Cape Fear Shakespeare, Ltd.

In 1992, Stan Norman had a vision of a free Shakespeare festival that would bring the bard to the masses in our area. The FREE aspect would allow us to include traditionally underserved audiences and eventually, our outreach would encompass a youth component to include Shakespeare and performance education in theatre.

Shakespeare is alive and well at Greenfield Lake Park! Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green has been among Wilmington’s most anticipated summer traditions since 1993. Visitors to Historic Wilmington and North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast can experience and enjoy free live productions of the Bard’s works in a family atmosphere at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake’s edge, the stage is surrounded by stately moss-draped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. With 900 seats, the amphitheater is the only one of its kind in Southeastern North Carolina. Audience members are welcome to arrive early and bring-your-own picnic before the show or enjoy light refreshments from our concession.

The Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green Youth company opens the festival in May performing weekends in May and weeknights in June. This outreach program is designed for youth who want to experience performing the works of the world’s greatest playwright. It’s a wonderful way to support young actors who are continuing the tradition of North Carolina’s oldest and largest free outdoor Shakespeare Festival. The regular festival show performs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June with additional shows the last two Thursdays in June.

Gates open at 6:30pm for early picnic seating with performances beginning at 8:00pm.

All performances are FREE to the public. Donations are gladly accepted.

Drama Free Since 1993