Dear Friends,

We are writing to share some difficult news that impacts not only our company, but the Nashville arts community as a whole. This week, we learned that Metro Arts will not be awarding The Nashville Shakespeare Festival any funding in this year’s grant cycle. We are one of sixteen local arts organizations affected by this sudden shortfall.

This decision is incredibly destabilizing for us. To give you a sense of the challenge: in just two years, our Metro Arts funding has dropped from $117,000 to $39,000 and now to $0. As a medium-sized organization already facing cuts from other funders, including the NEA, this is yet another significant blow.

Because of this unexpected loss, we are heartbroken to share that we will need to postpone our spring production, the regional premiere of A Room In The Castle by Lauren Gunderson, to our 2026 -2027 Season. This production was to be a key step in growing our season programming from three to four shows a year—a leap forward in our mission to serve Nashville audiences and employ even more local artists. Postponing means we cannot offer contracts to the 14 actors and creative artists who were counting on work this year.

In the past year alone, NSF employed more than 85 Nashville artists, technicians, and staff. Local artists rely on us for contracts each year that help sustain their livelihoods. Our most recent summer production of The Merry Wives of Windsor welcomed over 5,300 audience members through our free, pay-what-you-will model, with an average donation of just $6—a testament to our commitment to making live theater accessible to everyone.

While this is a setback, it is not the end of our story. We are sustained by the overwhelming support of our community, and with your help, we will get through this.

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Attend a performance – Buy a ticket to our upcoming SEE Tour production of Julius Caesar or our co-production of Fat Ham with Nashville Repertory Theatre

• Donate what you can – Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.

• Spread the word – Share this message with your network and follow us on social media for updates.

• Stay engaged with Metro Arts – Your voice matters in ensuring that all local arts organizations receive the support they need.

This is not the message we hoped to send at the start of what was meant to be a year of growth and celebration. But we also know this: our community has always lifted us up when times are hard, and together we can weather this storm.

While this loss forces us to take a step back, we remain committed to bringing world-class Shakespeare and theatre to Nashville. Thank you for standing with us in this challenging moment, and for the love and support you have always shown.

With gratitude and resolve,