Salisbury House Foundation and Iowa Stage Theatre Company are proud to announce that this year’s collaboration and production of Shakespeare on the Lawn will be Measure for Measure, presented by Craig and Betty Miller.
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. Combining the artistic talents of Iowa Stage and the of-the-era design of the Salisbury estate – it is the premier way to experience Shakespeare this side of the pond.
Shakespeare’s fascinating dark comedy opens with the Duke of Venice leaving the city and appointing his deputy, Angelo, to look after things while he is away. Angelo begins by enforcing the archaic laws of the land and sentences a man named Claudio to death. When Claudio’s sister, the nun Isabella, comes to speak on his behalf, Angelo offers a deal – her chastity in exchange for her brother’s life.
The creative team is led by Shakespeare on the Lawn Carl Lindberg (director) with co-producers Keshia Meissner (Salisbury House Foundation) and Alex Wendel (Iowa Stage Theatre Company). Performances will be held at Salisbury House & Gardens July 15-19, 2026; tickets on sale April 23, 2026.
Auditions are Monday, February 23 at Salisbury House & Gardens (4025 Tonawanda Dr, DSM, IA 50312). Learn more and sign-up to audition at shakespeareonthelawn.com/auditions.