After spending years recovering from a financial struggle that nearly forced the company to close its doors forever, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is both pleased and relieved to announce that it will end its fiscal year free of debt; a first in many years.

Despite accumulating a larger operating loss than budgeted for during 2008's otherwise artistically successful season, the company is in good shape, achieving all of the financial goals set forth in its strategic plan. Final payment on a loan from the Saskatchewan Arts Board was recently made for September 30th; one year ahead of schedule. This week the company is also paying off a long-standing loan from the city; one with a history dating back to 2001. With no outstanding balance on its line of credit, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is excited about plans for next year's Festivities.

Next summer will be the Festival's twenty-fifth anniversary, and two amazing shows are lined up. In tribute to the play that started it all back in 1985, the twenty-fifth anniversary season will feature the warm and magical A Midsummer Night's Dream; alongside a first ever production of the heart wrenching tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan hopes to welcome back its many past supporters and encourage the development of new partnerships as it enters a new fiscal year on October 1^st.

For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan celebrated its last performance of the year on Sunday, marking the end of its 2008 season. Despite strong reviews and positive audience feedback, festival attendance fell short of expectations.

Approximately 8,500 people assembled in the big tent this year for mainstage performances; about 1,000 less than expected. While The Tempest was able to fill the tent to a respectable 80% capacity throughout the season, the biggest drop in ticket sales can be attributed to Henry IV, which struggled to fill 56% of the seats. Stormy July weather played a large role in overall festival attendance; however the bigger issue was perhaps the fact that Henry IV is not well known. Despite amazing reviews and audience praise, crowds appeared reluctant to watch the unfamiliar play.

As a result of the season's weak attendance, the Festival is projecting a loss of approximately $22,000 this year. While this is a definite financial blow, management is confident that plans for next year's 25th anniversary are sure to move the company ahead.

As the Festival winds down for another year, Artistic Director Mark von Eschen would like to thank the many generous sponsors, funders, donors and volunteers who helped make 2008 an "Artistically Successful" season.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's 2008 season of "Revenge & Honour" officially ends this Sunday, August 10th. Don't miss your chance to enjoy 2008's critically acclaimed production of Henry IV, and experience the mystic mayhem of The Tempest.

Seats are still available for the last week of performances but tickets won't last long! To guarantee your spot, call 652-9100 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. For more information visit: www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com

Don’t let summer slip by without checking out the fun and excitement going on at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. With less than two weeks left before the Festival closes its gates, time is running out!

This season’s featured performances include Henry IV and The Tempest, with the closing night performances taking place on Saturday August 9th and Sunday August 10th.

This is the first time Henry IV has played on the Festival stage and feedback has been phenomenal. With stellar reviews and very pleased audiences, this superb blend of comedy, drama, and action is one play that no one should miss!

Check out mystic story of The Tempest for something the whole family can enjoy. Magic, comedy and romance combine in this colourful story about Prospero and his thirst for revenge.

Book your seats early before shows sell out! For tickets call the box office at 652-9100 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. For more information visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com

Following Friday night’s performance of Henry IV there are only two days left to take advantage of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s Procrastinator Week savings!

For all of the folks that persistently miss the shows every season, this is your chance to catch a performance before the Festival closes its gates for another year. Until Sunday July 27th receive a $2 ticket discount when purchasing tickets for that same day’s performances. This opportunity is only available in-person at the on-site box office. To initiate the deal, simply approach the box office staff and say “I’m a procrastinator!” It’s as easy as that!

This weekend enjoy the mystic mayhem of The Tempest, or check out the play that’s receiving tremendous audience praise, Henry IV. Apply this deal to the price of a matinee ticket for maximum savings! For detailed show descriptions, prices, and a full season schedule, visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com

For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net

Tuesday July 22nd to Sunday July 27th is procrastinator week at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan!

For all of the folks that miss the shows every year, this is your chance to take part in the excitement before the Festival closes its gates for another year! From Tuesday July 22nd to Sunday July 27th, receive a $2 ticket discount when purchasing tickets for that same day’s performances! This opportunity is only available in-person at the on-site box office. To initiate this deal, simply approach the box office staff and say “I’m a procrastinator!” It’s as easy as that!

