A day at the Utah Shakespeare Festival stretches far beyond the traditional evening performance.
While the productions on stage are exceptional, the true value lies in the broader Festival Experience—how a single night at the theatre expands into a complete cultural getaway. From play orientations and scholar-led seminars to the beloved Greenshow, many of these experiences are offered at no additional cost, creating opportunities to engage more deeply with the stories, artists, and fellow audience members who make the Festival community so unique.
A perfect Festival Day begins behind the scenes. Morning backstage tours offer a rare glimpse into production spaces including the costume shop where artists work at the top of their craft to bring each season to life. For those eager to dive deeper, production seminars provide insider perspectives from directors, actors, designers, and theatre experts, revealing the creative decisions behind the work audiences see on stage.
(Karl Hugh, sponsored) | Kayland Jordan as Olivia in "Twelfth Night, 2026".
After a delicious lunch in downtown Cedar City, guests can attend a play orientation before settling in for an afternoon performance. The Festival’s indoor matinee offerings span genres and generations, including the classic, fast-paced comedy of See How They Run and hit Broadway musicals: the charming romance She Loves Me and the hilarious theatrical antics of Something Rotten!.
(Karl Hugh, sponsored) |A Scene from "Something Rotten!, 2026".
Following the matinee, audiences can watch theatre magic happen in real time during Repertory Magic, a fascinating demonstration of how crews swiftly transform the set from one production to another, paired with a live Q&A with the Festival’s Production Manager.
As evening approaches, guests gather once again for a pre-show orientation before heading to The Greenshow, a free outdoor performance that has welcomed Festival audiences for generations. Filled with music, storytelling, and laughter, The Greenshow transforms the lawn into a vibrant community gathering place and serves as the perfect prelude to an evening under the stars.
(Karl Hugh, sponsored) |A Scene from "See How They Run, 2026".
Then, as the sun sets, audiences take their seats in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre for one of Shakespeare’s timeless works. This season’s offerings include the gripping drama of Hamlet, the memorable mischief of Twelfth Night, and the rarely-produced Troilus and Cressida—giving audiences the chance to experience some of the world’s greatest stories in a breathtaking outdoor setting fit for the Bard himself.
And the exploration doesn’t end with the final curtain. The following morning, audience members can join Festival scholars and fellow theatre lovers for post-show seminars, where thoughtful discussions explore the themes, performances, and ideas that linger long after the applause.
(Karl Hugh, sponsored) | A Scene from "Hamlet, 2026".
Beyond the stage, the Festival is deeply woven into the fabric of the region. Nestled on the campus of Southern Utah University, the theaters sit just steps from historic downtown attractions, boutiques, eateries, and galleries of Cedar City. It makes for an ideal basecamp; many visitors seamlessly pair their theatrical adventures with daytime excursions to nearby wonders like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.
From a perfect day of culture to a weekend of scenic views and Tony Award-winning theatre under the stars, this summer is the perfect time to visit the Festival.
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For tickets and more information about the Festival Experience, visit www.bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.