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San Francisco
Shakespeare
Festival

Celebrating 41 years of Access, Engagement, and Education

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access

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s mission is to make the words and themes of Shakespeare accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, financial status or level of education. By lowering practical and perceptual barriers, we encourage broad participation in the arts and make these activities a part of community life.

engagement

The Festival serves as a catalyst for audience development by reaching thousands of people who otherwise do not attend live theater or may have never experienced it at all. Our programming represents the plays in their finest light, demonstrates their relevance to today’s society, and inspires our students and audiences to seek out additional theatrical experiences.

education

We are dedicated to arts education, using our programs to foster a life-long appreciation of learning and the arts. We offer day camps and classes for children age 7 to 17, as well as in-school residencies and playshops.

what's shakin'

shakespeare on tour
February 14 - May 6

Returning after a pandemic hiatus, 2023’s Shakespeare on Tour brings a one-hour version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to schools and public venues across California.  Limited dates remain available for booking, with curriculum materials and playshops also available for students.

shakespeare camps
july - august

Experience welcome but not required for our summer day camp programs for ages 7-18.  Now enrolling July and August sessions in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Berkeley, Additional dates and venues may be added.  

saturday classes for teens
march 18 - may 6

Saturday Upstart Crows classes are physically and mentally engaging weekend sessions where students age 11-18 deepen their skills and knowledge through a comprehensive rehearsal process that explores language, history, voice, movement, text analysis, and play.  Now enrolling spring sessions in San Francisco.

free shakespeare in the park
july 22 - september 10

Our 41st season of Free Shakes returns to the parks in 2023 with our production of Cymbeline, directed by Resident Artist Maryssa Wanlass.  July through September performances in Cupertino, Redwood City, and San Francisco have been announced.

gala and auction
may 20

Date and Venue announced for 2023’s annual Gala and Auction, celebrating our 41 years of Shakespeare with a return to an in-person format, including live entertainment as well as the opportunity to bid on wine, travel, experiences, and more.

Next artistic director
carla pantoja

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce Carla Pantoja as its next Artistic Director. Pantoja will provide artistic vision, strategic direction, and passion to build on SF Shakes’ 40-year commitment to changing lives through accessible Shakespeare-based performances, education, and engagement.

support sf shakes

Your gift keeps Shakespeare accessible to all.
Donate today to make a difference.

Events

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social

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Thanks Berkeley Parents Network, for featuring Bay Area Shakespeare camps return to John Hinkel Park! We are soo excited to offer camps in the East Bay this summer!
sfshakes.org/camps/

Whether this is your first time at a theatre summer camp or you’re returning for another fantastic summer with us, Shakespeare Camp has something for everyone. During the 2-week session, campers study Shakespeare’s theatre in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Classes in Shakespeare’s poetry, clowning traditions, and stage combat. 

https://www.berkeleyparentsnetwork.org/announcements/bay-area-shakespeare-camp-sfshakes-just-announced-shakespeare-camp-berkeleyImage attachment

Thanks Berkeley Parents Network, for featuring Bay Area Shakespeare camps return to John Hinkel Park! We are soo excited to offer camps in the East Bay this summer!
sfshakes.org/camps/

Whether this is your first time at a theatre summer camp or you’re returning for another fantastic summer with us, Shakespeare Camp has something for everyone. During the 2-week session, campers study Shakespeare’s theatre in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Classes in Shakespeare’s poetry, clowning traditions, and stage combat.

www.berkeleyparentsnetwork.org/announcements/bay-area-shakespeare-camp-sfshakes-just-announced-sh...
... See MoreSee Less

16 hours ago
California Arts organizations have suffered for years from under-investment. The state ranks just 28th in state arts funding per capita- and underfunding was particularly damaging when the pandemic shut down the arts for much of the last two years. 

Even while the economy remained fairly healthy in 2022, the number of live arts organizations are shrinking. For example, North Hollywood has gone from 14 theaters before the pandemic to just six, according to the Theatre Producers of Southern California. Without immediate support, more live arts organizations will close, more jobs will be lost, and our communities will suffer.

What action can we take?
http://ow.ly/RgNO50Nu4bX

It only takes a moment to contact your representative in the state senate. Follow the link below to ask your representatives in the California legislature to support our $50 million budget request to launch the Equitable Payroll Fund.

California Arts organizations have suffered for years from under-investment. The state ranks just 28th in state arts funding per capita- and underfunding was particularly damaging when the pandemic shut down the arts for much of the last two years.

Even while the economy remained fairly healthy in 2022, the number of live arts organizations are shrinking. For example, North Hollywood has gone from 14 theaters before the pandemic to just six, according to the Theatre Producers of Southern California. Without immediate support, more live arts organizations will close, more jobs will be lost, and our communities will suffer.

What action can we take?
ow.ly/RgNO50Nu4bX

It only takes a moment to contact your representative in the state senate. Follow the link below to ask your representatives in the California legislature to support our $50 million budget request to launch the Equitable Payroll Fund.
... See MoreSee Less

21 hours ago
Searching for Designers, Stage Managers, Technicians and Crew for our 2023 Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Cymbeline!

For All Information, including pay per position: https://sfshakes.org/join/seasonal-staff/

Free Shakes employs around 40 full and part-time seasonal actors, directors, designers, managers, technicians, and interns. We want you to join us!

The current positions are posted on our website. Pre-production begins in May, rehearsals begin in June, and performances run from July through September.

#theatrebayarea #SFShakes #sfshakesfest #productionteam #2023season #freeshakespeareinthepark

Searching for Designers, Stage Managers, Technicians and Crew for our 2023 Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Cymbeline!

For All Information, including pay per position: sfshakes.org/join/seasonal-staff/

Free Shakes employs around 40 full and part-time seasonal actors, directors, designers, managers, technicians, and interns. We want you to join us!

The current positions are posted on our website. Pre-production begins in May, rehearsals begin in June, and performances run from July through September.

#theatrebayarea #sfshakes #sfshakesfest #productionteam #2023season #freeshakespeareinthepark
... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago