Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or just enjoy performing arts, you won’t want to miss out on Shakespeare in the Pines, a free festival co-presented by the Saratoga Shakespeare Company, SaratogaArtsFest, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Bring the whole family to SPAC’s grounds on Friday, July 20, and watch as Shakespeare’s plays come to life!
All the World’s a Stage at This Festival
Shakespeare in the Pines will begin with “Shall I Compare Thee to a Midsummer’s Dream,” a special program presented by SaratogaArtsFest and produced by Nicole Coady.
From 12:30pm-2:00pm, visitors will discover roaming Shakespearean actors delivering sonnets and soliloquies, faeries & nymphs, pony rides, a flower crown making activity, and pop-up performances by the Nacre Dance Company and Saratoga Waldorf School. It will be an enchanting afternoon for people of all ages!
Then, at 2:00pm, SPAC and the Saratoga Shakespeare Company in association with SaratogaArtsFest will co-present a one-hour musical adaption of Romeo & Juliet. The production is directed by Folger Theatre actor Louis Butell, and it will be held under a large tent on SPAC’s grounds.
Attend the Dedication Ceremony
At 1:30pm, there will be a dedication ceremony to celebrate the new Lewis & Ann Swyer Poet’s Corner at the edge of SPAC’s grounds. The venue will be used for poetry, literature, and spoken word performances.
During the ceremony, Louis Butell will perform a reading of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy.
Register Today
Although Shakespeare in the Pines offers free admission, advance registration is recommended by visiting SPAC’s website or calling 518-584-9330. Day of registration will be available starting at noon at the Route 50 gate.
