While the new $1.2 million amphitheater was built, last summer’s festival was held at the South County Regional Park west of Boca Raton. Attendance for The Comedy of Errors was about half of the 10,000 who usually attend the eight outdoor shows, Christman said.

The attendance drop was due to the new location; it was the first time the festival was held away from Carlin Park since 1996. Shakespeare fans also stayed home because they were not allowed to bring coolers or dogs – a regular part of the Carlin Park shows, said festival organizer Elizabeth Dashiell.
After vanishing for a year from Carlin Park, the annual Shakespeare by the

Sea festival returns July 16 with a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the new Seabreeze Amphitheater.

“We’re coming home,” producer Kermit Christman said. “I can feel the excitement about returning to north county.”

This year will be the first time visitors will be asked for a $5 donation. The money is needed because Palm Beach County eliminated its $25,000 contribution. The county donates the use of the park and provides law enforcement protection.

The donations also will go toward putting on more shows next year. This year’s performances cost about $80,000, which is raised through private grants and foundations, Christman said.

This year’s thespians are a mix of professional actors, local residents and college and high school students, said Kevin Crawford, director of the two-hour performance.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a popular play. We’ve had the best turnout for auditions in many years,” said Crawford, who also plays the character Bottom in the comedic farce published in 1600.

The new 5,400-square-foot theater means the members of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival no longer must build their own stage on the grass. Costume changes were in temporary dressing rooms. Noisy generators clunked in electricity.

The new Seabreeze Amphitheater has a roof, two dressing rooms, offices, costume storage, a bathroom and a green room – where actors wait before they go onstage.

If you go:

What: Shakespeare by the Sea.

When: July 16-19 and July 23-26. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; shows start at 8.

Where: Seabreeze Amphitheater, Carlin Park, 750 S. State Road A1A.

Cost: Free; $5 donations accepted. Dogs and coolers allowed.

Performance:A Midsummer Night’s Dream, two hours with intermission.

More information: Visit our event listing or call (561) 575-7336