News Summary
The Southern Shakespeare Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Shakespeare in the Park Festival, running from May 8 to 11 at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. The event features free performances of Shakespeare’s works, art displays, food trucks, and a spotlight on ‘Henry IV Part One’ starring actor Will Johnson. The festival highlights the company’s commitment to making Shakespeare accessible and engaging for the community, alongside educational efforts that have impacted over 12,000 students since its inception.
Tallahassee’s Southern Shakespeare Company Celebrates a Decade of Drama with Shakespeare in the Park Festival
Oh, what a time to be in Tallahassee! The Southern Shakespeare Company (SSC) is all set to celebrate a fantastic milestone—ten glorious years of bringing the magic of William Shakespeare to life right in our backyard! With all the fanfare of an outdoor festival, their annual Shakespeare in the Park event is gearing up, and trust us, it’s not an event you want to miss.
Free Fun for Everyone
This spirited festival doesn’t just shine a spotlight on the Bard’s incredible work—it makes his plays accessible and downright fun for everyone. If you’ve never thought Shakespeare was for you, prepare to have your mind changed. The festival will run from May 8 to 11 at the beautiful Cascades Park. With free admission, it’s an absolute steal! While donations are absolutely encouraged to keep this going, your wallet will thank you for the blissful day in the park surrounded by the arts.
Feast Your Eyes and Tummies
Once you’ve settled in at the park, get ready for a delightful lineup. Expect to see multiple stage performances, galleries of arts and crafts, and a chance to catch some thrilling sword-fighting demonstrations. And how about the food? Expect a lovely selection of food trucks ready to cater to your cravings. Bring your own picnic blankets and foldable chairs, or choose from main seating options. If you’re planning to pack your lunch or snacks, go for it! Enjoying a tasty sandwich while taking in a classic Shakespearean drama sounds like the perfect day out.
Spotlight Performance: Henry IV Part One
This year’s big feature is none other than “Henry IV Part One,” a historical drama that dives into the chaotic reign of King Henry IV. And it gets even better—Hollywood’s Will Johnson, known for his roles in shows like House of the Dragon and Outlander, will take center stage in the lead role. This festival is truly a star-studded affair that appeals to both Shakespeare aficionados and newcomers alike.
The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes
Directed by Connor Wilson, who’s had a hand in bringing tales to life on Broadway (think Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this production promises to be just as thrilling as the performances. The magic of theater isn’t only on the stage; it’s happening in the crowd too. Whether you’re new to Shakespeare or a long-time fan, there’s something for every theater lover here.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
And wait, there’s more! “The Bardlings,” the SSC’s junior acting troupe made up of talented students from grades 6 to 12, will showcase abridged performances too. Watch them shine with a trimmed-down version of “Twelfth Night” and join in the festivities with “Henry IV” performances. Nothing like seeing tomorrow’s stars take their first steps into the spotlight!
Connecting with the Community
The Southern Shakespeare Company is so much more than an annual festival. Since its inception by Dr. Kevin Carr and others, SSC has provided various events including outdoor productions, interactive dinner theaters, and enriching educational partnerships with local schools. Their dedication to education has touched the lives of over 12,000 students and community members since 2019—building not just awareness of theater but also valuable skills in conflict resolution.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, SSC plans to take to the road with a touring performance of Romeo & Juliet, kicking off at Tallahassee State College. They aim to continue expanding their educational programs and maybe even secure a permanent performance space—imagine that!
Donate and Celebrate
The festival comes with a 10th-anniversary matching donations campaign. That means every penny you give is doubled up to $10,000. It’s a chance to really support the community culture that SSC fills Tallahassee with.
What Are You Waiting For?
If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for May 8-11 and get ready to enjoy a whimsical weekend filled with laughter, drama, and delicious food in beautiful Cascades Park. For more detailed info, don’t forget to check their website. Your adventure with the Bard awaits!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Musical Events in Tallahassee This February
Southern Shakespeare Company Debuts New Adaptation of Romeo and Juliet
Festival of the Creative Arts Kicks Off in Tallahassee
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Southern Shakespeare Company Marks 10th Year
- Google Search: Southern Shakespeare Company
- Tallahassee.com: Southern Shakespeare Takes Romeo and Juliet to Schools
- Wikipedia: Romeo and Juliet
- Tallahassee.com: Southern Shakespeare Moves Show After Storm Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shakespeare
- Tallahassee.com: Top 5 Fun Things to Do This Weekend
- Google News: Southern Shakespeare Company
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
