The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents
Shakespeare in American Communities. Idaho Shakespeare Festival is one of 40 professional theater companies across the nation selected to perform a Shakespeare play with a professional team of actors for middle- and high-schools and conduct related educational activities for students.
By William Shakespeare
In a modern verse translation by Lisa Peterson
In partnership with Play On Shakespeare
February 16- April 23, 2026
Recommended for Students in Grades 6 – 12
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
In Shakespeare’s dramatic masterpiece, a young Hamlet navigates the sudden loss of her father, the King of Denmark, and the unexpected marriage of her mother and uncle. When she is visited by her father’s ghost in the night, she learns of a nasty plot within the royal court, and vows to seek vengeance for her father’s murder. The events that follow unfold in an everlasting tale of grief, revenge, loyalty, and the consequences of our actions – no matter how methodical or mad they may be.
The following is a chart for the 2027 Shakespearience Tour.
*Western Idaho includes Boise and surrounding areas, as well as Eastern Oregon and Northern Nevada.
*Northern Idaho includes Eastern Washington and Western Montana.
*Eastern Idaho includes Western Wyoming and Northern Utah.
Please fill out a booking form by clicking here to start the booking process. Thank you!
Click here to Book Now! If you have questions please email our Education team, at tours@idahoshakespeare.org or 208-429-9908 x 206
Audience Size: The play may be performed twice during a school day. Capacity for each performance is 400 students. An additional $75/100 students will be added for audiences exceeding 400. Maximum audience attendance per performance is 550.
Local
(90 mile radius of Boise)
Single Performance $450
(2) Performances $800
(1) Workshop (30 student max.) $175
Out of Area (outside of 90 mile radius of Boise)
Single Performance $550
(2) Performances $1000
(1) Workshop (30 student max.) $175
*Presenting organizations and for profit presentations, please contact the Festival for rates and availability.
In addition to the performance, a workshop with students is available and is designed to fit into a class period. Workshops focus on topics relevant to the production and enhance the students’ learning experience through the exploration of acting, text analysis, and character development. Workshops are perfect for theater classes or english classes looking for a more in-depth experience! Workshops can accommodate up to 30 participants, may require a separate location (depending upon the performance space), and are available at an additional cost of $175 per workshop. Please note: At this time no extra Covid safety precautions are being taken (i.e masking, distancing). In the event that this changes we will notify schools of any additional safety measures and allow for refunds if circumstances no longer suit. Please contact tours@idahoshakespeare.org with any workshop questions.
All performances require an auditorium, theater, or other space which accommodates groups (gymnasiums and cafeterias work well). The minimum space requirement is 20’ wide x 30’ deep x 12’ high. A minimum of one hour for set-up/tear down is required prior to, and after the performance. The play may be performed twice during a school day. Capacity for each performance is 400 students. An additional $75/100 students will be added for audiences exceeding 400. Maximum audience attendance per performance is 550.
We strive to offer the safest environment for both your school and our actors. As CDC guidelines change, we will implement the most up to date and safest practices. Should we come to the unfortunate event where the tour needs to be canceled by ISF, or by your school, you will receive a full refund.
For questions regarding content, Covid safety, or workshops contact tours@idahoshakespeare.org or call 208.429.9908 x 206. Or fill out the booking form by clicking here.
Performances are made possible by a generous community of funders who support our efforts to make theater accessible, relevant, exciting and fun. Please join us in thanking them for their support of the arts and their commitment to education.
About Play On!
Play On Shakespeare is a non-profit company dedicated to promoting and creating contemporary modern English translations of Shakespeare’s plays. Through partnerships with artists and organizations worldwide, we deliver these translations via theatrical productions, workshops and trainings, podcasts, publications, and film. Play On Shakespeare is made possible through the generous support of the Hitz Foundation.
