Canada, Prescott A Premier Outdoor Theatre Experience on the St. Lawrence River
St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival brings professional theatre to life in one of Eastern Ontario’s most stunning natural settings. Located in picturesque Prescott, Ontario, this riverside festival has become a cultural jewel for the entire region. Audiences gather under the stars at the outdoor amphitheatre to experience world-class performances that blend Shakespeare’s timeless classics with innovative new works and musical celebrations.
The Magic of Riverside Theatre
Because the festival occupies a unique position along the scenic St. Lawrence River, it offers something truly special—theatre surrounded by natural beauty. Most importantly, St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival stands as the only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area. This distinction has made it essential to the artistic life of Eastern Ontario. The combination of high-quality performances and the magical riverside setting has driven remarkable growth, with attendance increasing by 600% over the first twelve years.
A Rich History of Artistic Innovation
The festival’s journey began in 2002 when Deborah Smith brought a small production of Romeo & Juliet to the area. By 2003, the community embraced the vision wholeheartedly, and the first full production of The Tempest took place at the amphitheatre. Therefore, the St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival was officially born.
In addition to its core Shakespeare productions, the festival has expanded considerably. Under previous leadership, the company introduced innovative approaches—including community productions featuring local amateur actors and large-scale works that enlisted volunteers from the region. As a result, the festival created a genuine sense of belonging and shared artistic purpose.
A historic moment came in 2014 when St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival became the only Canadian theatre to present the Globe Theatre’s international touring production of Hamlet. This achievement underscored the festival’s reputation for excellence.
New Leadership, Exciting Future
Most recently, Julia Nish-Lapidus and James Wallis were named Co-Artistic Directors in December 2023, bringing fresh energy and vision to the organization. Because of their leadership, the festival continues to foster growth and build an exciting future.
Core Values and Mission
St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival operates with a clear commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusivity. Besides delivering captivating professional productions, the festival prioritizes education outreach and collaboration with local artists and organizations. In addition, the team embraces innovation while ensuring the festival remains a sustainable cultural landmark for generations to come.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable evening of live theatre under the stars, St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival delivers performances that inspire and uplift. The combination of world-class artistry, stunning riverside surroundings, and genuine community spirit makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Thousand Islands region.