Magic Of Winona’s Great River Shakespeare Festival Is A Midsummer Night’s Dream
π Immerse yourself in a world of Shakespearean enchantment, laughter, and unparalleled artistry at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota! π #MinnesotaArts #WinonaMN #MinnesotaEvents
WINONA, MN – Our home town of Winona, Minnesota comes alive each summer as the Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) takes center stage. This nationally acclaimed festival, which kicked off in 2004, attracts top-tier actors from across the nation and enthusiastic audiences from the surrounding Midwest region. For several enchanting weeks, the Winona State University DuFresne Performing Arts Center becomes a hub of Shakespearean magic.
π Shakespeare Under the Stars
GRSF is more than just a series of exceptional theatrical performances. It’s a celebration of the arts in all their forms, featuring a dynamic array of music, guest speakers, and special events.
Young aspiring actors in grades 7-12 can sharpen their skills through educational programs such as Shakespeare for Young Actors, Designers, and Filmmakers. The festival even hosts an annual sonnet contest that receives entries from around the world.
β Behind the Curtain
For those eager to explore the inner workings of theater, GRSF’s weekly Company Conversations at Blooming Grounds Coffee House are a must-attend. Every Sunday, festival attendees gather to sip coffee and engage in spirited discussions with company members about the challenges and triumphs of staging a professional production. Can’t be there in person? Select conversations are streamed live on Facebook.
Don’t miss this article: Things To Do In Winona, Minnesota: The Ultimate Guide From A Local [2024]
π A Night of Mischief and Merriment
As the season nears its end, GRSF company members pull out all the stops for Callithump, a boisterous one-night-only fundraiser and variety show that has become a crowd favorite.
Affectionately known as “Thumpians” for the evening, the multi-talented troupe sings, dances, and performs side-splitting skits, all in support of the festival’s ongoing mission. Pre-show festivities include carnival-style games and a dunk tank, making Callithump a delightful event for all ages.
ποΈ A Season to Savor
The 2024 GRSF season, spanning from June 27 to July 28, is poised to be unforgettable. Audiences will be captivated by a pulse-pounding production of Hamlet, starring Tarah Flanagan, one of the festival’s most revered actors, in the titular role.
Those seeking a more lighthearted experience will revel in Much Ado About Nothing, a lively comedy brimming with love, laughter, and a generous dose of music.
With Thursday evening talkbacks, Friday and Saturday post-show ice cream socials, and a plethora of other special events, the Great River Shakespeare Festival delivers an unrivaled cultural experience in the scenic beauty of southeastern Minnesota. Visit their website here. To go or not to go? That isn’t the question – we’ll see ya there! Hehe.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
π£ Have you ever been to the Great River Shakespeare Festival? What’s your fave story by the Bard? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. β¬οΈ