LOS ANGELES – Shakespeare on the Bluff will grace the stage at Loyola Marymount University this summer for its ninth season of shows under the stars, engaging theatregoers with free performances of “The Comedy of Errors” and “Hamlet.”
Cast members will set the scene on the Drollinger Family Stage in Lawton Plaza on LMU’s Westchester campus, where guests can bring low lawn chairs, refreshments, and enjoy “The Comedy of Errors” from Thursday, June 11, through Saturday, June 13, and “Hamlet” from Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, July 11.
“The Comedy of Errors is fun, funny, contains physical and verbal comedy, and doesn’t go anywhere particularly dark or serious,” said Kevin Wetmore, professor of theatre arts and the artistic director of Shakespeare on the Bluff. “In challenging times such as these, sometimes you need to just sit back and enjoy the silliness. On the other hand, Hamlet strikes me as showing privileged characters living with a corrupt regime, who struggle with how to respond to that corruption. So, it seemed very relevant to the current times.”
“Live theatre is one of the most meaningful ways to gather people together in shared experience and cultural contemplation,” said Bryant Keith Alexander, dean of the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts. “Shakespeare on the Bluff invites our neighbors, families, and friends to commune and connect, through stories of human comedy and conflict. It’s a reminder that the arts offer both entertainment and critical cultural analysis. And when free, there are no limitations to opportunity and access. Shakespeare on the Bluff is bringing community together!”
This year, production has been made possible thanks to presenting sponsors Channing Lindsay ’96, the Brannan Family, and Robert and Diane Ballantyne.
All shows begin at 8 p.m. and run for 90-100 minutes. The figurative doors of the outdoor theatre open at 6 p.m., and registration is encouraged, but not required.
Shakespeare on the Bluff is presented by LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts and the Theatre Arts Program.
Performances
“The Comedy of Errors,” directed by Lacy Hornick
June 11-13, 2026, 8 p.m.
The 1970s sitcom you never knew Shakespeare wrote. Mistaken identity, confused neighbors, angry wives, bewildered husbands, two sets of twins, and a whole lotta wacky, groovy fun, all filmed in front of a live studio audience.
“Hamlet,” directed by Kevin Wetmore
July 9-11, 2026, 8 p.m.
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. The time is out of joint. Hamlet – prince, courtier, soldier, scholar, th’ observed of all observers – is told by the ghost of his father to revenge his foul and unnatural murder. So much darkness and mystery hide in Elsinore. O cursed spite, that ever he was born to set it right! Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy brought to the Drollinger Family Stage in our ninth season!