Sarah Nealis as Juliet, CalShakes 2009, photo by Kevin Berne
It’s summertime in California (meteorological evidence to the contrary), and that means barbecues, bikinis, beach parties, and the Bard. That is, Shakespeare Festivals! Across the state, theater groups are brushing up on their iambic pentameter and preparing to produce a panoply of plays, from petite to prodigious, indoors or outdoors, free to pricey.
Though the granddaddy of all Shakespeare fests goes up in Ashland, Oregon, various California companies seek to compete with shows of their own.
CalShakes
Out in the determinedly residential East Bay town of Orinda, the California Shakespeare Festival balances its season between the Bard’s famed plays and one or two newer shows.
The outdoor amphitheater features grassy steps serving as seats—pack blankets, pillows, coats, blankets, hot drinks, and more blankets. It gets chilly during the second act. If you like picnics, go ahead and bring one—the theater opens well before the show starts to let seat-holders enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal. There are concessions outside the amphitheater, and the food’s not bad but it is predictably expensive. But the hot coffee at intermission can be a lifesaver on colder nights!
Shakespeare Santa Cruz
With one outdoor theater, one indoor theater, and the support and sponsorship of UC Santa Cruz, Shakespeare Santa Cruz puts up great shows every summer.
For my money, the outdoor theater is far more fun. It’s in the redwood forest, and picnicking is encouraged. Since you’re in Santa Cruz, you can pick up some fresh breads from the legendary (and delicious!) Alfaro’s (412 E Riverside Dr, Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-5827). Do bring your folding lawn chairs if you want a seat with a back to it.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
What could be better than watching a grand production of a classic play with the endless drama of Lake Tahoe as the backdrop? The Foothill Theater produces this festival every year—actors from across the state come to audition for parts in this prestigious festival.
A perennial SF Bay Area favorite, Shady Shakes puts up fun and free productions of Shakespeare’s best-known works in Silicon Valley parks.
Another Shakespeare Festival with a great setting, a vacation in Carmel is always wonderful, whether you love the Bard or not.
