South Dakota Shakespeare Festival Entertained at a Distance
Additionally, the SDSF created an online resources page that provided links to Shakespeare performances from around the globe, scripts, family activities and other digital resources pertaining to the life, work and world of Shakespeare. In keeping with their values of access and inclusion, all programming was offered at no cost to the public.
Throughout the festival week, over 6,000 people accessed SDSF Facebook posts, connecting audience members to resources, links, productions and programs. Shakespeare programs offered through the Vermillion Public Library reached 419 people and the two streaming productions received 254 impressions and 84 views. Additionally, 10 youth from the Minnehaha Juvenile Detention Center viewed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and participated in a virtual talk-back with SDSF’s executive artistic director, Chaya Gordon-Bland, and artists from the play’s production team, joining from South Dakota, Connecticut and Alaska.
"The SDSF was pleased to present this programming to our communities, utilizing the arts to empower, uplift, inspire and bring people together virtually," said Gordon-Bland. "We thank this season’s partnering organizations, the Vermillion Public Library, Vermillion Cultural Association, Red Bird Balloons, National Music Museum, and Hy-Vee, for helping create and promote this wonderful week for our communities."
In 2021 the SDSF looks forward to coming back strong and reconnecting with audiences, artists and community with an amazing face-to-face festival.
The mission of the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival is to engage, connect and inspire communities by exploring our shared human experiences through inclusive, professional Shakespeare productions and theatre arts education.
By creating highly accessible work that entertains and enlightens individuals, strengthens communities and increases the artistic offerings of the region, the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival seeks to fulfill an important cultural and educational need throughout the state and Great Plains Region.
For more information, visit www.SDShakespearefestival.org.
