art to rural Utah.
The Randall L. Jones Theatre features a flexible stage design that allows for varied seating configurations depending on the production requirements.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a Tony Award-winning regional theater organization located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City. It produces a rotating repertory of Shakespearean classics, contemporary plays, and musicals during its main summer and fall seasons. The venue operates three distinct performance spaces: the open-air Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, the indoor Randall L. Jones Theatre, and the intimate Anes Studio Theatre. Founded in 1961, it has grown into one of the oldest and largest Shakespeare festivals in the United States. The festival features professional actors, directors, and designers who frequently work in major theatrical hubs like New York and Chicago. Its productions utilize high-production value sets and costumes, often emphasizing historical accuracy or stylized thematic interpretations. Beyond mainstage performances, the festival hosts daily educational seminars, play orientations, and backstage tours. The grounds include the Greenshow, a free nightly performance that precedes main stage productions. Visitors often experience a festival-like atmosphere throughout the campus during peak season.
The English-style courtyard located between the Engelstad and Randall L. Jones theaters.
Attend the free 'Play Seminar' held on performance days to gain insight into the director's vision.
Arrive early to enjoy the Greenshow, which provides a festive outdoor atmosphere before evening performances.
Book lodging well in advance as Cedar City accommodations fill up quickly during the peak summer repertory season.
Do not skip the pre-show orientation, as it provides critical context that helps viewers follow complex Shakespearean language.
Operates primarily from late June through early October; closed during the winter and early spring months.
Business casual or comfortable summer attire is standard; avoid wearing hats that obstruct views in the open-air theater.
