When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Why Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival, held annually at the University of Colorado Boulder since 1958, offers an exceptional cultural experience to meet up with friends in a unique outdoor setting. This professional theatre company presents classic Shakespearean works as well as contemporary and classical plays beneath the summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, recently renovated, and indoor Roe Green Theatre. Its origins date back to the 1870s when performances were first held under cottonwood trees on the university campus. The festival draws roughly 25,000 patrons each summer and features a talented company of actors, directors, designers, artisans, and student interns from across the nation and world. Its blend of high artistic quality, beautiful open-air venue, and engaging productions make it an ideal place to gather with friends to enjoy timeless storytelling, rich theatrical tradition, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both heritage and innovation in theatre arts.
Here's what people think of Colorado Shakespeare Festival
As of recent, Colorado Shakespeare Festival holds a 4.8-star rating based on 321 reviews.
Reviews of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival overwhelmingly reflect enthusiasm for the high quality of productions, scenic outdoor ambiance, and the festival's ability to bring Shakespeare to life in engaging and accessible ways. Positive reviews frequently praise the unique experience of watching Shakespeare performed under the stars in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, highlighting the festival's professional cast, energetic direction, and thoughtful adaptations of classic and contemporary works. Many visitors note the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere and exceptional evening entertainment it provides during the summer months in Boulder. Conversely, some negative comments relate to logistical challenges such as seating comfort, weather unpredictability affecting outdoor shows, and occasional sound projection issues depending on seating location. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus among reviewers is highly favorable, emphasizing the festival’s artistic excellence and the special, memorable experience it offers audiences year after year.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
sam Beveridge
The Tempest was just spectacular. The closest to what I imagine the original production. Part vaudeville, part mystic tale that ends with all the humans understanding each other better and healing. And a lovely love story. Staging, costumes, lots of music and singing. Great physical performances. Proper role for Caliban, Ariel stole the show, restrained and nuance performance by Prospero. All around perfect. Go see it if you can.
Barbara Peterson (Cheyenne Noon Lions Club)
A wonderful production of The Tempest. I loved the set - the washed-ashore hull of a ship - and all the actors were great, including of course Ellen McLaughlin as Prospera. Highly recommended.
Brian Miller
The Tempest was the finest production I have ever seen at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival! I was completely enchanted. Strong cast, excellent set and costumes, and the projections were unsurpassed! Don’t miss this show!
K Watkins
I discovered the Colorado Shakespeare Festival decades ago, when I was ten years old. It's high time I said it here: they are GOOD. Whatever you like, don't like, or think you know about Shakespeare, treat yourself to tickets. Pick one of the well-reviewed shows if you're just starting out. They're worth it.
gail polk
I saw The Tempest last Sunday which was tremendous entertainment. The music and puppets combined with great sets and costumes supported the outstanding performance of the actors of an outstanding Shakespeare play. Congratulations!
How to reach Colorado Shakespeare Festival
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Why Colorado Shakespeare Festival may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival with your friends?
Gathering with friends at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival offers a magical experience steeped in culture, history, and community. Imagine an evening under the open sky, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the University of Colorado Boulder campus, as you watch Shakespeare’s timeless plays performed by world-class actors. This venue fosters a shared sense of wonder and engagement that modern theaters often lack, allowing groups to connect deeply over storytelling that has resonated for centuries. The festival’s reputation for top-quality productions and its setting in the beautifully restored Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre contribute to an atmosphere perfect for socializing while immersing in high-caliber artistic performances. With a solid rating of 4.8 based on more than 300 reviews, the event consistently impresses attendees, making it an ideal cultural outing to enjoy together. Beyond the plays themselves, the festival's setting invites casual conversations, picnics, and pre-show meetups, giving groups plenty of reasons to linger and celebrate shared interests in the arts and history.
What kinds of activities does the Colorado Shakespeare Festival offer for groups?
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is much more than just watching plays; it offers an extensive range of activities that can fill an entire day or evening for groups. Attendees primarily come to experience several productions each summer, typically running from June through August. These performances include not only Shakespeare’s legendary works but also classic and contemporary plays, broadening the appeal to varied tastes. The festival is headquartered in two main venues: the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and the modern University Theatre. Outdoor performances provide a scenic and relaxed environment where groups can bring blankets, snacks, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Meanwhile, indoor shows offer a more traditional theatrical setting for those who prefer a classic experience. In addition to performances, the festival features educational programs, workshops, and pre-show talks that enhance understanding of the plays and deepen engagement. Groups can partake in these activities to build shared knowledge and appreciation, making the meetup meaningful as well as entertaining.
Why is the Colorado Shakespeare Festival perfect for a group meetup?
Hosting a group meetup at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is ideal due to its combination of cultural richness, social atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings. The venue’s outdoor amphitheater creates a relaxed yet elegant ambiance that encourages interaction before and after the show. The festival attracts a diverse crowd, from Shakespeare enthusiasts to casual theatergoers, making it an inclusive environment for any type of friend or family gathering. Seating in the Mary Rippon Theatre allows for flexible arrangements suitable for groups, whether you want to sit closely together or spread out to enjoy a picnic-style outing. Moreover, the festival's longevity and prestige—established in 1958 and drawing around 25,000 patrons annually—ensure smooth, professionally managed events that enhance comfort and enjoyment. The staff’s attentiveness to creating an enriching and accessible experience guarantees that everyone in your group feels welcome and engaged. Hosting your gathering here combines the joy of live performance with the camaraderie of friends and family in a unique and memorable setting.
What is the historical and cultural significance of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival?
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival stands as one of the oldest Shakespeare festivals in the United States, with roots tracing back to the 1870s when performances were held outdoors on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Its formal establishment in 1958 marked the beginning of a professional tradition that has lasted over six decades. The festival’s home, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, named after one of the first female professors at a state university in the US, enriches its cultural aura. This theatre, built in the 1930s with the involvement of university and government funds, has been the stage for countless classic productions, celebrating the enduring vitality of Shakespeare’s work. The festival not only honors theatrical history but also embraces contemporary relevance by including diverse plays and educational outreach. This deep heritage fosters a profound connection between the audience, actors, and the legacy of literature, making any gathering here a celebration of artistic tradition and intellectual curiosity.
How does the Colorado Shakespeare Festival engage its audience and community?
Beyond staging plays, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival actively engages the local and broader community through education and outreach programs, workshops, and special events. Every summer, thousands of school children participate in camps, classes, and outreach performances designed to introduce them to Shakespeare’s language and themes in accessible and interactive ways. These educational initiatives ensure that the festival has a lasting impact beyond entertainment, nurturing an appreciation for classical literature in younger generations. For adults and groups, pre-show talks and panel discussions offer opportunities to deepen understanding, discuss themes, and engage with the production team and actors. Seasonal renovations and enhancements, such as recent improvements to the Mary Rippon Theatre, demonstrate the festival’s commitment to quality and accessibility. For your group meetup, these engagement options provide meaningful ways to connect not just with the art but with each other, fostering conversation and shared insights that elevate the experience.
What amenities and practical considerations improve the experience for groups at the festival?
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival offers several amenities that cater to group needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is equipped with adequate seating and designated areas where groups can spread out or sit together. Food and drink options are typically available nearby, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments before or during intermission. Parking facilities on the University of Colorado Boulder campus offer convenience, and public transport options make access straightforward for all attendees. The festival also prioritizes accessibility, providing accommodations for visitors with disabilities to make sure everyone in your group can participate fully. Additionally, the festival’s ticketing service accommodates group purchases, often with discounts or special options for larger parties. Weather considerations are addressed by offering indoor alternatives and clear communication about performance conditions, which means your group can plan confidently.
How can the Colorado Shakespeare Festival foster memorable social moments?
Attending the Colorado Shakespeare Festival with friends or family creates a series of memorable moments woven into the shared enjoyment of live theater under the stars. Before the plays begin, groups can gather on the picturesque campus grounds to picnic, reminisce, and anticipate the evening’s performance, generating excitement and bonding. The interactive nature of Shakespeare’s plays—with their humor, drama, and timeless themes—sparks lively discussions post-show, encouraging guests to reflect together on performances and interpretations. The festival’s long-standing presence and professional quality often inspire photo opportunities and keepsakes that enhance the sense of occasion. Moreover, the combination of natural beauty, historic architecture, and artistic brilliance forms a unique backdrop that transforms a meetup into a cultural celebration. Whether marking a special event or simply enjoying each other’s company, the festival offers an experience rich in atmosphere, engagement, and lasting memories.
What plays and performances can groups expect at the festival?
Each summer, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival programs a thoughtfully curated selection of plays that include Shakespeare’s classics as well as significant works from other playwrights, both classical and contemporary. This lineup caters to a variety of tastes and ensures that everyone in a group finds something appealing. The festival has included crowd favorites such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Merchant of Venice,” and “Henry IV,” alongside innovative new works and adaptations. Professional actors from around the country and the world bring these scripts to life with creative direction, producing a high standard of artistic quality. The presence of student interns also adds an educational dimension to many productions. Whether your group consists of Shakespeare aficionados or newcomers, the variety and caliber of the performances make attending together a deeply rewarding cultural outing.
How does the festival’s setting enhance the group experience?
The festival’s main venue, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, is an iconic outdoor amphitheater nestled within the scenic University of Colorado Boulder campus. Its design encourages a relaxed and social atmosphere ideal for group gatherings. The open-air setting allows for picnics and casual interactions in a way traditional indoor theaters rarely do, creating a convivial environment. The natural surroundings, lengthening summer evenings, and fresh air elevate the sensory experience of watching a play. Architecture and landscaping blend historical and modern elements, reinforcing the festival's strong tradition while catering to contemporary comfort. Groups can arrive early to stroll the campus, soak in the views of the foothills, and enjoy the pre-show ambiance together. This combination of cultural and natural beauty helps to foster a festive spirit that transforms a group meetup into a truly special event.
What makes the artistic direction and production quality stand out at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival?
Under the leadership of producing artistic director Timothy Orr, who has been involved with the festival in various roles since 2007, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has solidified its reputation for artistic excellence. Orr’s experience as both actor and director brings a refined understanding to the productions, infusing them with energy, nuance, and accessibility. The festival attracts top-tier professional actors, designers, and artisans, drawing talent from across the United States and internationally. This professional company works alongside student interns, creating a dynamic ensemble that upholds high standards while fostering new talent. Each production is fuelled by serious scholarship and artistry, ensuring that the plays are not only entertaining but intellectually rich and relevant. Groups can be confident that attending a performance here means witnessing theater at a professional, thought-provoking level, enhancing the collective cultural experience.
How can attending the Colorado Shakespeare Festival enrich relationships among friends and family?
Sharing a theater experience like the Colorado Shakespeare Festival with friends or family provides common ground for conversation, reflection, and connection. Shakespeare’s plays explore universal themes—love, ambition, betrayal, forgiveness—that resonate across ages and backgrounds, sparking meaningful dialogue within groups. The relaxed festival atmosphere combined with the thrilling immediacy of live performance encourages openness and shared emotional engagement. Post-show discussions often deepen bonds as attendees compare interpretations and reactions. Moreover, participating in a culturally significant event together can create lasting memories and traditions, making the festival a yearly destination for reunions or celebrations. In essence, rallying at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival offers a valuable opportunity to nurture relationships through shared art and joyful companionship amid a vibrant community setting.