Utah Shakespeare Festival

The Utah Shakespeare Festival, located in Cedar City, offers a vibrant cultural experience centered around high-quality theatrical performances. Held annually from June through October, the festival is a major attraction that draws nearly 100,000 visitors to the region. The primary venue for these performances is the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts, a facility situated on the campus of Southern Utah University. This complex, which includes the open-air Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre modeled on Elizabethan playhouses, serves as the home for the festival’s productions.

The festival was established in 1961 by Fred C. Adams, inspired by the success of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Adams, who was working in Cedar City at the time, recognized the potential for a similar cultural hub in the area, leveraging the town’s existing tourist traffic. Today, the organization operates as a non-profit, presenting a diverse range of plays that range from classic Shakespearean works to contemporary pieces. The programming often includes classic narratives alongside modern interpretations, ensuring a dynamic experience for audiences.

Visitors can expect a professional theatrical experience within a state-of-the-art facility. The venue features multiple performance spaces, including the Randall L. Jones Theatre and the Anes Studio Theatre, allowing for a variety of staging styles. The festival’s reputation has grown significantly over the decades, attracting audiences from across the country who come to experience the high standard of acting and production design. This cultural landmark not only entertains but also contributes significantly to the local arts scene, supporting the broader artistic community in Cedar City.