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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 camps
july - august

Experience welcome but not required for our summer day camp programs for ages 7-18.  Get first notice for 2024 session in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Berkeley.  

free shakespeare in the park
july 22 - september 24

Our 41st season of Free Shakes returns to the parks in 2023 with our production of Cymbeline, directed by Resident Artist Maryssa Wanlass.  Performances July-September in Cupertino, Redwood City, San Francisco and Orinda!

saturday classes for teens
Fall Oct 21- Dec 9

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.

shakespeare's heartbeat
Engaging Students on the autism spectrum

Shakespeare’s Heartbeat uses the Hunter Heartbeat Method developed by Kelly Hunter of Flute Theatre, utilizing the iambic pentameter (heartbeat rhythm) of Shakespeare’s words and the physicality of his characters to engage with students on the autism spectrum. Geared towards grades 4-12. 

shakespeare on tour
February 14 - May 12

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.

gala and auction
may 20

Our annual gala fundraiser returns in-person with An Enchanted Evening at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club on May 20. Celebrating our 41 years of Shakespeare, there will be live entertainment, a fabulous multi-course Italian dinner, and everyone can participate in the auction to make donations and 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
Maybe you somehow missed this summers Free Shakes production that was described as an explosion of theatrical brilliance.-The Daily Californian
 
Or maybe youd like to take another look at this free and first-rate performance.-Local News Matters

Have no fear, you now can watch our 41st season production of Cymbeline on demand on Spotlightr until midnight October 8th!

Password: Adventure
Link: https://videos.cdn.spotlightr.com/watch/MTQ5OTg1OQ==

Pictured:
Eiko Yamamoto, Catherine Luedtke*, Nathaniel Andales*, Ron Chapman*, Brian Herndon*, Mayou Roffé, Deanalís Arocho Resto*, William Rogue
(*Member Actors Equity Association)
Photos: Neal OrmondImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Maybe you somehow missed this summer's Free Shakes production that was described as "an explosion of theatrical brilliance."-The Daily Californian

Or maybe you'd like to take another look at this "free and first-rate performance."-Local News Matters

Have no fear, you now can watch our 41st season production of 'Cymbeline' on demand on Spotlightr until midnight October 8th!

Password: Adventure
Link: videos.cdn.spotlightr.com/watch/MTQ5OTg1OQ==

Pictured:
Eiko Yamamoto, Catherine Luedtke*, Nathaniel Andales*, Ron Chapman*, Brian Herndon*, Mayou Roffé, Deanalís Arocho Resto*, William Rogue
(*Member Actors' Equity Association)
Photos: Neal Ormond
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago

Wishing an easy fast, and meaningful Yom Kippur to those who celebrate. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

Today at 4pm our final show of our 41st season of Free Shakespeare in the Park will take a bow #atthe Bruns!
It's been a fantastic tour!

Catch our last Cymbeline show at the Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda! 🎭💫

All shows begin at 4:00pm (the theater opens at 2:30pm). The show runs for 90 minutes with no intermission.

(REMINDER: an RSVP on Eventbrite does not guarantee a seat, seating is first come, first served.)

Cal Shakes #sfshakes #shakespeare #outdoorevents #sfshakesfest #freeadventure #bayareaevents #BayAreaArtsTogether #Orinda
... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

1 CommentComment on Facebook

I'm so sad I wasn't able to make the performance this year since I moved out the Bay. Is there any way to watch a recording? 🙂