Fred C. Adams, founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival passed away early Thursday in Cedar City. Festival organizers and administrators from Southern Utah University in Cedar City made the announcement saying that one of the state’s most prominent arts leader passed away at the age of 89.
In a statement festival organizers said Adams made a deep and lasting impact on everyone he met, and "it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our leader and friend."
Adams founded the Utah Shakespeare Festival in 1961 with his late wife Barbara Gaddie Adams. Under his guidance, the Festival grew from a budget of $1,000 and approximately 3,000 paid admissions in 1962 to an annual attendance today of approximately 100,000 and an annual budget of more than $8 million.
The Festival is considered one of the most prestigious theatres in the United States and has received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, an Emmy Award, and the Utah Best of State Award, among other accolades.
The family has not yet announced funeral plans. A celebration of his life will be scheduled for sometime in the near future.
Adams is survived by his four children; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
Adams wishes were that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
