Shakespeare Dallas

The mission of Shakespeare Dallas is to create exemplary cultural programs for North Texas that are affordable and accessible to the community inspired by the quality and standards found in the works of William Shakespeare. The company serves a diverse community of adults, children and artists through year-round staged productions including its flagship outdoor performances, a unique touring education program and community outreach services, bringing a sense of artistic purpose and cultural richness to the communities it serves.

The core of the company’s programs, Shakespeare in the Park, started in 1971 with a one-man version of Hamlet. Over the years this summer tradition continued to grow in popularity and the company added a second production in its third year. From 1973 until 2004, the company produced two Shakespeare productions each summer in Dallas. In 2001, the company started its eventual transformation into a year-round producing organization when the Town of Addison, nationally recognized for its stellar outdoor events, invited Shakespeare Dallas to perform in their popular Addison Circle Park. By 2005, the company expanded its Shakespeare in the Park season to include a third title and a fall season in both Dallas and Addison.

Shakespeare on the Go!, the in-school learning component of Shakespeare Dallas’ programs, began in 1984. Since its inception, the program has served over 500,000 students in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. At first, Shakespeare on the Go! was a one-size-fits-all arts-in-education tour that took Shakespeare in the school system for grades 3 – 12. Today, the program boasts 2 age-specific tours, masterclasses and residencies.