Utah Shakespeare Festival
Experience world-class theater with acclaimed Shakespearean plays, musicals, and dramas in beautiful Cedar City, Utah.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience world-class theater with acclaimed Shakespearean plays, musicals, and dramas in beautiful Cedar City, Utah.
"The performances are amazing, costumes, sets, and the atmosphere is off the charts!"
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for top productions like Macbeth and musicals early, as they often sell out .
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Evenings can get cool, and outdoor shows might require a poncho. Be prepared for changing Utah weather .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 935 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Website
bard.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Acclaimed Shakespearean Productions
Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre & Randall L. Jones Theatre
Experience professional actors bringing classic tales to life with stunning sets and costumes. A must-see for theater lovers!
Musical & Contemporary Plays
Anes Studio Theatre
Beyond Shakespeare, enjoy captivating musicals and modern dramas that offer diverse theatrical experiences.
Backstage Tours & Seminars
Festival Grounds
Go behind the scenes with backstage tours and specialized seminars on costumes, props, and production. Gain a deeper appreciation for the craft .
Sculpture Garden
Festival Grounds
A tranquil space featuring diverse sculptures and ambient music, perfect for a pre-show stroll or a moment of reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets Early
Plan for Cedar City's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for top productions like Macbeth and musicals early, as they often sell out.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Evenings can get cool, and outdoor shows might require a poncho. Be prepared for changing Utah weather.
🚶 Explore Cedar City
Wander through the sculpture garden and charming downtown shops before or after your performance.
🎭 Attend a Seminar
Deepen your understanding with backstage tours or specialized seminars on costumes and props.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for top productions like Macbeth and musicals early, as they often sell out.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Evenings can get cool, and outdoor shows might require a poncho. Be prepared for changing Utah weather.
🚶 Explore Cedar City
Wander through the sculpture garden and charming downtown shops before or after your performance.
🎭 Attend a Seminar
Deepen your understanding with backstage tours or specialized seminars on costumes and props.
🎶 Enjoy the Atmosphere
Soak in the vibrant energy of the festival, from the performances to the friendly community vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently laud the Utah Shakespeare Festival for its exceptional productions, talented actors, and stunning stagecraft. Many consider it a yearly tradition, highlighting the emotional impact and connection felt during performances. While the festival is a gem, some note that late-season outdoor shows might require preparedness for weather changes.
"Wonderful festival that we have made into a tradition of going to every year! The performances are amazing, costumes, sets, and the atmosphere is off the charts! If you love or don’t love Shakespeare but love the theater, this is the place for you!"
Jared Harding Wilson
"I have been going to this festival for years now, and it has given me the best productions I have ever seen. During 2 hours, they can make you laugh and cry. The actors are amazingly talented, and they never stop connecting with the audience in moving ways. This festival will always hold a special place in my heart."
Jordan Hagemann
"Cool sculpture garden with a variety of music playing. The different theater and art buildings are very cool as well."
Jonathan Sauder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is located in Cedar City, Utah. If driving from Salt Lake City, take I-15 South for about 3.5 hours. From Las Vegas, it's about a 2.5-hour drive north on I-15. Ample parking is usually available, especially on weekdays.
Public transportation options directly to the festival grounds are limited. Most visitors drive. Consider ride-sharing services if available in the area or carpooling with friends.
Driving is the most common and convenient method. The scenic drive through Southern Utah is part of the experience. If flying, the closest major airports are in Las Vegas (LAS) or Salt Lake City (SLC), followed by a drive.
The festival is primarily located at the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre and Randall L. Jones Theatre on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.
Yes, Cedar City offers a range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within easy driving distance of the festival venues. Booking in advance is recommended during the festival season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Utah Shakespeare Festival website (bard.org), by phone, or in person at the box office. Booking early is highly recommended, especially for popular shows.
Keep an eye on the official website for any available discounts or promo codes. Sometimes, package deals for multiple shows offer savings. Student and group rates may also be available.
Ticket prices vary depending on the show, seating location, and performance date. Expect prices to range from moderate to higher for premium seats and popular productions.
While some tickets may be available on the day of the performance, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Purchasing in advance is the safest bet to avoid disappointment.
The box office hours typically align with performance schedules. It's best to check the official Utah Shakespeare Festival website for the most up-to-date box office hours.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The festival presents a diverse lineup including classic Shakespearean plays, musicals, and contemporary dramas. Productions like Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder are often featured.
Yes, the festival often offers backstage tours, costume seminars, prop workshops, and other educational events that provide a deeper look into the theatrical process.
The atmosphere is vibrant and engaging, with a strong sense of community. Visitors often praise the talented actors, impressive sets, and the overall theatrical magic.
Yes, the festival offers a range of productions that can be enjoyed by families. Some Shakespearean plays may have mature themes, so it's advisable to check show descriptions for age appropriateness.
Dress is typically smart casual. For outdoor performances, consider layers and comfortable shoes. For indoor shows, many attendees dress up slightly to enjoy the theater experience.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during performances to avoid disrupting the actors and audience. However, you can take photos of the theater exteriors and common areas.
Absolutely! The festival grounds, including the sculpture garden and theater architecture, offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the energy of the crowd before a show is also recommended.
The areas around the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre and Randall L. Jones Theatre, as well as the sculpture garden, provide picturesque backdrops. Look for signage and artistic installations for unique shots.
Photography policies during backstage tours can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide if photos are permitted in specific areas. Some behind-the-scenes glimpses might be restricted.
The curtain call, the impressive set designs, and the vibrant costumes are all fantastic subjects for photos. Capturing the excitement of the audience entering the theater can also be memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit