AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL CO INC
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Mission Statement
Austin Shakespeare produces classical theater and theater education programs with an emphasis on the works of William Shakespeare. Founded in 1985, the company produces Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park annually, productions at The Rollins Theatre of The Long Center of the Performing Arts, Young Shakespeare at The Curtain Theatre, and staged readings throughout the year in multiple venues.
About This Cause
Austin Shakespeare began in 1984 with Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park and is now celebrating its 34th season. Originally subsidized by the City of Austin, it grew to develop its own funding sources early on. In addition to Free Shakespeare in the Park, the company presents Shakespeare and other classic works (Schiller, Wilde, Euripides, Rostand, Chekhov, etc.) along with contemporary playwrights whose work reflects classical sensibilities, at the Rollins Theatre of The Long Center and The Curtain Theatre, 1 of only 12 Elizabethan replicas in the US. Currently, the company annually produces 3-4 productions under a contract with Actors’ Equity, and 1-2 small, non-Equity productions. The annual budget has grown to over $470,000. Professional artistic direction began in 1999. A relationship with Actors’ Equity was established in 2001. In 2002, the company began presenting indoor shows and non-Shakespeare repertoire at The Austin Playhouse. In 2006, Austin philanthropist, Richard Garriott, offered his replica of an Elizabethan theater, The Curtain, as a home for us to stage plays and education programs. The Curtain draws tourists to this 200-seat theater on the shores of Lake Austin. Young Shakespeare, our teen company, performs there annually. Now in its tenth season, there are 8 public performances over 2 weekends. In 2013 Austin Shakespeare was announced as a Resident Company of the Rollins Theatre of The Long Center, attesting to the center’s confidence in our artistic product. Also in 2013, the company produced Off-Broadway at the Baryshnikov Arts Center for a 5-week, full Equity run of Anthem, reviewed by The New York Times, New York Post and New Yorker. Our SPT contract with Actor’s Equity allows us access to theater professionals across North America. Each season, the company brings in 1 or 2 actors with Broadway or regional theater credits, providing local actors and technicians an opportunity to benefit from their experience. Educational outreach includes programs to get students to speak the language of Shakespeare, tours of The Curtain, performances of The World’s Fastest Hamlet, Young Shakespeare, and after-school programs. Adult programs include a weekly reading group that analyzes each of Shakespeare’s plays in detail, and Audience Talkbacks after performances. In 2007, Ann Ciccolella began as Artistic Director. In 2008, Austin Shakespeare hired Alex Alford as its first Managing Director, providing full-time professional staff support. There are now 3 part-time positions in finance, education and production.