Shepardfest - The Sam Shepard Theatre Festival

08/26/2026

This summer, scenic designer Charles Eddie Moncrief III helped bring ShepardFest back to the stage after a five-year hiatus. Now, we’re excited to announce that Eddie is joining ShepardFest as our Resident Scenographer.

It’s the beginning of a longer artistic collaboration—and an important part of what we’re building for the future of ShepardFest.

Read more about Eddie, his work, and what’s ahead at shepardfest.com/blog. Link in bio.

08/26/2026

In our hearts, we will always remember the incredible human being she was. Dolly Parton was just as bedazzled as she was genuine. Rest in peace, sweet Dolly. We will always love you.

Grammy-Award-winning National Treasure Dolly Parton shares a scene ...

08/11/2026

Thank you for making ShepardFest 2026 one to remember.

To every artist, audience member, volunteer, partner, and supporter who showed up for this year’s festival: thank you. Your support made it possible to bring Sam Shepard’s work back to St. Augustine and celebrate it the way it deserves—together, in the theatre.

This may be the end of this year’s festival, but we’re only getting started.

Stay tuned. The 2027 ShepardFest lineup, events, and more are coming. See you next year.

08/02/2026

Tonight, the lights come down on Buried Child.

What began as an idea became a festival because of an extraordinary community of artists, audiences, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who believed this work was worth gathering for.

Over the past few days, we’ve celebrated the writing of Sam Shepard, welcomed new audiences into his work, filled theatres with conversation and laughter, and watched stories continue to resonate decades after they were written.

To everyone who bought a ticket, shared a post, volunteered your time, partnered with us, or simply showed up—thank you. You made this festival possible.

If you haven’t joined us yet, there’s still a few opportunities left. Join us tonight for our Closing Night performance of Buried Child and our two film screenings tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you for being part of this chapter. We can’t wait to see where the next one leads.

08/02/2026

Thank you, Neato Design!

From our earliest conversations to the final details, your creativity, collaboration, and care helped shape ShepardFest into something we’re incredibly proud of. Your work didn’t just give the festival a visual identity—it helped tell its story.

We’re grateful to have had such a talented partner alongside us as we brought the world’s only Sam Shepard festival back to life.

07/31/2026

Before the house lights dim tonight, we just want to say thank you.

To every artist, designer, technician, volunteer, donor, and audience member who helped make this production possible—thank you for believing in bold theatre.

Tonight, Buried Child opens at ShepardFest.

Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece is darkly funny, unsettling, and deeply human. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to rediscover it, we can’t wait to share this story with you.

Here’s to opening night.

🎟️ Tickets available at ShepardFest.org.

07/31/2026

Thank you to First Coast Connect for welcoming Founding Artistic Director Raines Carr and Sam Shepard biographer Robert Dowling to the show this morning.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the story behind ShepardFest, celebrate the work of Sam Shepard, and invite more people to experience this unique festival in St. Augustine.

Thank you for helping us spread the word—we hope to see everyone at the festival this weekend!

07/30/2026

Buried Child has its first audience tonight, and tomorrow ShepardFest officially begins.

We’re incredibly proud of the work this cast and creative team have put into bringing Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play to St. Augustine.

Tickets and the full festival schedule are available at ShepardFest.org. Link in bio.

07/28/2026

Sneak peak at the set, photos courtesy of St. Johns Cultural Council | LOCAL ARTS AGENCY.

The world of Buried Child is almost ready. Every board, every shadow, every detail has been built to bring Sam Shepard’s haunting American masterpiece to life.

We can’t wait to welcome you inside.

Get your tickets at ShepardFest.org. Link in bio.

BehindTheScenes SetDesign