Shakespeare Festival in New Theatre

Construction is underway for the first phase of the permanent setting for the Utah Shakespearean Festival on the campus of Southern Utah State College. The $54,000 structure will be completed in time for the tenth annual season of the
summer event which begins on July 15 and runs through August 7. Plays this year will be "Taming of the Shrew," "King Henry IV. Part I" and "The Tempest."

Architect for the new outdoor theater is Max Anderson of the Utah State Building Board. He has worked closely with Festival producers and designers to achieve the authenticity for which the Utah Shakespearean Festival is noted.

The foundation of the new building will be concrete with a sub ground level storage area. The stage platform will rise two and one hall feet above the ground and will be faced with stone veneer to match the stone planters on adjacent buildings. The stage area will be 48 feet at its maximum width and 21 feet deep in the mite area. The hack stage will be 21 feet deep, with some of the space used for play action and the rest for backstage activity.

An upper stage will have much the same dimensions as the lower stage with the exception of three balconies projecting from the center and each side of the upper level.

The stage house itself will rise to the height of 32 feet from the ground level and will be constructed of authentic post and panel components.

A roof will cover nearly two-thirds of the stage area and will achieve the traditional Elizabethan appearance as well as afford protection for the stage house. Two cupolas, designed in hexagonal shape to conform with the basic hexagonal shape of the stage and superstructure, will rise above the roof. These areas will house the bell, cannon, and provide a place for the heralds to stand as they call the audience to seats with a trumpet fanfare. Affixed to each cupola will be a 12 foot flagpole to accommodate the traditional banners signifying the beginning of day performances.