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
THE VISION
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.
Photo by Kimberley Mead
We believe that excellence in acting must be matched by innovative design. Like our open color-aware casting policy, we hire resident designers and seek new talent to assure that our productions are fresh and delightful.
We endeavor to connect with young people on a regular basis by expanding education and outreach efforts in the classroom and by bringing full productions before young audiences. We work with teachers to prepare their students for the theater experience, so they will receive maximum benefit from our performance.
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."
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.