Summer 2025

This season, fearless women defy the status quo, rewrite the rules, and prove that love and selfhood are not a choice—they’re a revolution.

Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
July 18 - August 31

The legendary romantic comedy where all is fair in Love, War, and running into your ex.

In Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, words are weapons and wit is a shield. Beatrice refuses to be anything but fiercely independent—until she finds herself caught in a battle of the heart with the equally sharp-tongued Benedick. Meanwhile, her cousin Hero’s gentle strength is tested by a world obsessed with female purity—making a whole lot of “ado” over nothing. Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a sparkling comedy of deception, honor, and unexpected love, where women must carve their own paths amid a society eager to define them.

“Much Ado About Nothing” features Carmen Cecilia Retzer (she/her) as Beatrice, Cianna Castro (she/her) as Ursula and Hannah Nguyen (she/her) as Hero. Photo by Michael Stadler.

Anima (Her Soul)
By Amelia P. Rosselli
July 26 - August 30

The award-winning Italian dramedy that dares to ask: if the value of a woman is on the table, who pays the price?

Once again, we partner with Expand the Canon to bring a brilliant yet lesser-known classic to our audience’s attention. The art world is rarely considered the intersection of passion and propriety. But In Amelia Roselli’s Anima (translated to English as Her Soul), painter Olga de Velaris finds herself at just that crossroads, testing the limits of how much she can express. In 1890’s Rome, she is surrounded by women who must navigate the tightrope of reputation, desire, and survival. Anima is a powerful, rarely staged drama that lays bare the tension between self-determination and the longing for connection, revealing that love—when truly seen—does not have to mean surrender. Step into this quirky, disarming, and award-winning play for an examination of who we’re really seeking.

“Anima” features Matt Koenig (he him) as Silvio and Olena Hodges (she/her) as Olga. Photo by Michael Stadler. .

Unless otherwise posted, all Island Shakespeare Festival tickets are sold at Pay What You Will inclusive pricing.

Expand Your Summer Experience

You’re invited to special events to make your memories with Island Shakespeare Festival richer, fuller, and all the more fun!

Shakes & Bakes
Thursdays & Sundays, 5:00pm

Your pre-show slice of insight! This 25-minute event is created to prepare you and your party for your evening ahead. We will cover the major characters and themes of the evening's performance, so that you can watch with confidence. Activity sheets will be available for the younger theater goers, who might not be ready for a talk style event, so that their grown ups can relax and listen. Whether you are new to Classic theatre or a Shakespeare regular, all will enjoy this fun and informative road map to the story you are about to see!

Should you choose, you may also reserve a slice of Whidbey Pie to enjoy along with your pre-show pep talk for a small price. Select your show and date below or as you book your ticket!

In Another Light 2025
August 26th, 6:00pm
Dancing Fish Vineyards

A one-night-only Summer Season send off!

You're invited to a very special evening celebrating the ending of the ISF 2025 Summer Season. The 2025 Acting Company and select past company members bring the night alive with music, poetry, dance, and performance as they reflect on their time on Whidbey Island and respond to the season's theme of "Unbridled Love." Drink in this special one night only event at the gorgeous grounds of Dancing Fish Vineyards as we say ciao to another passion-filled summer on the south end.

This event is expected to sell out. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance!

This event is proudly sponsored by Christina Boom, Windermere Real Estate.