More about the Richmond Shakespeare Festival
The mission of the Richmond Shakespeare Festival organization is to produce and promote an annual Shakespeare festival of the highest quality, including theatrical performances and educational opportunities, based in Richmond, Indiana.
Romeo & Juliet at Richmond High School
Our Shakespeare at School educational outreach program includes annual productions of Shakespeare plays in conjunction with the curriculum at 5 area schools. We plan to expand this program to additional schools in and around Wayne County.
Free Shakespeare in the Park at Elstro Plaza
Our Free Shakespeare in the Park program presents touring productions of Shakespeare’s plays in Richmond city parks. Past productions include Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, and Much Ado About Nothing. The plays are presented in late-August in an informal setting to audiences of 400.
Our Guest Artist program brings renowned performers to the local stage. Past productions include Lisa Wolpe in Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender, and Debra Ann Byrd in Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey.
We are grateful for generous in-kind support from Richmond Community Schools and the City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation (performance venues), and for generous financial support from the Indiana Arts Commission, Region 5 partner Community Foundation of Randolph County, Art Works, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wayne County Foundation, the Vigran Family Foundation, and many local sponsors, donors, and patrons.