The Tempest

Shakespeare in the Park(s)

Shipwrecks, phantasms and romance collide in William Shakespeare’s magical comedy, The Tempest. Prospero the exiled magician and her teenage daughter Miranda live on a desert island, with nothing but airy spirits (and Caliban the monster) for company.  But one night, a magical storm brings them a ship full of characters from Prospero’s past – the King of Naples, his handsome son Ferdinand, their scheming courtiers, and Prospero’s own treacherous brother Antonio. Can young love manage to bloom while the humans fight for power and the magical creatures for their freedom?

Come and enjoy this classic tale in a family-friendly outdoor format! Audience members are encouraged to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as comfortable seating.

Cast list

Outdoor venues – seating and sun protection

Southern Village Amphitheatre (Chapel Hill) is an open-air grassy area, so patrons should plan on bringing blankets or collapsible camp chairs for seating. We also recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, chair-mounted umbrellas and sun shades for protection from the sun. You may bring “easy up” tents or beach umbrellas, but will be asked to set them up on the periphery of the audience area, so as not to obstruct the view of other patrons. 

The Raleigh-Cary JCC (Raleigh) performances take place in the Amphitheater. It is covered with a pergola-like roof, so you may want to bring hats, sunscreen or small umbrellas for sun protection. Seating is on amphitheater benches, so you can bring cushions and blankets for comfort.

The Durham Central Park Pavillion is a large open-air, covered concrete area, so both patrons and actors are shielded from sun and rain. You should plan on bringing comfortable seating, such as collapsible camp chairs, inflatable mattresses and blankets. “Easy up” tents and umbrellas are not necessary.

Parking information

Southern Village (Chapel Hill): There is a main parking lot just before you get to the amphitheater. Street parking is also available. It’s metered, so follow the instructions on the posted signs. 

Raleigh-Cary JCC: The main parking lot can be found just past the Tree Runner Adventure Park. The amphitheatre is located a short walk past the David R. Kahn building.

Durham Central Park: The main parking lot is adjacent to the park, with street parking also available.

Rain/weather policy

1. Shows are not considered rained out until curtain time. Patrons should check their email, our website and social media accounts for information about whether a show will be cancelled due to weather.
2.  The show may be delayed up to 60 minutes to avoid rain. Delays will be announced no sooner than an hour before showtime.
3. If rain prevents a show’s opening curtain, or from continuing before the first act ends, patrons may exchange their ticket for any other performance (including upcoming productions).  
4. If the show runs over halfway before being cancelled due to weather, patrons may return for another performance. No exchange is necessary.
5. Unfortunately we do not offer refunds due to weather. There is always a slight risk that weather may intervene or disrupt an event when you purchase tickets to outdoor theatre.

COVID-19 Policy

A fabric or high-quality mask (3-ply surgical, KN95, N95) is recommended but not required. Actors are vaccinated, boosted, submit tests regularly and perform without masks.