Utah Shakespeare Festival Returns in 2021
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is back this year, after skipping their 2020 season due to COVID-19. This 60th season features eight plays in three theaters; and although there are extra COVID-19 precautions in place, it’s expected to be a stellar season. Says Executive Producer Frank Mack, “The confluence of many circumstances will combine to make 2021 an exciting season—celebrating sixty years of great professional theatre in beautiful Cedar City, honoring our visionary founder who made all this possible, and getting to produce shows for our wonderful audiences, by our amazing artists, after a year-long hiatus.”
Utah Shakespeare Festival 2021 Lineup
- Pericles – June 21 to September 9
- Richard III – June 22 to September 10
- The Comedy of Errors – June 23 to September 11
- The Pirates of Penzance – June 25 to October 9
- Ragtime – June 26 to September 11
- The Comedy of Terrors – June 29 to October 9
- Cymbeline – July 16 to October 19
- Intimate Apparel – July 17 to October 9
Tickets for the 2021 shows are priced from $23 to $85 and are available at www.bard.org or 800-PLAYTIX.
COVID-19 Precautions
In order to keep everyone safe, a number of COVID-19 policies have been put in place for the 2021 season. At the top of the list is the requirement that patrons must wear masks throughout every performance, including those in the theaters, Greenshows and Seminar Grove discussions.
There will be no social distancing in the theaters, and there will be no empty spaces between patrons from different households. No concessions will be available in the theaters, and no outside food or drinks will be allowed. The reason for this is because if food and drinks were available, patrons would have to remove their masks to consume them. The no food or drinks policy keeps patrons masked at all times, and allows different households to be seated side-by-side in the theaters.
Last but not least, although the plays will go on as scheduled, some events had to be cancelled. The 2021 festival will not offer backstage tours, Repertory Magic or props , costume and actor seminars. Morning play seminars and pre-show play orientations will continue as usual, but any event where actors interact directly with audiences will be cancelled. This is done to insure the health of both the cast and patrons. Additionally, vaccinations and regular testing are required of the entire company.
Wheelchair Access at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a nicely inclusive event, with good access and seating for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, which was constructed in 2016, features ramp access to the main level, and elevator access up to the balcony. Wheelchair-users have a wide choice of seats, with accessible spots available in the front and rear orchestra, as well as the balcony. Accessible parking is located a short roll away on Shakespeare Lane, and the theater also includes accessible restrooms.
Also constructed in 2016, the Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre features equally good access. Accessible parking is available on Shakespeare Lane, and a drop-off area is located next to the theater on University Avenue. There’s barrier-free access to the building, with accessible seating available in the front rows. Additionally, there’s a barrier-free path to the concession area and the accessible restrooms.
The oldest of the three theaters – the Randall L. Jones Theatre – offers accessible parking on nearby Shakespeare Lane. There is level access to the theater from the back patio, with accessible seating available in the back orchestra section. There’s also level access to the concession area and the accessible restrooms in this theater.
Additionally, there’s level access to Seminar Grove and the Greenshow area. More information about the accessibility of the theaters can be found at emerginghorizons.com/whats-new-at-the-utah-shakespeare-festival/.
