History
On July 6, 1978 the Illinois Shakespeare Festival debuted on a wooden temporary stage situated on Hazle Buck Ewing's tennis court at what everyone then referred to as Ewing Castle. From these rather rustic conditions the Illinois Shakespeare Festival has evolved into a professional nationally-recognized theatre. From 1978 to 1999, improvements to the Festival's open-air theater were constantly ongoing in order to accommodate the growing audiences and to improve sight lines and acoustic conditions. In late summer of 1999, groundbreaking for a new, permanent, open-air theater began. By the 2000 season, the Festival opened in a comfortable, 438-seat house, architecturally compatible with Ewing Manor. Currently working towards it's 39th season, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival brings exquisite theatrical productions that are enjoyed by patrons young and old.
Specialties
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival produces energetic new interpretations of theatrical works, engaging audience and artist in an impassioned exploration of the human condition, with the artistry and humanity of the Shakespearean canon as our constant touchstone.