Shakespeare Festival of Dallas

Shakespeare Dallas (formerly known as Shakespeare Festival of Dallas) has been a local staple since the 1970s.

As of January 2008, Raphael Parry was appointed the figurehead of the organization under the title of Executive & Artistic Director.

From the official website:

Inspired by the egalitarian nature of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Robert "Bob" Glenn started Shakespeare Dallas in 1971, as a free summer Shakespeare festival. Today, it is one of North Texas's most treasured summertime traditions and the area's only producer of an education program solely focused on teaching Shakespeare.

It is the second oldest company in the county that still provides a portion of its programming free of charge. The company is still guided by its original mission - to make the works of William Shakespeare accessible to all - and strives to do so by maintaining an affordable cost structure that fits the entire community. The goal is to build future audiences, nurture the North Texas region and serve as the cultural Shakespearean anchor of the Southwest. Summer programs are presented in Dallas, Texas, and Addison, Texas. The education program is offered throughout the entire North Texas region.

The mission of Shakespeare Dallas is to make the works of William Shakespeare accessible to all. The company serves its mission by providing free admission to the majority of its programs, offering top quality Shakespearean productions in a casual, outdoor setting.

The majority of performances are at the Samuel-Grand Amphitheatre in Lakewood.

Shakespeare Dallas (as Shakespeare Festival of Dallas) is listed as a major festival in the book Shakespeare Festivals Around the World by Marcus D. Gregio (Editor), 2004.