Orlando Shakes

Orlando Shakes, officially known as Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Inc., is a professional theater company that was founded in 1989 by University of Central Florida professor Stuart Omans. The theater operates in partnership with UCF and has established itself as one of the most acclaimed theaters in the region. It is located at 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Larry Mabrey, Orlando Shakes has received national recognition, including praise from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout, who highlighted the theater's outstanding and spectacular Broadway-worthy productions. The company is known for its ambitious and high-caliber productions, which have included notable works such as "Nicholas Nickleby," "Les Miserables," "In the Heights," an original pronunciation Elizabethan production of "Twelfth Night," and the "Fire and Reign" series history cycle. These productions not only showcase the theater's commitment to excellence but also honor the legacy of William Shakespeare, which is the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes is dedicated to enriching the community with professional theater that engages audiences. Its mission is to provide inspiring educational experiences and thought-provoking new plays. The theater's vision is to achieve national prominence through bold, life-changing theater and educational programming. The values upheld by the organization include building community through art, language, imagination, excellence, professionalism, mentorship, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. In addition to its theatrical productions, Orlando Shakes offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community. This includes Saturday classes, The W. Daniel Mills Apprentice Program, The Young Company, summer camps, Shakespeare with Heart, school field trips, workshops, and various resources and content advisories. The theater's affiliations and governance include a dedicated staff and leadership team, a Board of Directors, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Orlando Shakes provides opportunities for community involvement through jobs, internships, volunteer positions, and auditions. Orlando Shakes also supports itself through various means, including ticket sales, season ticket packages, group sales, and the generosity of its supporters. The theater encourages donations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and legacy creation through John's Fund. Additionally, it offers playbill advertising opportunities. For those interested in staying connected with Orlando Shakes, the theater provides updates, exclusive discounts, and news through its mailing list and is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Flickr. In summary, Orlando Shakes is a beacon of theatrical and educational excellence in Central Florida, committed to producing quality performances and fostering a love of the arts within the community.