Inspired by the beams in Salisbury House’s Great Hall - which the bard himself may have performed under 400 years ago - Salisbury House Foundation started Shakespeare on the Lawn in the summer of 2006. For more than a decade, they enlisted the theatrical talents of Iowa Stage Theatre Company and its predecessor organization, Repertory Theater of Iowa, for the event.

The COVID-19 pandemic put SOTL on hold, leading to a two year hiatus. During this time both organizations reevaluated their programming to fit the rapidly changing times and needs of their audiences. It was then that it was decided when SOTL returned it would do so as a partnership and joint fundraiser for both non-profits. The partnership began with 2022's production of King Lear, which had more than 1,500 attendees. Now, every summer more than 1,800 audience members gather from across the city, state, and country at large to enjoy an open-air performance of one of William Shakespeare’s plays.

This one-of-a-kind summer tradition combines the artistic talents of Iowa Stage and the of-the-era design of the Salisbury estate, making it the premier way to experience Shakespeare this side of the pond. Proceeds from tickets, sponsorships, concessions, and donations cover production costs (ensuring that more than 20 local artists are paid for their time each summer!), secure future productions, and raise funds for Iowa Stage Theatre Company and Salisbury House Foundation.

Learn more about the event's impact by viewing the event reports available on the Past Shows page.