Sit by the beach surrounded by the scenic location of Lake Tahoe, while enjoying various world-class performances of different artists– experience exceptional entertainment for all ages in The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival has become one of the anticipated outdoor cultural events in the US. It features theater acts and musicals of The Great William Shakespeare Classics, dance concerts, art exhibits, and orchestra performances!
It also features an interactive performance adaptation of a Shakespeare play– The D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program.
The Festival began in 1972, where performances were held on the lawn in front of Ehrman Mansion in Sugar Pine Point State Park, West Shore of Lake Tahoe. After six years, the North Tahoe Fine Arts Council (NTFAC).
Nevada State Parks agreed to transfer it to Sand Harbor State Park. It was 1979 when a decent stage was built for the performers with the help of volunteers.
In 1994, NTFAC gave way, and the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau took over the management and production of Shakespeare performances at Sand Harbor Beach at Incline Village, North Shore of Lake Tahoe, and still currently where it is being held.
The year after, the “Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival” was incorporated as an independent non-profit organization that is dedicated to managing and improving the performances. In the 2000 season, the Warren Edward Trepp Jr.
Stage was built at the cost of nearly two million dollars. It is a state-of-the-art stage facility that was funded mostly by private donors and is still being used up to now.
In 2010, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival collaborated with Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise, Idaho and Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, Ohio to maximize return on investments and increase the number of efficient productions.
Under the management of Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Board of Directors, the festival produces world-class productions of Shakespeare classics, and other theater shows for over 33,000 audience members each summer.
The Showcase Series, featuring the best arts and culture organizations in the region, reaches an additional 6,500 audience members. Visitors of all ages come from different regions and countries to witness extraordinary entertainment by the beach.
Here is the list of their past performances of famous Shakespeare classics:
2017: Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Hound of the Baskervilles Showcase Series
2016:The Comedy of Errors, Forever Plaid
Showcase Series
2015: Romeo and Juliet, The Fantasticks Monday Night Showcase
2014: As You Like It Monday Night Showcase
2013: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Monday Night Showcase
2012: The Two Gentlemen of Verona Monday Night Showcase
2011:Twelfth Night Monday Night Showcase
2010: The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Sand Harbor Music Series
2009: Measure for Measure Much Ado About Nothing Urban Village Monday Night Music Series
2008: Richard IIIA Midsummer Night’s Dream CAMBIO
2007: Romeo and Juliet The Taming of the Shrew Greater Tuna
Where is Jessica? 2006: Othello The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Twelfth Night
2005: Macbeth The Comedy of Errors
2004: As You Like It Much Ado About Nothing
2003: A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Merry Wives of Windsor
2002: Twelfth Night The Taming of the Shrew
2001:The Comedy of Errors Two Gentlemen of Verona
2000: Much Ado About Nothing Love’s Labour’s Lost
1999: As You Like It A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1998: Romeo and Juliet Twelfth Night
1997:The Merry Wives of Windsor The Taming of the Shrew
1996:The Comedy of Errors Much Ado About Nothing
1995; A Midsummer Night’s Dream Two Gentlemen of Verona
1994: As You Like It Twelfth Night
1993: The Taming of the Shrew Hamlet
1992:The Comedy of Errors Love’s Labour’s Lost
1991:The Tempest A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1990:The Merry Wives of Windsor Henry IV, Part 1
1989: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Twelfth Night
1988: Much Ado About Nothing Macbeth
1987: As You Like It The Tempest
1986: The Merchant of Venice Comedy of Errors
1985: Two Gentlemen of Verona A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1984: The Merry Wives of Windsor The Taming of the Shrew
1983: Love’s Labour’s Lost As You Like It
1982: The Taming of the Shrew Twelfth Night
1981: A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Comedy of Errors
1980: As You Like It The Merchant of Venice
1979: Twelfth Night Macbeth
1978: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Twelfth Night
1977: A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Tempest
1976: Macbeth Twelfth Night
*1975, 1974, 1973 – Performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream were held at the Ehrman Mansion on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.
(Source: laketahoeshakespeare.com, you may also find more information about their upcoming performances by visiting their website)
For the past few years, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival has featured other amazing performances to entertain local and international visitors to the region.
Some of which are performances by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Chautauqua, Reno Jazz Orchestra, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, and the Sierra Nevada Ballet.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
What else makes a festival fun and exciting? FOOD, of course! Aside from world-class performances and stunning locations in the wilderness, delicious cuisines are also available to add up to your awesome experience.
Shakespeare’s Kitchen offers the pre-order option of meals to enjoy during the show. This option is available upon ticket purchase on their website. The great selection menu includes easy-to-handle foods, such as tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, along with wines, beers, and cocktails.
You can also enjoy a picnic by the beach with friends and family before they start the show. Come by at around 5:30 in the afternoon, which is when the main gates open, and get early access to their concession area.
They also have Premium Seating & Café Table Seating sections where wait service is provided. You need to come early and place your order with the servers by 6:45 pm to accommodate you before the performance.
Food and beverages are not served while the show is ongoing. There’s no need to worry about the kids too because bringing in food and drinks is also allowed on the premises.
You may also want to take a pleasant stroll around the area and discover other exciting places to dine in. Here are some of the nearby restaurants you might want to check out:
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
1. Char Pit Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor State Beach, Incline Village, NV 89450
(0.4 Km from Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival)
The place has patio dining on a large shaded deck and easy beach access. The restaurant boasts its world-famous char-broiled menu which includes burgers, ribs, chicken, fish, and chips.
2. Lone Eagle Grille
907 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451-9432
(4.6 km from Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival)
Lakeside fine dining destination that offers carefully sourced American cuisine & a wide variety of wines. One of their must-try is the short ribs that fall off the bone beyond tender and absolutely amazing.
3. Mountain High Sandwich Co.
120 Country Club Dr. Suite 28, Incline Village, NV 89451-9331
(4.8 km from Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival)
The cool spot offers an organic-focused menu that includes sandwiches & cold-pressed juices, plus local kombucha & beer on tap.
4. Big Water Grille
341 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451
(5.7 km from Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival)
A premier fine-dining restaurant that showcases over 100 high-quality and delicious wines from around the world, that pair well with their fabulous cuisine, as well as a full bar with original cocktails and craft beers.
There are a lot of other restaurants nearby, some might need a short drive with a car to get to. If you’ve got plenty of time before or after the festival, you might want to check some of them too.
Bring your family and friends to The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and be amazed by everything it has to offer— from spectacular views and ambiance to great entertainment and sumptuous food, you’ll indeed have an unforgettable experience!
Kate is a Communication Arts graduate from Miriam College. She is an International Cabin Crew for Philippine Airlines. Kate is an adventure-seeker and loves to travel! She enjoys expressing her thoughts through creative writing.