(Last UPDATED 7/1/2023) Description and review of the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, held annually each July. NEW: See “Updates” below.
Original Post
Each year in July the City Theatre at Sacramento City College produces the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare Festival is held at the William A. Carroll Amphitheater in William Land Park.
This year the two plays are “Love Labour’s Lost” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
In Love’s Labour’s Lost, the King of Navarre and his three sons swear an oath which includes fasting and avoiding contact with women for three years. Things get complicated when the Princess of France and three of her friends show up.
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, love is in the air and the fairies and the mechanicals in the Athenian Woods get involved – and turn things upside down. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is always an audience favorite.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
The Lowdown
Performances Thursdays thru Saturdays start at 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. There is a 7-minute GreenShow performance Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 5:15 p.m.
The Amphitheatre gates open two hours before each performance. I like to get there early to secure a parking spot and a good vantage point on the grass seating area. There are backless benches behind the grass seating area if that is more to your liking.
I always take a blanket, low lawn/beach chair, and pack a picnic dinner to enjoy prior to the performance.
Over the years I have found that the Delta breeze can kick up when the sun goes down – so it is a good idea to take a light jacket or wrap in case you need it to be comfortable.
Attending a play at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival is a great way to spend a summer evening with friends and family.
Tip: 2016 Intern Program participants will present a 45 minute play to finish up their summer program. The performance will be on Sunday, July 24 at 9:30 p.m. – and the cost is “pay what you will”.
See related blog post: Sacramento Shakespeare Festival
Updates
2023
(7/1/2023) The 2023 Sacramento Shakespeare Festival will be held July 7 – 23 at the Art Court Theatre on the Sacramento City College campus.
2022
(6/30/2022) The 2022 Sacramento Shakespeare Festival will be held July 8 – July 24. Both a play (Romeo and Juliet) and a spin-off (Another ‘As You Like It’ Reunion) will be performed.
The 2022 Festival will be held in the Sacramento City College Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
2021
(7/5/2021) The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival has been postponed due to COVID-19. Being offered in its place are:
- Hamlet (Live Streamed from the Courtyard) on July 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.
- Shakespeare Sideshows (Staged Readings Online) on July 11, 18 and 25. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person.
- Click link above.
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