Produced by the University of Houston since 1975, the Houston Shakespeare Festival returns this summer with performances of “The Tempest” and “The Comedy of Errors.”
The free festival is expected to attract 20,000 attendees to the hillside at Miller Outdoor Theatre from July 30 to Aug. 8. HSF serves as both a professional theater and an educational pipeline for students from UH’s School of Theatre and Dance within the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Veteran stage and production talent work alongside an elite group of UH students who benefit from this real-world stage experience.
The season’s comedic selection is "The Comedy of Errors," a fast-paced, slapstick tale of mistaken identity that serves as the perfect entry point for families and first-time Shakespeare-goers.
“We have a terrific design team that is making things very bright and very fun for one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and director of “The Comedy of Errors.” “It will take on a 1960s vibe, and we'll be tipping our caps to classic comedic sitcoms like ‘The Honeymooners.’”
In contrast to the high-energy farce, the 2026 season also marks the return of the “The Tempest” to HSF for the first time in 20 years. Known as one of Shakespeare’s most visually theatrical works, the production explores themes of power, forgiveness and transformation.
Nationally acclaimed director Sharon Ott, director of the School of Theatre and Dance and executive director of HSF, will make her Houston directorial debut with a female-centered interpretation of the play. Shakespeare’s iconic Prospero character is reimagined through the lens of motherhood as Prospera.
“There have been many productions of this play with women playing the role, so it's not a novel idea of mine,” Ott said. “But as a woman, I read this play very personally. It's even more personal as I get older because the play was written at the end of Shakespeare’s artistic life. Our design team, choreographer and composer/sound designer will bring Shakespeare's visual and aural magic to the Miller Outdoor Theatre.”
One of America’s most respected directors, Ott has built a distinguished career collaborating with leading Shakespeare companies, opera companies and festivals nationwide. Prior to joining the University of Houston in 2024, she taught Shakespeare for 12 years, bringing her expertise as both an artist and educator to the next generation.
Performance details:
Dates/times:
- “The Tempest” — July 30 and Aug. 1, 3, 5 and 7; performance begins at 8:15 p.m.; Bard Talk begins at 7:45 p.m.
- “The Comedy of Errors” — July 31 and Aug. 4, 6 and 8; performance begins at 8:15 p.m.; Bard Talk begins at 7:45 p.m.
Location: Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
Cost: Tickets are free, but covered seating can be reserved starting at 10 a.m. the day before the performance
A livestream of the performances is available on Miller Outdoor Theatre’s website, YouTube and Facebook.