Austin Shakespeare
The Bard Is only the beginning

Our Vision & Mission (Copy1)

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OUR MISSION

Austin Shakespeare presents professional theater of the highest quality with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare, bringing to the public performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today

From the teen actors in the Young Shakespeare Company’s summer program to professional actors, including members of Actors’ Equity, Austin Shakespeare wants audiences to experience classical works that are grand in emotional scale, imaginative in vision and intimately truthful.

Equity and non-Equity actors train together to embody the depth and breadth of Shakespeare’s characters -- and to speak the text with beauty, clarity and spontaneity. We seek to develop an approach to acting that spans two poles: from the intimacy of film experience to the grandeur of theatricality. As we perform regularly on a stage that is a replica of the outdoor Elizabethan, Curtain Theatre, we discover more and more how to connect with the audience in ways that are accessible, energetic, imaginative and thoughtful.

OUR VISION

Excellence in acting must be matched by innovative design. We believe and live by:

  • Open, color-aware casting;

  • Use of local & resident designers; and

  • Continuously seeking new talent ensuring fresh and delightful productions.

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Onstage, backstage, in the classroom and in our offices: we are dedicated to projecting positive values and eschewing cynicism. That is extremely important with both professionals and young people. Our aim in every aspect of our work is to "celebrate the best within us."

We endeavor to connect with young people by expanding education and outreach efforts in the classroom and by bringing full productions before young audiences. Working with teachers to prepare students for the theater experience, students will receive maximum benefit from our works.

As the Austin/Greater Central Texas community continues to grow as a mecca for innovation, Austin Shakespeare strives to attain ever-higher levels of excellence in direction, design and acting that is as sweeping and vibrant as Shakespeare’s own vision.