The Utah Shakespearean Festival is widely recognized as one of the best professional theater events in the nation, and in the year 2000, was awarded the coveted Tony Award for "Outstanding Regional Theater". Time spent at the Festival includes days full of activities including the Shakespeare and contemporary productions, the Greenshow, the Royal Feaste, seminars, classes, tours, and the world famous, southern Utah scenery.
The Plays Six plays are presented in repertory each Summer Season in two grand theaters: the outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre, which is a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and features only Shakespeare plays; and the indoor Randall L Jones Theatre, a stunning, thoroughly modern facility that features contemporary works. In the Fall, the Festival presents three more world-class plays, including one Shakespeare play, a musical and a comedy.
The Greenshow and Play Orientations Prepare for the Shakespeare plays by immersing in the music and dance of the Elizabethan Period. The complimentary Greenshow is held in the courtyard surrounding Adams Theatre. There is music, dance and general festivity, including storytelling, magic, juggling, snacks and food. Also, just before the evening performance, the Festival offers free play orientations where patrons can get a quick overview of the play they are about to see, as well as ask questions about the Festival and southern Utah area in general. Various Festival personnel, including Festival Founder Fred Adams lead these presentations.
Backstage Tours and Seminars The Backstage Tour is an opportunity to step behind the scenes to learn inside information about the Festival and visit various production areas, including costume, makeup, and scene shops. Patrons can also attend one of the Literary Seminars to participate in lively give-and-take discussions between the play directors and audience members (sometimes actors will present). Participants are encouraged to voice honest reactions to various aspects of the plays. Seminars take place in the Seminar Grove, Tuesday through Sunday.
Tickets To purchase tickets to the Utah Shakespearean Festival plays and other activities call 1-800-752-9849 or visit their web-site at www.bard.org
Visitor Center The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance adjacent to Springdale, along Hwy U-9. The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40.. During summer months, the visitor centers are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spring, Fall and Winter hours are shortened
Accessibility
All Festival theaters are accessible to persons with disabilities and are equipped with hearing-enhancement headsets available for no charge in the lobbies. Individuals needing special theater accommodations, including communicative aids or other services, need to notify the Box Office at least three working days before the performance.
For more information regarding the Utah Shakespearean Festival, visit their website atwww.bard.org.
