BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.

"The excitement for our 50th anniversary season pulses through our shops and rehearsal studios where nationally-acclaimed artists, including some UH alumni, and current students create imaginative and passionate productions of two of the world’s most beloved plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and acting professor at UH’s School of Theater & Dance, in a statement.

The classic lineup is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which has entertained more than 1 million Houstonians since Sidney Berger launched it in 1975. While the longtime director of the UH School of Theater and Dance passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on each summer. The festival is a professional equity company that incorporates a select group of UH students to bring its productions to completion.

The show schedule alternates A Midsummer Night's Dream (Aug. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and Romeo & Juliet (Aug. 2, 6, 8, 10), with a pre-performance Bard Talk at 7:45pm and a curtain time of 8:15pm. All shows are free to attend, but a complimentary ticket is required to enjoy the covered seating. Ticket information is found here.

Romeo & Juliet

Titiana in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Costume sketches for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'