This season’s featured performances are The Tempest and Henry IV. For detailed show descriptions and a full season schedule, visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com

For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net

Dark clouds loomed over Saskatoon this past Sunday, but a little rain didn’t stop fans from having a blast at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. While some stayed home, other gathered in the big white tent for Shakespeare’s matinee performance of The Tempest. Nature provided a little tempest of its own, dropping rain and hail at the end of the first act; however the tent stood strong and the audience remained dry.

Threatening clouds continued to shadow the city into the evening; but the rain held back for Shakespeare’s sold-out Medieval Feast. After a mouthwatering meal, enthusiastic fans circled around the Elizabethan Village to watch live sword fighting and medieval dance, followed by a performance of Henry IV on the main stage.

Henry IV continues to receive overwhelming praise; and it’s not hard to see why. Arguably one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime, the masterful blend of drama, comedy, and action has something to delight all! Media reviews have been consistently positive and survey feedback indicates that the audience agrees:

"Love the show!"

"Yet another great production. Thanks!"

"Absolutely brilliant!"

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan runs until August 10th along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Seats fill fast, so don’t forget to come out early! For tickets call the box office at: 652-9100 or visit any TicketMaster outlet. For more information visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com or call Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at: 653-2300.

The 2008 season of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is now officially under way after an exciting weekend of opening celebrations. Friday night was the grand opening of Shakespeare’s popular play The Tempest. Brilliant costumes and a commanding cast kept the audience mesmerized in a performance StarPhoenix critic Cam Fuller called "Visually arresting and surprisingly funny".

Henry IV opened the following night to an enthusiastic crowd – and like the performance, audience response was powerful. Shakespeare veteran Ralph Blankenagel delivered what Cam Fuller described as "a career-highlighting performance" as the comedic Falstaff. The rest of the cast was evenly matched with Fuller extending particular praise to "relative newcomer" Alden Adair, who "exuded confidence" in the dynamic role of Hal, Prince of Wales. Audience surveys were equally positive, including the following comments:

"Perfect!"

"Absolutely Brilliant! Of any of the Shakespeare plays I have seen, this is by FAR the best! The Actors were Awesome!"

"Falstaff, Hal, and Hotspur were AWESOME!"

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan runs until August 10th along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Seats fill fast, so don’t forget to come out early! For tickets call the box office at: 652-9100 or visit any TicketMaster outlet. For more information visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com or call Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at: 653-2300.

The wait is almost over! Despite cold and rainy weather, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's dedicated crew is busily preparing for the big opening nights next week.

Featuring two of Shakespeare's greatest works, the 2008 season of "Revenge and Honour" officially begins next week with special preview performances of The Tempest on July 2nd and Henry IV on July 3rd followed by the official opening performances on Friday July 4th (The Tempest) and Saturday July 5th (Henry IV).

This season is gearing up to be one of the most incredible yet – tickets won't last long! To reserve your spot call the box office at: 652-9100 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net or visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com

Tickets to Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's famous Medieval Feasts are running out fast! To avoid missing out on this fun-filled opportunity, book your tickets now!

The Medieval Feast was first introduced to the Festival in the year 2000, and over the past eight years has grown to easily become one of Shakespeare's most popular events! Last season demand was so high, that a second feast was added to accommodate the many enthusiastic fans. This year, the tradition has continued with exciting feasts on July 6^th and July 13^th!

The magnificent Gerard of Rembrandt's Dining Room is back to cater the events with his mouthwatering cuisine. The Meewasin Brass Quartet sets the tone with Medieval and contemporary music; and The Society for Creative Anachronism will round off the festivities with Live sword play and Medieval demonstrations. Afterwards, it's off to the big white tent to enjoy a wonderful performance of The Tempest (July 6^th) or Henry IV (July 13^th).

There are only a handful of seats left for the first feast, and with only a couple of weeks left before the Festival opens its gates, it won't be long before the second feast sells out too.

For tickets call 652-9100 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the brilliant cast of this year's plays: Henry IV and The Tempest! With many returning faces and some fresh new ones, this season is gearing up to be an enormous success!

Henry IV
The powerful cast of Henry IV is sure to make this Festival first an instant success! Talented Alden Adair returns for his third season on stage to take on the demanding role of young Prince Hal; a rebellious teen that has his father King Henry IV (played by Tom O'Hara) worried about the future of his kingdom. Saskatoon's own Skye Brandon has returned to play the hot-tempered Henry "Hotspur", who aligns with fiery Scot Douglas (Bob Wicks) to overthrow the new king. Shakespeare veteran Ralph Blankenagel plays the quick-witted Sir John Falstaff; and joining us on stage for the first time is newcomer Joel Bernbaum, as the king's guard: Sir Walter Blunt. With incredible fight choreography by Daniel Ford Beavis, Henry IV is guaranteed to be an action-packed event!

The Tempest
Robert Benz, noted for solid strong performances, returns to Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan to tackle the lead role of Prospero opposite his conniving brother Antonio (Tom O'Hara) and devious King Alonso (Ralph Blankenagel). Beautiful Anita Smith (Last year's Olivia in Twelfth Night) returns to play Miranda with University of Saskatchewan student Ed Mendez playing her love interest Ferdinand. Festival Favorite Alphonse Gaudet plays Gonzalo, Prospero's old dear friend with his trademark comic flair. Joshua Beaudry, Bob Wicks, and Alden Adair are all back for their third season to create merry mayhem as the comic trio: Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano. Mark Oddan shares his incredible vocal talent as the mystical spirit Ariel, in his Festival debut.

Organized with flair by Production Stage Manager Laura Kennedy, and Stage Manager Angela Christie, and supported by an amazing design team, this season of "Revenge and Honour" will entertain and amaze. Creative mastermind Mark von Eschen provides the Artistic Direction; dazzling sets and lighting by Stephen Wade, and beautiful and creative costumes by Beverley Kobelsky. Tickets are on sale now through the on-site Box Office (652-9100) or any Ticketmaster outlet.

With only weeks to go before the big opening night, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the official opening of the Box Office Thursday June 5^th at noon.

From July 2^nd to August 10^th, Saskatoon is lined up for another exciting season of Shakespeare! For the first time in the Festival's history Henry IV will be featured on the main stage, playing alongside the mystical fan favourite; The Tempest. Thrilling sword battles, magical mayhem, and hilarious comedy are just some of the things you can expect at this year's performances!

Those eager to purchase tickets can visit us at the Festival site; or give us a call at (306) 652-9100. The box office will be open every day from noon to 6:30pm.

The Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival is almost here! With only weeks to go before the big opening nights, crews are working hard to have the site prepared for another successful season!

The Festival's big white tent is officially up along the beautiful Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon. Sunny skies and calm winds helped ensure its rise last Tuesday went off without a hitch.

Funding from the Saskatoon Community Foundation and huge support from the Flaman Group of Companies has allowed work to start on the new Elizabethan Village. This new addition is a much needed replacement for the worn-out Billy Tent, and will become the new home for the Community Stage and Sir Toby's Tavern. The last of five peak roofed tents went up over the weekend, completing the main structure of this festive attraction.

Further transformation will continue in the coming weeks as the crew assembles the main stages and gets started on fresh new landscaping. The Festival runs from July 2^nd to August 10^th and features two of Shakespeare's greatest works: Henry IV and The Tempest.

Summer is almost here, and Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is ready to mark its arrival with the rise of the Festival tent, Tuesday May 27.

Home to the Festival's main-stage performances, the big white tent will attract up to 10,000 people this season with exciting productions of Henry IV and The Tempest running from July 2 to August 10^th.

Festival veterans will notice big changes at the site this year with the introduction of the Elizabethan Village; an exciting new attraction that will replace the long-serving Billy-Tent as host of the Community Stage.

Weather permitting; the Festival tent will go up at 2:00pm on our beautiful riverbank site in the heart of Saskatoon. Those interested are welcome to join us to witness the event!