CU Boulder’s annual Shakespeare Festival is a highly anticipated summer event in our city. Originating in 1958, a professional theatre company associated with CU Boulder has brought the Bard’s famous plays to our city’s stage. Join theater lovers under the stars and experience Shakespeare like never before.
When and Where
Performances take place at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre on CU’s beautiful campus. Nestled in the Hellems Arts and Science Building, this theatre sets a perfect stage for an unforgettable performance. Named for the first female to teach at a state university in the entire United States, this space has stood the test of time.
Security for the performances has increased and the facilities are set to open an hour before the shows; seating for each performance begins 30 minutes prior. If it’s your first time attending this Boulder tradition, here’s a map to the venue.
Shakespeare Festival kicked off on 6/14 and runs through 8/11. Showtimes and dates vary, but will take place Thursdays through Sundays, with start times between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. Sundays also offer a matinee option beginning at 2:00 pm. Check here for a more detailed schedule of dates and times for each performance.
About the Plays
While Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights in history, many of us haven’t experienced his work since our college English courses. In case you’ve forgotten, here’s a brief synopsis of each play scheduled for this summer’s Shakespeare Festival.
Twelfth Night
One of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies, Twelfth Night tells the story of shipwrecked twins, Viola and Sebastian, who were separated at sea and each made their way to Illyria. This tale of misidentity, unrequited love, and pandemonium will have audiences cackling with laughter. Here’s the schedule and ticketing options for all Twelfth Night performance dates.
As You Like It
Another comedy based on concealed identity and a quest far from home, As You Like It delivers laughter, romance, and drama. All of the characters will be played by only 8 actors. Experience this thespian feat during any one of its showtimes listed here.
Romeo and Juliet
Star-crossed lovers and dueling families keep guests on the edge of their seats during this famous performance. See Romeo and Juliet as told on the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre stage. Tickets and showtimes can be found here.
King Charles III
This future-history play by playwright Mark Bartlett features Shakespearean language while imagining a dystopian world after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Witness modern plots and historical language collide in this distinctive play.
CU Boulder’s Shakespeare Festival makes for a special date-night, friends’ night out, or family activity. Add this to your Colorado summer schedule and enjoy world-renowned plays right in our very own city.