Bard SummerScape

Bard College's 20th annual SummerScape features eight fantastic weeks of performances at the iconic Fisher Center! This year’s schedule includes performances of “Illinois,” which is the result of the collaboration between three artists (Tony Award winner Justin Peck, composer Sufjan Stevens and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury) to create spectacular display of storytelling, dance, theater and music based on Stevens’ 2005 album titled “Illinois;” as well as performances of the French opera “Henri VIII” by Camille Saint-Saens. Directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini, this production stars Alfred Walker (bass-baritone) as Henri VIII and Lindsay Ammann (mezzo-soprano) as Anne Boleyn.

Another annual highlight of SummerScape is the one-of-a-kind Spiegeltent, which is back again with another summer full of amazing performances, dancing and drinks. The Spiegeltent Garden Bar opens at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Friday/Saturday and After Hours Spiegeltent performances may contain nudity and are for mature audiences only. Friday/Saturday admission is restricted to those 18 or older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. No one under 21 is permitted during After Hours.

For tickets to SummerScape events, click here.

Chartered coach transportation from New York City is available for select SummerScape and Bard Music Festival programs. Click here for details.

SummerScape 2023 schedule:

• "Illinois" at the Sosnoff Theater, Fisher Center: June 23, 24, 29 and 30 and July 1 at 7:30 p.m.; June 25 and July 2 at 2 p.m. Pre-Performance Talk, June 25 at 1 p.m. Post-Performance Talk, June 30

• "Henri VIII" at the Sosnoff Theater, Fisher Center: July 21 at 6:30 p.m.; July 23, 26 and 30 at 2 p.m.; July 28 at 4 p.m. Premiere Party, July 21 at 5 p.m. Opening Night Intermission Toast, July 21. Pre-Performance Opera Talk with Leon Botstein, July 23 at 12 p.m.

• Fisher Center 20th Anniversary Community Celebration: July 15 at 12 p.m.

• Spiegeltent at the Fisher Center: Britton & the Sting (June 22); Illinois Opening Nigh Cast Party (June 23); Nicholas Galanin and Ya Tseen (June 24); Summertime Swing (June 25); Caitlin Canty with Noam Pikelny (June 29); Nona Hendryx & The Nasty Gals (June 30); The Hot Sardines (July 1); The Jacob Jolliff Band (July 6); Martha Redbone (July 7); Ari Shapiro Hosts: "Downstate/Upstate" (July 8); Choro das 3 (July 9); Erin Markey and Jasmine Rice LaBeija (July 14); Tray Wellington Band (July 20); Bright Light Bright Light (July 21); Susanne Bartsch presents "New York, New York!" (July 22); Summertime Swing (July 23); Leyla McCalla (July 27); Alicia Hall Moran (July 28); Lola Kirke (July 29); Phoebe Hunt (Aug. 3); LayeRhythm (Aug. 4); John Cameron Mitchell and Amber Martin (Aug. 11).

• Spiegeltent After Hours: Friday and Saturday nights, June 23-Aug. 12.