Dear Friends,

I write with less-than-pleasant news, though in the interest of public health, by now hardly unexpected: we will postpone the 2020 season of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. We will still produce “The Two Noble Kinsmen” (July 18-August 23, 2021) and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (August 17-29, 2021). Scotty Arnold and Lavina Jadhwani will still direct.

We will not merely go dark and disappear. The Shakespeare family will adjust our 20th Anniversary Season celebration by enlisting NDSF artists, staff, and volunteers to create online content in three main categories: Education, Training, and Performance.

Classes or workshops we are considering include Shakespeare and Musical Theatre, Acting Shakespeare, Costume Design, Resume Review, and Intimacy Direction. Look too for readings, special adaptations of scenes, and even new live concerts of NDSF music from recent productions.

There will be no charge to participate or view any of these classes or offerings, and we’ll be sure to include how long they will be available. The full schedule will be published May 15.

For those of you who hold tickets to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” you may reschedule with us to 2021, receive a refund, or hold as a credit with the ticketing office. Reach them from 12-6pm EDT., at 574-631-2800 or by email at performingarts@nd.edu. If you leave a voicemail, we will return your call within 24 hours.

Patrons may also be interested in the Paul Rathburn fund, which helps compensate artists who’ve already invested time and effort in the 2020 season.

We believe fervently in the power of theatre to help us see ourselves — and the world — anew. Until we can share these offerings together in the same room, we will look forward to seeing you on our screens.

On behalf of the entire Shakespeare team, our very best wishes to you each and all,
– Grant Mudge, Ryan Producing Artistic Director, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival