Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival

The Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival (NDSF) is a summer cultural event held in Notre Dame, Indiana, dedicated to exploring and celebrating the works of William Shakespeare through performance and community engagement. The festival runs from July 19 to July 31, 2025, and takes place in venues at the University of Notre Dame, including the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and the Patricia George Decio Theatre.

The festival is a major educational and cultural program that integrates Shakespeare into humanistic pedagogy at the university while engaging the broader South Bend and regional community. It features a mix of professional theater productions, community performances, and special events designed to enrich the local cultural scene and provide social and educational opportunities related to Shakespeare’s works.

Festival atmosphere and area: The event is held on the University of Notre Dame campus, a scenic area within St. Joseph County, known for its collegiate gothic architecture and vibrant academic and cultural life. The vibe during the festival combines intellectual engagement with artistic celebration, attracting local families, theater enthusiasts, students, and visitors from around the country.

Core activities and schedule:

• Mainstage Professional Production: The highlight in 2025 is a full production of Shakespeare's "King Lear," performed by the NDSF Professional Company. This production features Equity principal professional actors, national student talent, and local performers. The show runs from August 19 (preview) through August 31, with multiple performances mostly in the evenings and some weekend matinees, held in the Patricia George Decio Theatre.

• ShakeScenes (July 19, 2:00–3:30 p.m., Leighton Concert Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center): A community company event featuring curated scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, often with local and university performers.

• Shakespeare After Hours: An engaging, often informal series that includes discussions, guest lectures, or performances reflecting on Shakespeare’s themes and relevance.

• Shakespeare in Fremont Park and Shakespeare Around the Bend: Outdoor performances and community-focused events around the South Bend region, enhancing accessibility and community participation.

• Opening Night Celebration for King Lear: An event beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by the evening performance at 7:30 p.m., offering an opportunity for festival-goers to gather and celebrate together.

• Additional special programming: Guest artists, lectures, and events related to Shakespeare’s works and classical literature.

Founding and history: Established initially in 2000 as "Summer Shakespeare," the festival has expanded significantly, now boasting professional-level productions with Broadway directors and award-winning designers. It has become a well-regarded cultural event with a mission to enrich the community educationally, socially, and culturally through Shakespeare and classical theater. The festival presents opportunities for local residents to perform and participate alongside professional artists, thereby fostering a vibrant community theater culture.

Accessibility and admission: The festival is open to the public with tickets required for most performances. It is handicapped accessible, reflecting its inclusive community mission.

Contact and additional info: For details, tickets, and updates, the festival can be contacted via (574) 631-2273 or through its website and Facebook page.

In summary, the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival offers a rich mix of professional theater, community participation, educational events, and celebratory activities centered on Shakespeare’s works, set within the culturally vibrant environment of Notre Dame and South Bend.