By Hailey Way • Photos by Michael Stadler

Picture this—you’re walking through a pasture where a large circus tent beckons you inside, offering shade from the summer sun. A group of visitors mingle with ease, anticipating the performance ahead. You grab a savory snack and peruse your program, which includes a thoughtful survey inviting you to reflect on the work you’re about to see. And, just when you think Island Shakespeare Festival (ISF) has anticipated every detail of the outdoor theatre experience, there are blankets, seat cushions, and umbrellas at the ready. On Whidbey Island, preparation is part of the ritual—summer weather demands it.

Behind the scenes, that level of care extends to the artists themselves. After an intensive casting process, the team at ISF brings actors into what they call “island life,” as South Whidbey becomes home for the duration of the season. The festival runs for roughly two months, from mid-July through the end of August, but the groundwork is laid long before opening night.