Since 1985, the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival (SOTS) has brought Shakespeare to life each summer on the banks of the beautiful South Saskatchewan River.

We are so grateful to you, our festival supporters, for your loyalty and steadfast commitment to Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan during these complicated times. To gather as a community once again and to celebrate live theatre performance is something that none of us will ever take for granted.

If you have visited our reimagined site, you know that we now have one of the most unique theatre spaces in Canada because of friends like you. Please take some time to enjoy our stunning lights this winter. We are just beginning to explore the full technical lighting possibilities now available.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan shines the light on Saskatchewan talent in so many ways!  This year, we were able to provide over fifty jobs for Saskatchewan professional artists and students. In a time when the performance theatre industry is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, a SOTS employment contract becomes especially meaningful. Here is what local Playwright Daniel Macdonald had to say about his experience about the world premiere of his play:“The process around premiering my play, Iago Speaks, by SOTS was top shelf from beginning to end. The year-long development through workshops and feedback was exciting and positive and, at all times, very supportive. They listened to my needs as the writer and provided time and space to ensure that I was able to deliver a work of the highest caliber. “

Saskatchewan-raised actor Mara Teare shared this:“Getting to be a part of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan this summer as an emerging artist was such a formative and rewarding experience for me. I think every young actor should have the chance to work with such a community oriented and friendly company.”

Behind the bright lights, and with help from friends like you, we employ sound technicians, set designers, lighting designers, costume designers, prop masters and stage managers.

We welcome another bright light, our new Saskatchewan-born Artistic Director, Kayvon Khoshkam. Our Board and staff are confident that he will prove to be an illuminating star.

This past season we were able shine the focus on other local artists through the Players’ Stage series. This is an offering of FREE professional performances on the Players’ Stage. We believe performing arts should be accessible for all.

We reached out to forty schools (2100 students) by offering eighty-seven school workshops.

None of this would be possible without significant support from our patrons and friends.

Like most performing arts organizations, we depend heavily on audience support and donations to remain financially viable, especially now. We do realize that you love Shakespeare, and the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival, and we are asking for your help in bringing the light to our 2023 season.

Your generous support of our performances allows the theatre to continue to “Bring the Light” and supports the arts in our community. By filling out the enclosed donation form and mailing it back to our office in the envelope provided, you can ensure theatre on the river thrives again in 2023. Alternatively, there are instructions on the back of the donation form to facilitate your online gift if that is more convenient.

Thank you for your love for live theatre and for “The Bard.” We hope you will join us in bringing the light to our Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan stage.