(June 25 – October 20, 2012) In addition to providing wonderful productions of plays by the Bard in the Tudor-inspired Adams Shakespearean Theatre, dramas by other greats at the Randall L. Jones Theatre and readings of new work, the Utah Shakespearean Festival has a host of other activities. There are seminars on theatrical subjects ranging from props to acting, pre-show play talks, scholarly symposia, backstage tours, free access to the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery–and, of course, all of Utah’s breathtaking natural wonders on view in the local resorts and state parks.

An Elizabethan-themed entertainment full of food, music, singing, storytelling, and juggling known as the Greenshow is held on the courtyard at the Adams Theatre each night before showtime and it’s absolutely free. A post-show entertainment option, from 11 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays, is the Grind Coffee House (19 North Main Street) cabaret that features festival performers looking to let off a little artistic steam; the cost is $10. Begun in 2010, “Repertory Magic” ($8), allows audience members to watch the changeover of the set and lights, and learn about the world of repertory theater.

Utah Shakespearean Festival Information

• Venues: Adams Shakespearean Theatre; Randall L. Jones Theatre; Auditorium Theatre; The Greenshow Stage; Seminar Grove – all within walking distance on the Festival grounds
• Public Transportation: Good (easily accessibly by CATS buses at West Center Street/South 300 West)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances/Programs: 10–12 shows per season with multiple performances of each
• Ticket Prices: Mainstage shows range from $22–$73 depending on event, venue, and seating selection. Seniors (62+), AAA Members, School and Adult Groups, Youth (6–12), and Military personal receive discounts. New American Playwrights Project ($8 per play); Backstage Tours ($8); Repertory Magic ($8)
• Subscriptions: Several subscription options are available, and change from year to year
• Membership: Order of the Blackfriars ($50–$149); Order of the Rose ($150–$299); Order of the Swan ($300–$749); Order of Essex ($750–$1,499); Order of Southampton ($1,500–$4,999); Lord Chamberlain’s Order ($5,000–$14,999). Depending on level, member benefits include name recognition in the Festival Souvenir Program; invitations to special Festival events; complimentary seat cushion or blanket rentals in the Adams Theatre; free ticket exchange privileges; complimentary Backstage Tour or Repertory Magic tickets; Bard Card privileges, including complimentary beverages at the Sweet Shoppe; 10% off at the Randall Gifts and Gallery; an autographed Souvenir Program; Marquis Club privileges, including evening intermission refreshments in the Randall L. Jones Theatre Founders Room; complimentary tickets to the Festival play of your choice; and more.