I will update for the 2012 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival when the information becomes available.
This is the 39th season of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, held at Sand Harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The 2011 Festival runs from July 15 through August 21. What began in 1972 at Sugar Pine Point State Park over on the west shore of Lake Tahoe has grown into a major production effort that produces 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.
While attending a play, visitors can enjoy gourmet food and drink services provided by Shakespeare's Kitchen. You can also bring your own picnic and dine while enjoying the performance.
New in 2011 at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
There are some new features and ways of doing things at the 2011 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, including...
- 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 amphitheatre at the archway opens at 5:30 p.m.
- New wine tasting adventures at Shakespeare's Vineyard.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Season Performances
On the playbill for 2011 is Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's comic masterpiece. In addition, the Music Series at Sand Harbor will present Monday and Friday night performances by an amazing variety of artists. Check out the schedule and you'll see there is something for every taste...
- Reno Philharmonic - Broadway on the Beach - July 12
- Sugaray - Blues and Soul - July 16 & August 9
- Cecilia Noel - Hip Shaking Latin Salsera - July 19 and August 13
- Mitch Forman - World Renowned Jazz - July 23
- Café R & B - Presenting the First Lady of L.A. Blues - July 26
- Mrs. Robinson - Hits from the 60s & 70s - July 30
- Paul Thorn - Southern Rock - August 2
- Royal Crown Revue - Gangster Swing - August 6
- Karen Briggs - Legendary Yanni Violinist - August 16
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.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 Twelfth Night 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 two Reno performances on August 8 - 1:30 p.m. at Marvin Picollo School and 7 p.m. at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre in Bartley Ranch Regional Park. Even though they are free, you must reserve tickets because of limited seating at the venues. Call (775) 832-1616 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 Summit shopping center in south Reno (corner of S. Virginia St. and the Mt. Rose Highway) and its offices at 948 Incline Way in Incline Village. This is a great way to avoid parking hassles and eliminate the late night drive back to Reno. Shuttles depart from The Summit at 4 p.m. and from Incline Village at 5:15 p.m.
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 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, VIP host, 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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