festival events
before the show
Arrive early for these pre-show events outdoors on the green adjacent to the performing arts center.
Green Show
Approximately 45 minutes before the start of each play, our professional understudy company will present a variety of scenes from the Shakespeare canon. These entertaining and informative scenes will tune your ear to Shakespeare’s verse before enjoying the main production. The scenes will rotate on a regular basis, so come back and see them all!
The Green Show is sponsored by Stephen Carmichael and Susan Stoddard.
During the show
Accessibility services are available during Friday matinees at 1 p.m.
The festival can accommodate any accessibility needs at any performance with advance notice. However, if you are looking to join with a community that shares your accessibility needs, Friday matinees are the time for you.
The first two Friday matinees are fidget friendly. These performances will have adjustments to accommodate those who may struggle to sit quietly through an entire performance and those who have sensory concerns. The final two Friday matinees will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) and audio described live for the blind (via headset).
Those who would benefit from these services are encouraged to discuss their needs with the box office personnel when ordering tickets so that special seating requests can be accommodated.
Accessibility services are sponsored by Merchants Bank.
after the show
One of the best parts of all theater is the conversation that happens after the show. Join us for some formal and informal discussions with the artists who create the season’s productions.
ICE Cream Socials
FRIDAY and SATURDAY EVENINGS after the SHOW
Join us right after the show every Friday and Saturday night outside the theatre for an ice cream socials. Enjoy a FREE frozen treat, mingle with the cast and crew, and share your experiences of the plays with your fellow audience members.
Ice Cream Socials are sponsored by Miller Scrap.
company conversations
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 11AM
Grab a coffee and settle in for fun, fascinating, and in-depth conversations with our Company members about the plays, the productions, and life in the theater. Company Conversations take place at Blooming Grounds Coffee House downtown. Come ready with your questions! Select conversations are broadcast on Facebook Live (facebook.com/GreatRiverShakes), so you can also join from the comfort of your living room!
This is a FREE event, food and drink purchases are encouraged.
Company Conversations are sponsored by Greg and Teri Evans and Mary Alice Anderson.
post-show talkbacks
THURSDAY EVENINGS
On Thursday evenings, stay in your seats after the show and meet the cast who just performed! Have your questions ready as our actors and crew share what goes on behind the scenes and how we bring our productions all the way from page to stage.
This is a FREE event.
Post-Show Talkbacks are sponsored by Dr. Professor Sally Sloan.