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SummerArts: Theater

Illinois Shakespeare Festival (Bloomington, IL)

The Theatre at Ewing, 48 Sunset Road
Bloomington
309-438-2535
website
Click here for schedule

(June 26 – August 10, 2012) Every summer, theatre professionals and interns unite in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois to perform the plays of William Shakespeare and other classics for the entertainment and education of local audiences. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1978 as a partnership between the Illinois State University School of Theatre and the College of Fine Arts; the first season offered 21 performances on the tennis courts of Ewing Manor. Since that time, the festival has become internationally recognized, and it now presents 36 performances each year in its state-of-the-art, Elizabethan-style theatre. Recent productions have included the Bard’s Ask You Like It, The Tempest, Titus Andronicus, and The Merry Wives of Windsor, as well as such non-Shakespearean plays as Scapin and The Three Musketeers. (MP)

Illinois Shakespeare Festival Information

  • Public Transportation: Good (steps from BNPTS bus H at East Emerson Street/South Towanda Avenue; and a 9-minute walk from bus F at East Empire Street/South Towanda Avenue)
  • Handicapped Accessibility: Good. Assisted listening devices are also available for hearing impaired patrons
  • Performances/Programs: 4 shows per season with multiple performances of each
  • Ticket Prices: Adult ($27–$47); Student/Senior ($23–$43) with prices varying by date and seating selection
  • Group Discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more (Adult $22–$38; Student/Senior $19–$35)
  • Subscriptions: Adult ($79–$119); Student/Senior ($68–$109) with prices varying by seating selection. Subscribers can exchange tickets for free
  • Membership: Friends ($50–$249); Player ($250–$599); Star ($600–$999); Director ($1,000–$4,999); Producer ($5,000–$9,999); Impresario ($10,000+). Depending on level, member benefits include personal check-in and full concierge services; preferential parking; program recognition; a Bard Card (free non-alcoholic drink voucher); free ticket exchange; members only backstage tour; a 20% discount at the Gift Shop; Picnic & Catering Event Planning for your own party; a Walk on Guest Role for one performance; and more.