FAQs
Do you have urgent questions about tickets, performances or free events? Browse some of our most frequently asked questions below.
Looking for help accessing our digital performances? Visit cupresents.org/videohelp for step-by-step instructions on how to create or log in to your online account and view ticketed streaming events.
General Questions
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Your generous support allows CU Presents to stage hundreds of performances each year, to bring some of the world’s best artists to CU Boulder stages and to expand important education and outreach initiatives. Contribute to one of our many series and programs today, or become a corporate sponsor. Your gift of any size helps support the people and activities of CU Presents.
CU Presents is the home of performing arts on the beautiful University of Colorado Boulder campus. With hundreds of concerts, plays, recitals and more on our stages each year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Yes! Many of our free events, as well as several ticketed events, are available to stream from the comfort and safety of your living room. You can find a schedule of them here.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival questions
Preview performances afford audiences a reduced ticket price for a “sneak peek” of the completed production. Be the first audience to see the play in its entirety with directors and designers in the house. Preview performances are the night prior to opening night.
Most CSF plays run between two and three hours, with intermission.
Most people catch on to the rhythm of the language after five to 10 minutes. A free program contains synopses, character listings and information provided by directors.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit, professional theatre company launched by and in association with the University of Colorado Boulder. The university supports the work of CSF in many ways, providing performance and rehearsal space, access to costumes and scene shops, and marketing and box office services.
CSF relies in part on state funds. Ticket sales, tax-deductible donations from patrons and educational programs provide 90 percent of the support for CSF. The university provides about 10 percent of the budgeted revenue, in exchange for integration with and support of the academic mission of the CU Boulder College of Arts and Sciences.
Professional actors, directors, designers and technicians, hired from around the country and overseas, make up the majority of the CSF company. As part of our ongoing commitment to the educational mission of the University of Colorado Boulder, CSF also provides internships and employment experience to CU students in performing arts and other programs, including roles in the productions.
CU Presents events will proceed as planned except if the CU Boulder campus closes. Campus closures will be announced on the CU Boulder website. If weather forces campus closure or event cancellation, refunds are available only for events called off before intermission. Ticketing fees are non-refundable.
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre weather policy (Colorado Shakespeare Festival):
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival performs rain or shine. Come prepared to enjoy the adventure by reviewing our weather policy and attire suggestions.
Decisions on whether to cancel due to inclement weather usually are not made until curtain time. Performances will proceed unless weather conditions threaten the performers or the audience. Because evening weather in the foothills can be somewhat unpredictable, please check the weather report before you come and dress for the forecast.
We recommend that you wear what makes you feel comfortable for the outdoor show-going experience, whether it’s shorts and a t-shirt or a suit and tie. You might want a jacket after sunset or need to bring rain gear. (Umbrellas and other items that might block someone’s view are prohibited. Grab your poncho or rain slicker instead!)
If the entire CU Boulder campus is closed due to weather, CSF will notify patrons via the website and box office telephone and provide instructions for next steps.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival does not permit children under 5 at any performance.
Boulder fire regulations require everyone, regardless of age, to have a ticket in order to enter the auditorium. Please consider the content of the show and use your discretion about whether your child will enjoy a 90+ minute performance without disruption.
Many people ask us what to wear to a CU Presents event. We recommend that you wear whatever you would feel comfortable in for an evening out at a nice restaurant in Boulder.
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre (Colorado Shakespeare Festival)
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival performs rain or shine. While the weather in Boulder is typically warm during CSF’s summer season, evenings can be chilly, and occasional rain showers and thunderstorms occur. We recommend that you wear what makes you feel comfortable for show-going, whether it’s shorts and a t-shirt or a suit and tie. For early shows, we advise light dress and a warmer layer, such as a sweater or wind jacket. We also encourage patrons to prepare for unexpected showers with light rain gear, as open umbrellas are not allowed in the theatre. Open umbrellas, or anything that might block another patron’s view, are prohibited during a performance.
We are excited to announce the return of Left Hand Brewing Co. beer to CSF’s concession offerings! Two choices will be available in chilled cans, a Vienna lager and an Irish stout. CSF will also sell water and light refreshments on site.
We will not offer meals or wine at our concession stands. We encourage you to bring your own pre-show picnic to enjoy on the surrounding lawns or to stop by one of the many small businesses in the area that support the festival for a pre- or post-show cocktail. Please remember that private alcohol consumption is not permitted on campus or in CSF’s licensed venues.