Ogden Shakespeare Festival brings ‘Julius Caesar’ to WSU stage

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Production photo of “As You Like It,” in summer 2024 at the Ogden Amphitheater | Kara Jensen

"Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." 
– William Shakespeare, “Julius Caesar” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Shakespeare in Ogden? Yes, please. We are colorful, diverse and a perfect place to host a creative endeavor, with our goings-on and local adventures to accompany it.
Jennifer Riley went to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City and knew Ogden could use a taste of the Bard.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Ogden Shakespeare Festival, founded by Riley, has been an adventure since its inception in 2023.

The 2026 festival opens with “Julius Caesar” inside the Eccles Black Box Theater at Weber State University, 1901 University Circle, from March 13-15. Tickets are $16 for students and $20 for general admission.

“Romeo and Juliet: Young Hearts Be Free,” a musical portrayed by children and teens ages 8-18 that’s based on Shakespeare’s masterpiece, runs June 25-26, with auditions taking place May 2 or May 9.

Riley instructed at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Ogden, ran multiple theater companies and earned her bachelor’s degree in musical theater and an MFA in theater arts with an emphasis in directing.

When it comes to the portrayal of these performances, Riley said, “We just want to raise questions. We don't want to provide answers.”

Riley isn’t alone in this venture. She has prominent figures in Ogden, such as Kym Buttschardt, co-owner of Roosters Brewing Co., and Daniel Simons, an Ogden-born theater aficionado, who consistently contribute to her community efforts.

By asking questions, receiving feedback and giving her performers creative freedom, Riley says her nontraditional approach informs how she directs.

Last year, OSF presented “Love Bites,” a bite-sized Shakespeare program featuring short scenes rather than a full play. After each scene, Riley got on the mic to explain it, talk it through and give it context. Riley’s goal with this unique presentation is to make her plays understandable to all.

“I can examine what's going on in my own world through the lens of this story or play by Shakespeare,” Riley says.

Riley uses local actors, artists, musicians, designers and directors whenever possible. She says it's vital to bring the community together and showcase creativity and diversity. Riley says she loves the depth of talent Ogden houses and that Ogden artists “all truly love making art.”

“There’s a lot of civic spirit” from the art lovers who work for the Weber County Library, Riley said. She used libraries across county for rehearsals until she found the Black Box Theater at Weber State.

Riley says she could not hold the festival without the help of the city and its population through grants, volunteers and people showing up. 

Visit the OSF website at ogdenshakesfest.org/ to purchase tickets, sign up and learn more.

Ogden Shakespeare Festival founder and director Jennifer Riley | Provided