26th Annual Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival Returns 

By
Lisa Bianconi
-
Kingsmen Shakespeare returns for its 26th Annual festival at Cal Lutheran University, presenting outdoor productions of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “King Lear” in historic Kingsman Park.

[NoHo Arts District, CA] – The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival returns for its 26th Annual festival at Cal Lutheran University, presenting outdoor productions of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “King Lear” in historic Kingsman Park. 

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” 

Directed by Brett Elliott and Caitlin Arndt
June 30-July 23

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” is one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. Exploring themes that return his later works, this play portrays the humorous rivalry between two young men vying for the affections of the same woman, alongside elements of betrayal, mistaken identities, and…a dog. This production is a light-hearted and fun adventure, set in The Golden Age of Hollywood. 

Kingsmen Shakespeare returns for its 26th Annual festival at Cal Lutheran University, presenting outdoor productions of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “King Lear” in historic Kingsman Park.

“King Lear” 

Directed by Michael Arndt, starring Lane Davies
July 21-August 6 

A timeless narrative (and the inspiration for HBO’s “Succession”) “King Lear” follows an aging pagan king who divides his kingdom among his daughters based on their declarations of love. As the plot unfolds, the descent of King Lear into madness, the loss of his throne, and the emotional toll he endures offer a profound exploration of power, family dynamics, and the human condition. This production is set in a post-apolcalyptic landscape, with much of the story taking place in an abandoned shopping mall. Lear stars festival founder Lane Davies (Santa Barbara) returning to the title role. 

Mission

The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is dedicated to presenting professional programs and performances of the works of William Shakespeare for the education and entertainment of people of all ages.

History

In 1997 a collaboration between Santa Susana Repertory Theatre Company and the Drama Department at California Lutheran University produced the first Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival in Kingsmen Park on the campus of California Lutheran University. The first Festival featured a three-weekend run of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Festival was offered free to the public. Due to the success of that first Festival, the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company was formed as a not-for-profit professional theatre organization. KSC holds special contracts with Actors Equity Association (AEA) and is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America (STAA).

Ticketing

General Admission: $25,
$20 for seniors (62+) and active military personnel,

$15 for students 18 and older with valid identification. 

Admission is free for children 17 and younger. 

Reserved lawn boxes, designed for four to six individuals, can be secured for $100 to $120, requiring only one ticket per box. 

Ticketing: www.kingsmenshakespeare.org/festival 

Box office: 805-493-3184

Location

Kingsman Park

California Lutheran Univerity

60 W Olsen Rd #7800, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

The festival grounds will open at 5:30 p.m., offering attendees the opportunity to engage in pre-show activities and enjoy picnicking. Performances commence at 8 p.m.