Utah Shakespeare Festival | Cedar City

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a professional repertory theatre company located in Cedar City, Utah. It presents a season of plays in rotating repertory, primarily Shakespearean works and musicals.

Visual Characteristics

The festival operates across multiple venues on the campus of Southern Utah University. The main performance spaces include the Adams Shakespearean Theatre, an outdoor, Elizabethan-style theatre with a thrust stage, and the Anes Studio Theatre, an indoor black box space. The surrounding grounds feature landscaped areas and pathways connecting the venues.

Location & Access Logistics

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is situated at 195 S. 300 W., Cedar City, UT 84720, on the campus of Southern Utah University. Cedar City is accessible via Interstate 15 (I-15). From the I-15 Cedar City exits (Exit 59 or Exit 62), follow signs for Main Street and then proceed to University Boulevard. Parking is available in designated university lots surrounding the theatres, with fees often applicable during the festival season. Public transport within Cedar City is limited; the festival is best accessed by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded in 1961 by Fred C. Adams, the Utah Shakespeare Festival was established with the goal of producing Shakespearean plays in a professional setting. The festival has grown from a small, summer-only event to a year-round operation with a national reputation, attracting actors, directors, and technicians from across the United States. The site itself is part of the Southern Utah University Campus, which is located in a high desert environment.

Key Highlights & Activities

Attend performances of Shakespearean plays, musicals, and other theatrical productions. Participate in backstage tours to learn about the production process. Engage in pre-show lectures and post-show discussions. Explore the festival grounds and campus.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the theatre buildings and campus facilities. Shaded areas are present in the form of trees and covered walkways on campus. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available on the university campus. Food vendors and concessions are typically located near the performance venues, and restaurants are available in the surrounding Cedar City downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The main performance season runs from June through October. For optimal weather, consider visiting in late August or September, when temperatures are milder. Performances are scheduled in the evenings and matinees throughout the day. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

The Adams Shakespearean Theatre was designed to evoke the Globe Theatre in London, with a capacity of approximately 1,200 patrons. A unique aspect of the festival is its commitment to producing plays in rotating repertory, meaning multiple plays are performed each day by the same acting company.

Nearby Landmarks

• Southern Utah University (0km, On-site)
• Frontier Homestead State Park Museum (0.8km Northwest)
• Cedar City Main Street Park (1km Northwest)
• Old Iron Town (15km Southwest)
• Brian Head Ski Resort (35km Southwest)