Dell’Arte’s Baduwa’t Festival Returns with a Musical Sequel, Late-Night Shows, and Two Months of Theater

The Baduwa’t Festival is back — and this summer, Dell’Arte is pulling out all the stops. The 36th Annual Festival runs June 18 through August 15, 2026 and whether you’ve been coming for decades or keep meaning to finally check it out, this is the summer to show up. A musical sequel, late-night shows, three community festivals, workshops, a teen theater camp, and two passes that make the whole thing surprisingly affordable — it’s all happening right here in your backyard.

The Baduwa’t Festival kicks off with the world premiere of the sequel to 2011’s Mary Jane: The Musical, Mary Jane The Musical 2: The Grandson. Written and directed by Michael Fields and Roman Sanchez, with Tony Award-nominated Cynthia Martells leading an ensemble cast that includes William English III, Laura Murillo Hart, Shawn Wagner, Lily Linz, and more. The songs come from artists you know — Anna Hamilton, Daryll Cherney, Zera Starchild, Tim Randles, Bird McCracken, and a dozen more local voices who wrote specifically for this show.

Don’t we all need more clown in our lives? Nine professional workshops will fill the classrooms and studios as part of the Festival. From clown to puppetry to immersive performance, Dell’Arte’s 2026 workshop series offers nine intensive training opportunities for artists at every level. Taught by alumni, and leaders in the field, upcoming classes include; Clown Create — June 14–19, Intro to Healthcare Clown — June 21–27, Act Development with Daredevil Chicken — July 28-August 1 and more. To learn more about all of the offerings and deeper descriptions visit https://dellarte.com/programs-training.

New this summer is the Dell’Arte Youth Academy: Page to Stage; (July 6–17) a high-energy, two-week deep dive into the full spectrum of theatrical creation. Designed for bold, imaginative young (ages 13-18) artists ready to take creative ownership, the intensive challenges participants to step into every role: playwright, director, performer, lighting designer, and sound technician. To register and learn more visit https://dellarte.com/teen-camp

The All Access Pass includes unlimited admissions to every pass-included show. Transferable (one admission per pass per performance), so friends and families can take turns. Each pass includes 2 tickets to Mary Jane the Musical 2: The Grandson. The Ten-Show Punch Pass includes ten admissions, used however works for you. Bring the whole family to one show or spread visits across the summer. Both festival passes include 20% off workshops and early-access tickets to Mary Jane the Musical 2 — get in 30 minutes before general admission to claim your spot on the lawn.

Dell’Arte International is a world-renowned school of physical theater and performance, located in Blue Lake, California. For over four decades, Dell’Arte has trained artists, produced original work, and fostered a distinctive theatrical culture rooted in ensemble, physicality, and community. The annual Baduwa’t Festival is its flagship summer celebration of all things theater and live performance. Tickets and passes on sale now at dellarte.com/baduwat

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THE FULL SUMMER PERFORMANCE LINEUP

Mary Jane The Musical 2: The Grandson — June 18–July 5 The sequel. The grandson. The legend continues.

Fowl Play: A Loosey Goosey Late Night Show — 10pm, Fri/Sat, June 26–27 & July 3 Late-night mayhem for the night owls.

Prize of Hope Ceremony — June 27, 3:30–7pm A meaningful community gathering honoring the spirit of hope.

Kids Day! — Saturday, July 12, 11am–4pm Daytime shows and activities for the whole family.

Folklife Festival* — July 18–25 A week-long celebration of living folk traditions.

Murmurations: Music by Nigella Mahal — Monday, July 20, 7pm Featuring Katie Belknap and Siena Nelson.

The Magic Banana Hour Variety Show — 8pm, July 31 & August 1 Pure variety. Pure magic. Pure banana.

3rd Annual Beer Festival* — Saturday, August 1, 11am–5pm Local brews, good company, summer sun.

Alumni Talent Show — Sunday, August 2, 8pm Dell’Arte alumni take the stage. Expect surprises.

On The Rocks: An Interactive Experience — Friday, August 14 Theater that doesn’t let you sit still.

Buddy Brown Blues Festival* — Saturday, August 15, 11am–6pm The festival closes with a full day of the blues.

*Folklife Festival, Buddy Brown Blues Festival, and Beer Festival are not included in festival passes.

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THE FULL WORKSHOP LINEUP

• Clown Core — June 8–12
• Clown Create — June 14–19
• Intro to Healthcare Clown — June 21–27
• The Honest Clown: Removing the Nose — June 29–July 2
• Page to Stage: A Teen 10-Minute Play Camp — July 6–17
• Act Development with Daredevil Chicken — July 28–August 1
• Finding the Life: Puppetry Fundamentals for the Working Actor — August 3–7
• Beyond the Fourth Wall with Josh Matthews — August 10–14
• Foundations of Interactive Performance — August 10–14