Every summer the International Shaw Society and the Shaw Festival co-host a multi-day symposium at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, focused on Bernard Shaw’s works, his contemporaries, and his legacies. Panels and presentations at the Symposium feature discussions with members of the Shaw Festival ensemble and new scholarship relating to Shaw’s plays and ideas.
New and emerging scholars may be eligible for Bryden Scholarships to help offset the costs of presenting in-person at the symposium.
To register for the in-person Symposium, contact the Shaw Festival Box office at 1-800-511-7429. Some sessions may be available for online attendance; contact the ISS Symposium organizer for more information.
BACK AGAIN FOR 2025: The ISS will cover the on-site registration cost for ISS members attending the Symposium in person. While there is no cost for ISS members, registration is required to attend the symposium sessions. Registration does not cover tickets to attend performances, which must still be purchased separately
Accommodations in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake can be pricey and fill up quickly. Those looking for a more affordable option might consider residence accommodation at the NOTL campus of Niagara College. The residence is a 20-min drive from the Shaw Festival, but we can organize carpools if needed.
To book any of the 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence suites, go to https://stayrcc.com/ and type Niagara-on-the-Lake into the Destination search field. Make sure you are booking RCC – Niagara-on-the-Lake (not RCC – Welland). The Residence also fills up quickly so if you’re even considering the Symposium, you might want to secure a booking. Right now there is no deposit required and free cancellation up to the day before.
Shaw Symposium Schedule
Sessions will be scheduled around the following performances:
FRIDAY 7/25
7pm Gnit (Studio Theatre)
SATURDAY 7/26
1pm Major Barbara (Royal George)
7pm Dear Liar (Spiegeltent)
More information about the symposium sessions, including calls for participation, will be posted as they become available.
