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Mission
The mission of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival is to educate and entertain the Mid-South community through professional theatrical experiences.
For more than three decades, we’ve created theatre experiences that connect people of all ages and backgrounds bringing Shakespeare’s words to life with fresh perspectives, local artistry, and heart. From our beloved Shakespeare in the Park series to our year-round education programs that reach thousands of students each year, we remain dedicated to making world-class theatre open to all. Through this work, we strive to foster empathy, curiosity, and connection across our diverse community.
Programs
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival offers performances all year round! Our flagship Shakespeare in the Park performances have been free for the community for over 35 years. We also offer indoor productions including collaborations with professional theatres and universities, Pop-Up Shakespeare performances that bring the Bard into unexpected spaces, and staged readings and community events that celebrate the full range of Shakespeare’s works. We also invite the community to take part in Shakespeare Allowed, a free series at the Nashville Public Library and Room In The Inn where everyone is welcome to read — or simply listen — as we explore the entire Shakespeare canon together.
Education
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival seeks to bring Shakespeare's works alive for all learners through the art of performance. We believe that by exploring Shakespeare through the voice and body, students of all ages can discover the Bard's power and relevance in their own lives. Our Shakespeare Education Experience tour travels to schools and communities across the region each fall, engaging thousands of students through dynamic performances, talkbacks, and workshops. Other educational offerings include student matinee productions, interactive classroom workshops, directing residencies, and the Summer Conservatory, a pre-professional training program for emerging theatre artists.