The Spiegeltent returns to the Shaw Festival grounds for another summer of anything-goes experiences.

A portable nightclub famous throughout the Weimar Republic, the Spiegeltents, or “mirror tents,” were notable for their beauty, adorned with intricately crafted hardwood, stained glass and mirrors to stunning effect — however, few remain in service today.

The Shaw’s Spiegeltent, originally built in 1922 and brought over from Belgium for the 2023 season, has since become the festival’s home for unique performances.

This year, the Spiegeltent’s season features four one-of-a-kind shows, created exclusively for Shaw Festival audiences.

Prioritizing laughs, improvisation and audience participation, “The Shaw Variety Show” and “The Roll of Shaw” kick off the Spiegeltent’s 2024 playbill with a bang.

“Kabarett,” “Footlights” and “Cotton Club” engage the power of song and music to whisk audiences back in time to the cabarets of Weimar era-Germany, mid-century Broadway revues and hot nights in Harlem jazz clubs.

The Spiegeltent 2024 season features:

The Shaw Variety Show
May 17 – Oct. 6

Light the music and play the lights! Kristopher Bowman hosts an evening where no-holds-barred hilarity ensues! See the Shaw Ensemble in a whole new light – showing off their hidden talents, creative projects and, of course, flexing their improv skills. Unplanned, unrehearsed, and most importantly, unforgettable.

The Roll of Shaw
May 30 – Sept. 28
Bernard Shaw meets Dungeons and Dragons in a unique performance designed to bring the magic of Shaw to fans new and old alike. Roll the dice and come be a part of this one-of-a-kind adventure where the audience helps decide which way the story goes and how it ends.

Kabarett
June 14 – Oct. 12
Come hear the music play! Enjoy a night in old Berlin, experiencing the music of Germany’s Weimar Era in an intimate cabaret-style setting. Sponsored by James F. Brown.

Footlights
July 6, Aug. 3 and 24, Sept. 21 and 27, Oct. 5

Join members of the Ensemble as they ease down 42nd Street during the Golden Age of Broadway and celebrate beloved shows and songs of the era.

Cotton Club
July 17 – Oct. 11

Sizzling songs from Harlem’s Jazz Age. New York summers may be hot, but these toe-tapping numbers are even hotter! Beat the heat with a cold drink and enjoy the sounds of summer in the city.

Other styles of musical performances will take place in the Spiegeltent as well, including coffee concerts, speakeasies, “What’s In Your Songbook” and gospel choir.

All performances are recommended for audience members 12 years and older.