Merced Shakespearefest

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on..." - Prospero
Jay McElroy as Prospero in THE TEMPEST.

Playing in Merced’s Applegate Park this summer! FREE Admission.

June 13 at 10AM and 6PM
June 14 at 6PM
June 20 at 10AM and 6PM
June 21 at 6PM

Samantha Strobel as Ariel in THE TEMPEST.

Playing in Merced’s Applegate Park this summer! FREE Admission.

June 13 at 10AM and 6PM
June 14 at 6PM
June 20 at 10AM and 6PM
June 21 at 6PM

Our Founding Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director at Playhouse Merced’s 2026/2027 Season Preview. Good work everyone!

Storms. Magic. Betrayal. Forgiveness.

Join us this summer for William Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST directed by Erin Day, opening June 13 at Applegate Park with Merced ShakespeareFest!

FREE admission
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, a delicious picnic dinner, and the people you love.
Enjoy live Shakespeare under the trees in the heart of the park.

Performance Dates:
• June 13 - 10AM & 6PM
• June 14 - 6PM
• June 20 - 10AM & 6PM
• June 21 - 6PM

Audience seating opens 45 minutes before each performance.
Come experience shipwrecks, spirits, romance, revenge, and redemption in one of Shakespeare’s most magical plays.


MEET THE CAST OF THE TEMPEST
Playing June 13-21 at Merced’s Applegate Park

Jay McElroy (Prospero) is beyond excited to be back onstage in Merced and playing such an incredible role! This is his third production in a row with Merced Shakespearefest; playing multiple roles in both Doctor Faustus and Hamlet. Jay's favorite past roles include: Victor Velasco in Denair Gaslight's performance of “Barefoot in the Park“ and The Gravedigger in “Hamlet” last year! Jay would like to thank his wife and kids for their constant support of his silliness and Merced Shakes for the amazing opportunities!

MEET THE CAST OF THE TEMPEST
Playing June 13-21 in Merced’s Applegate Park

Sinclair Braley (Miranda) is so excited to be in her first Shakespeare play. Her most recent productions include 1984 with Gallo Repertory and Christmas Carol with Modesto Performing Arts. Sinclair is a senior at Beyer High school and enjoys reading and writing in her free time. She wants to thank her parents and family for always supporting her passion for theater!

MEET THE CAST OF THE TEMPEST
Playing June 13-21 in Merced’s Applegate Park

Aidan Mook (Ferdinand) returns to theatre after 7 years away from the stage. He appeared in several Playhouse Merced productions such as The Wizard of Oz and School of Rock, before stepping away to focus on music and dance. After several years coaching high school performing arts through Color Guard, he is excited to be returning to acting and being part of a Shakespeare production for the first time. He is grateful for this opportunity, and can’t wait for people to see the performance this summer!

Storms. Magic. Betrayal. Forgiveness.

Join us this summer for William Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST directed by Erin Day, opening June 13 at Applegate Park with Merced ShakespeareFest!

FREE admission
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, a delicious picnic dinner, and the people you love.
Enjoy live Shakespeare under the trees in the heart of the park.

Performance Dates:
• June 13 - 10AM & 6PM
• June 14 - 6PM
• June 20 - 10AM & 6PM
• June 21 - 6PM

Audience seating opens 45 minutes before each performance.
Come experience shipwrecks, spirits, romance, revenge, and redemption in one of Shakespeare’s most magical plays. 🌊✨