The annual Colorado Shakespeare Festival is back, but this year’s event is particularly noteworthy: this will be the 60th anniversary of the festival that began in 1958.
With over a half-century of tradition, and many more years than that since The Bard penned his beloved classics, CSF continues to preserve tradition while exploring how these centuries old plays continue to be relevant and inspirational for audiences of all ages. Here’s what you need to know about the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, kicking off June 11 and running through August 13:
The Location
There will be two locations for this event. A mainstay of the festival’s past, performances will be held under the night stars at the beautiful Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.
Equally as historic, The University Theatre (with roots dating to 1897) will also hold performances. (Though the theatre has been moved over the years, the first play performed at the original theatre was during the commencement ceremony for the 1897 graduating class. The play was from Shakespeare’s canon and was performed by CU Boulder’s graduating seniors.) The newly renovated indoor University Theatre has a seating capacity of 412 and is easily accessible to all.
Event Schedule
- June 11 – August 13, 2017: The Taming of The Shrew kicks off the 60th anniversary of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and will be performed at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. Tickets may be purchased here.
- June 23 – August 13, 2017: Hamlet
Perhaps the greatest play ever written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet will be performed at The University Theatre. See the full schedule for Hamlet and purchase your tickets here.
- July 7 – August 12, 2017: Julius Caesar
See this masterpiece under the night sky at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. To see a complete listing of the production’s schedule and purchase tickets, click here.
- August 6 – August 8, 2017: Henry VI, Part 3
Closing Shakespeare’s body of work at this year’s Colorado Shakespeare Festival, this enactment is not to be missed. With the conclusion of this performance, the CSF will have completed the entirety of Shakespeare’s canon for the second time. Held at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, find the complete schedule for this two-day event here.
Camps and Educational Programs
- May 30 – August 11, 2017: Camp Shakespeare (Ages 10-18)
- July 10 – July 21, 2017: Shakespeare’s Sprites (Ages 6-9)
- September 26, 2017 – April 25, 2018: Shakespeare & Violence Prevention 2017-2018 Tour
Fun Activities
- June 11 – August 13, 2017: Picnic with friends and family 75 minutes prior to show time at The Hellems Lawn and Shakespeare Gardens.
- July 1, 2017: Shakespeare High Tea takes place at 5:30pm in the Shakespeare Gardens with light fare and drink flavored with period-accurate herbs and spices from the time and place of William Shakespeare. Live, if only for a midsummer night, among the towering White Rose of York, the ageless Red Rose of Lancaster – not to mention the sweet and savory aromas of musk roses, carnations and rosemary, and myriad more. Additionally, treat yourself to a stroll through a traditional Elizabethan knot garden and be transported to the era of Shakespeare and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I.
You’re sure to love this year’s special 60th anniversary preserving Shakespeare, the Elizabethan golden age of English history, and the camps and activities that the CSF has organized for the summer. Enjoy!