Our Continuing Mission to Boldly Go
Austin Shakespeare performs timeless stories
that explore the human adventure
and celebrate the power of words
in schools and on stages in the heart of Texas.
Austin Shakespeare has been an Austin tradition for 40 years, producing free Shakespeare in Zilker Park and growing into one of the premier theater companies in central Texas. Starting with the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare, we honor his influence across time, culture, and genre on legions of poets, playwrights, authors, lyricists, and songwriters, by bringing their voices to life, here and now.
That doesn’t happen by hawking a dusty old poet, but by doing what he did – speaking words that delighted, enlightened, inspired, and provoked real people in their daily lives to broaden their understanding of others and their world.
Here is our mission defined in 2024:
AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE – We are a 501c3 nonprofit theater company founded in Austin Texas in 1984. Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, we build upon his boundless imagination, insatiable curiosity, and inexplicable courage to expose authentic human experience – encompassing all its imperfections, beauty, tragedy, and triumph.
PERFORMS – We understand the profound impact of bringing written words to life through speech or song reaching people at their very core. Our work is best achieved in collaboration with others as creators, participants, and audiences. Theatre is a living, collective experience.
TIMELESS STORIES – We choose texts that have survived the test of time, remaining relevant with universal truths transmitted in language that may be lyrical, realistic, dynamic, or reflective of a distinct moment in the past. These tales resonate with people regardless of cultural background or historical context, transcending the boundaries of time and place, and continuing to evoke emotions and revelations across generations.
THAT EXPLORE THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE – We are more alike than we are different. Sharing our stories helps us seek knowledge, empathy, and connection with people of all cultures and communities in order to broaden horizons and deepen the understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We are interested in pushing the boundaries of personal growth and self-exploration, challenging people to step out of comfort zones and embrace new experiences and perspectives. Performances can offer an expedition into history, society, relationships, the individual’s heart and mind; exploring what it means to be human in a complex existence.
AND CELEBRATE THE POWER OF WORDS – We honor the extraordinary value of language to convey ideas, emotions, and stories, to shape beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. Words can profoundly impact our relationships, our realities, and the world around us. Words can uplift, motivate, heal, and console but can also hurt, deceive and divide. We strive to recognize and harness words that open doors, promote positive understanding, and reveal the best in all of us.
IN SCHOOLS – We believe that children can be transformed when they discover the power of words, using Shakespeare’s words as a vehicle to find their own unique voices. Learning that they can express themselves, their feelings, and their desires in a positive way opens up a world of possibilities to them. With professional actors and educators, we take Shakespeare into elementary, middle, and high schools where kids not only hear his words but speak them as well. The Bard was not so dissimilar to them when he used his education, imagination, and talent for rhyme to pursue work he was passionate about and changed his life.
AND ON STAGES – We take our theatrical performances to many places where the stories can live anew and where we can meet a variety of people and communities where they are. We are not confined to a single home. Professional, avocational, and student actors, designers and musicians collaborate in the creation of living art in spaces such as the Rollins Theater (in the Long Center), the Curtain Theater (a small-scale replica of the Globe Theater on the shores of Lake Austin), the Zilker Hillside Theater (fully outdoor in Zilker Park), Parker Jazz Club, Esquina Tango Austin, Pease Park, and many more. We have additionally expanded our performance platforms into the digital realm, transcending physical borders to connect with audiences worldwide.
IN THE HEART OF TEXAS – We were born in Austin, but have grown to encompass counties across central Texas, mirroring the diverse growth and spirit of the city we love. Just as Shakespeare's iambic verse mirrors the rhythm of the human heartbeat, the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant communities of our home will forever pulse as the heart of Austin Shakespeare.
Launching into our next 40 years, we invite you to join us in our continuing mission to impact as many people as we can touch with greater understanding, empathy, and possibility.