How to Prepare

Ways to maximize your Festival experience.

How do I learn more about the productions and plays?

Delaware Shakespeare Festival offers a Play Orientation. Company members host a quick overview of the upcoming play, as well as a chance to ask questions about the play and the Festival. Play Orientations are on the Festival grounds, one hour prior to the production.

What kind of access do you provide to the disabled and those with limited mobility?

The entire Festival area is wheelchair accessible. We are currently working on building relationships with companies that provide audio enhancement and audio description services.

What time does the box office open?

Tickets may be purchased at the door one hour prior to the production. (6:30 p.m. for evening performances, 5:00 p.m. for matinees) Cash and personal checks will be accepted for payment. Credit and debit card payments are not available.

How do I get to the Festival?

The Festival is located at Rockwood Park at the corner of Shipley Road and Washington Street Extension in Wilmington, Delaware, just off of exit 9 of I-95. For a map and driving directions, click here.

Do you offer discounts for students or groups?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more are offered tickets at a discounted rate. Click here to learn more about group sales.

Are children welcome?

Certainly! Even when the show deals with darker materials, children are still welcome, especially to our Sunday Family Matinees. If you worry your child may be one to speak above a stage whisper during the performance, we recommend you join us for our Sunday Matinees. There are extra activities for the kids at those performances.

Are dogs welcome?

Sorry to say, experience has shown us that pets can be disruptful during the performance, and we'll have to ask you to please leave your dog at home if you are coming to the Festival.

Are your productions appropriate for children?

We strive to make Delaware Shakespeare Festival productions appropriate for audiences of all ages, but we realize every family must set their own guidelines. If you have questions about a play's subject matter or language, please contact us, and one of our staff will call and discuss whether it is appropriate for your children.

Do you provide childcare?

Currently the Delaware Shakespeare Festival does not have a partner that specializes in childcare. If you are interested providing this service, please contact us for further discussion.

What should I wear?

In the late summer, Delaware at twilight can begin warm and stay that way, or just as easily cool rapidly after the sun sets. Please check the weather forecast, and prepare accordingly.

What should I bring?

We encourage you to bring blankets and low-backed lawn chairs or beach chairs. And you may of course bring your own picnic and beverages.

Bugs?

Unfortunately, mosquitoes can be fans of Shakespeare too. A precautionary can of OFF spray is strongly encouraged.

Do you provide seating?

The production is lawn seating, so bring a blanket or short-legged, low-back chairs. If you bring full-size lawn chairs, you will be seated in the rear so as to not block the view of those who are in low-back chairs. Note: there are not bleacher seats available at Rockwood Park.

May I bring food?

Yes, we encourage you to picnic before or during the show. The grounds of Rockwood Park are spacious and gorgeous. Enjoy a pleasant dinner outdoors with your family. The grounds are open all day, the seating area opens an hour prior to curtain time

May I bring alcoholic beverages?

The Delaware Shakespeare Festival does not serve alcohol at the Festival. If you are of-age, please note that the neither Delaware Shakespeare Festival or Rockwood Park and New Castle County are liable for any use or misuse of alcohol during or after a Festival performance

Do you provide a menu of food at the Festival?

We have a refreshment stand that serves candy, soda and water. We encourage you to bring your own picnic dinner.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes, you can remember your visit to the Delaware Shakespeare Festival by picking up tee-shirts, buttons and other memorabilia. If you would prefer not to wait, you can get a full specturm of DSF merchandise at our Online Gift Shop .

Do you have restrooms?

Port-a-potties (wheelchair accessible) are available at the back of the lawn for patrons.

Is it okay to smoke?

Smoking is prohibited on the grounds of Rockwood Park.

May I use my cell phone or pager? Is there a pay phone?

As a courtesy to our actors and audience, cell phones and pagers must be turned off during the performances. You will be reminded of this at the Festival. We do not prohibit phones on the grounds, but all calls must be answered away from the performance space.

May I take photos?

The use of any type of camera or audio recorder during the performance is strictly prohibited unless authorized in advance by the Delaware Shakespeare Festival. Feel free to snap pictures of yourself, your friends, and the grounds while picnicking prior to the show.

What if it rains?

Summer showers in Delaware can revert to blue skies in a matter of minutes. The DSF staff will usually call a hold for a rain delay to wait out the sprinkles. The show may continue through light wind or rain. However, should the weather become very disagreeable -- i.e. if steady rain or lightning should begin after the start of a performance -- a 20-minute rain delay will go into effect.

If the inclement weather continues or if conditions are unsafe for the actors or the audience, the performance will be canceled. Upon cancellation, vouchers will be offered for another performance date.

Are performances ever been cancelled mid-performance?

It hasn't happened yet. If a show is cancelled ticket holders will be entitled to a rain check for another show that season. Be sure to keep your ticket stub to reschedule another date.