South Dakota Shakespeare Festival
Experience the magic of Shakespeare under the South Dakota sky!

The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival recently captivated audiences from June 26th to June 29th. This beloved annual event took place in the picturesque Prentis Park, right here in Vermillion.
Attendees enjoyed world-class theatrical performances, bringing classic Shakespearean tales to life in a unique outdoor setting. The festival is a cornerstone of Vermillion's cultural scene, offering enriching experiences for all ages.

Picture from Aaron C Packard Productions

Picture from Aaron C Packard Productions
Our Story: A Brief History
Founded in 2011 by Artistic Director Chaya Gordon-Bland, Executive Director Greg Huckabee, and Production Manager Scott Mollman, the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival (SDSF) launched its inaugural season in Vermillion's Prentis Park in June 2012. Since its inception, the SDSF has been dedicated to offering free, fully produced professional Shakespeare performances and arts educational programs for youth and adults, engaging approximately 1200 patrons annually.
Significant accomplishments include a documentary film broadcast on SD Public Broadcasting, recognition for "Best Local Production" by the Sioux City Journal, and an expanded outreach program that toured high schools across southeast South Dakota, engaging over 1650 diverse youth and adults. In 2017, the SDSF incorporated as a non-profit and achieved 501c3 status, strengthening its infrastructure for continued growth and community impact through collaborations with various local organizations.

Meet the Director: Rebecca Bailey
Rebecca Bailey serves as the Executive Artistic Director of the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival. With an MFA in Directing from the University of South Dakota, Rebecca has a rich background in theatre, including directing for various festivals and teaching at the University of the Ozarks.
Passionate about using theatre to energize and inspire conversation, Rebecca's work extends to using theatrical techniques in training Victim Advocates for the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, for which she received a Visionary Voice Award in 2021. Her directorial credits include acclaimed productions like *Comedy of Errors* for SDSF and *For Hurting Hands*, a devised production that earned national awards.
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