Many don’t know there’s a secret hidden in a field in the South Suburbs, a secret filled with joy, storytelling, and community. It began, fittingly, with exploration: a morning jog, a familiar path, and an unexpected question, what if?
Centennial resident Leigh Miller asked himself that very question nearly 15 years ago. Jogging along the Highline Canal, he noticed a pair of trees nestled in a quiet field and imagined a stage beneath them. A father of two young boys, Leigh was always looking for affordable, enriching entertainment close to home. In that moment, he saw a chance to create something magical.
That vision became Shakespeare in the Wild (SITW), Centennial’s only professional theatre company. Now entering its fourth season, SITW brings FREE classical theatre to life in an open-air setting, making Shakespeare accessible, joyful, and relevant for all ages.
This season, SITW brings new life to a timeless tale with Romeo and Juliet: A Gen Z/Alpha Edition — a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic love story. Infused with the voice and vibe of today’s youngest generations, this adaptation explores the universal themes of love, identity, and rebellion in a way that speaks to modern audiences while staying true to the Bard’s poetic heart. Expect sharp humor, raw emotion, and a few unexpected twists, all performed under the open Colorado sky.
But SITW is more than just theatre, it’s a gathering place. Families bring picnics, kids run barefoot between scenes, and strangers become neighbors as they laugh, cry, and cheer together. The atmosphere is casual, the artistry is top-tier, and the memories are lasting.
In a world that moves fast, Shakespeare in the Wild invites us to slow down, look around, and rediscover wonder right in our own backyard.
So if you haven’t stumbled upon it yet, consider this your invitation to explore. You might just find magic between the trees.
ROMEO & JULIET DATES
deKoevend Park
6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial CO, 80121
(Parking at the Goodson Rec Center)
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
August 14th - 17th
August 21st - 24th
August 28th - 31st
* Thursday night shows will be INSIDE to expand accessibility to Shakespeare in the Wild.
Donate now to create joy for all!
Learn more at shakesinthewild.com.