This is the 40th season of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, held at Sand Harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The 2012 Festival runs from July 13 through August 26. What began in 1972 at Sugar Pine Point State Park over on the west shore of Lake Tahoe has grown into a major production of professional theater performances and provides a unique venue for summer entertainment in the Reno / Tahoe region. There are performances every night of the week during the Festival season.
Sand Harbor has been called "The Most Scenic Venue in the World," which isn't surprising considering it's on the shores of one of the world's most beautiful lakes. The backdrop for the stage at Sand Harbor is Lake Tahoe. Audience seating is in a sandy bowl facing the performance and the scenic splendor of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Season Performances
On the playbill for 2012 is Two Gentlemen of Verona, one of Shakespeare's most delightful comedies and suitable for all ages. Performances will be accompanied by a live, on-stage band. In addition, the Monday Showcase Series at Sand Harbor will present Monday night performances by an amazing variety of artists. Check out the schedule and you'll see there is something for every taste...
- Reno Philharmonic Orchestra - Broadway on the Beach - July 16
- Reno Philharmonic Orchestra - Under the Western Sky - July 23
- Sierra Nevada Ballet - Giselle - July 30
- Mrs. Robinson - Ultimate Classic Rock Concert - August 6
- Chautauqua - Marie Curie and Mother Jones - August 13
- TOCCATA - A Continuing Requiem for John Lennon - August 20
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Tickets
Tickets for all play and music performances are available online from the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. If you are bringing a crowd (10 or more), discounts are available for group seating. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (800) 747-4697. There are no service fees on tickets - what you see is what you pay. However, there are no refunds, either. There is a $5 service fee for exchanges. There is no mailing of tickets. You must either print them from the website or pick them up at will-call at Sand Harbor.
Wine and Dine at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
While attending a play, visitors can enjoy gourmet food and drink services provided by Shakespeare's Kitchen. You can also bring your own picnic dinner and bottle of wine and dine while enjoying the performance. For those who enjoy the fruit of the vine, Shakespeare's Vineyard offers wine tasting adventures before every performance.
Features and Ways Things Are Done at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
- No ticket fees no matter how you buy - online, by phone, at the box office.
- Lower gallery seats are assigned. You no longer need to wait in line to get a good spot.
- Upper gallery includes beach chairs. No need hassle with bringing your own.
- Main gates open at 5 p.m., entrance to the show seating area opens at 5:30 p.m. Performances start at 7:30 p.m.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival for Children
Several educational children's programs are sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, including the D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program, InterACT Workshops, and A Midsummer's Camp.
There will be several free performances of Two Gentlemen of Verona at Sand Harbor and also around the Reno/Tahoe area offered through the D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program. Places and times are on the online schedule. There will be one Reno performance on August 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater in Bartley Ranch Regional Park. Even though they are free, you must reserve tickets because of limited seating at the amphitheater. Call (775) 298-0163 if you are requesting tickets for a group of 10 or more.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Membership
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit organization "established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors to our region. We strive to plan, produce and advocate the finest cultural events at Lake Tahoe while educating future generations on the importance of including theatre, music and art in their everyday lives." Everyone is invited to become a member and support the work of this cultural organization.
Getting to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The Sand Harbor venue for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. To get there from Reno, take the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) to Incline Village, turn left on Nevada 28 and drive six miles to the park entrance. The Festival website has detailed directions on getting to Sand Harbor from various locations. Carpooling is recommended as parking is limited.
Shakespeare Shuttle
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival provides a shuttle service to Sand Harbor from the DW Reynolds Community Center in Incline Village and the CalNeva Hotel Casino in Crystal Bay. The 2012 schedule is Saturdays from July 14 to August 11, and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from August 16 to August 25. Shuttles depart from the CalNeva at 5 p.m. and from Incline Village at 5:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Reservations are required. Call (800) 747-4697 to purchase tickets and (775) 298-0163 for more information.
More About the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival information phone number is (775) 832-1616. The office address is 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451.
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Calendar of Performances
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Frequently Asked Questions
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Seating Information
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Educational Outreach
Volunteer Opportunities with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival needs volunteers to help perform various functions during the season. including amphitheatre host, premium seating usher, greeters, merchandise sales assistant, box office crew, work crew, ticket takers, landscape maintenance, and Young Shakespeare assistants. Volunteer benefits include earning free Festival tickets, souvenir Festival merchandise, inclusion in the annual program, and the satisfaction of supporting the arts.
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