Location(s) Bloomington, Illinois Foundation 1978 | Artistic director Kevin Rich | |
Date(s) Annually in July and August | ||
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF) is located in Bloomington, Illinois, United States. It began in 1978 and it celebrated its 30th season in the summer of 2007. The Festival generally does 3 Bard pieces in revolving rep, though occasionally the third piece is either a Shakespeare contemporary or time period contemporary.
The Festival is produced by the School of Theatre and Dance and the College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University. Performances take place at the Theatre at Ewing, on a re-creation Globe Stage complete with open air amphitheater. The Festival markets itself as "theatre under the stars!" Prior to each nightly performance (except Mondays), the Festival presents a Green Show in the courtyard of Ewing Manor. This little comedy or demonstration is suitable for all audiences and free. It often offers an abbreviated version of the play to come. The Manor grounds serve as picnicking spots for the audience. The Festival runs from the later part of June through the middle of August. In 2008, The Festival began doing a fourth show that is aimed towards younger audiences which is performed on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10am.
Production history
Unless otherwise noted, the plays are written by William Shakespeare.
Such publications as the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times have given the Festival positive reviews.