Key Information
Marin Shakespeare Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, federal tax I.D. # 68-0201240.
Our Mission: With Shakespeare as our endless inspiration, our mission is to serve as a vibrant catalyst for cultural engagement, education, and social justice to benefit the people of Marin County, the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond.
Our History
In 1989, a small troupe of Shakespeare enthusiasts sought to reestablish an outdoor summer Shakespeare festival at Dominican College’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre. They wanted to bring the drama, poetry and fun of Shakespeare back to Marin for all to share. Seeking dynamic leadership, the group invited Robert Currier and Lesley Schisgall Currier to come to Marin to create the new Marin Shakespeare Company.
Since then, the Company has become one of Marin’s foremost cultural assets and a beloved summertime event, as well as a provider of year-round educational programs. It has achieved status as a major player in the West Coast Shakespeare scene and is the North Bay’s only professional Shakespeare company. As one of Marin’s most successful performing arts organizations it entertains audiences of up to 10,000 theatregoers each summer. The Company also provides learning experiences for more than 4,000 students each year through in-school classes, after-school classes, summer camps, training programs, and special programs like the Teen Touring Company.
In 2003, the Company offered its first Shakespeare class at San Quentin State Prison. Since then, the Company has developed a Drama Therapy-inspired curriculum and has provided programs in up to 14 California State prisons, as well as Alameda Juvenile Hall. Participants of these programs have reported they have dropped out of gangs, pursued higher education, and reunited with family members. In 2016, the Returned Citizens Theatre Troupe was formed to give people who have survived incarceration the opportunity to tell their stories through theatre. The Company works to raise visibility about the devastating effects of mass incarceration in the U.S. through these programs.
Marin Shakespeare Company’s new permanent home at 514 Fourth Street in San Rafael, the Center for Performing Arts, Education, and Social Justice officially opened in September of 2023. The year-round indoor venue boasts a 165-seat three-quarter thrust theatre, Atrium/Lobby, Classroom/Rehearsal space, administrative offices, and 6,000 square feet of costume/prop/set storage. Jon Tracy became Marin Shakespeare’s Artistic Director in October of 2023. Under Jon’s artistic leadership, in addition to Marin Shakespeare Company productions, the venue has been home to Solo Shows, productions by partner theatres, education programs and performances, initiatives including Open Access and Kaleidoscope, and a variety of events including the 2024 Coast Miwok Celebration.
The original Marin Shakespeare Festival, founded by John and Ann Brebner and inspired by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, produced outdoor Shakespearean theatre at the Ross Art and Garden Center for 6 seasons from 1961 to 1967. That year the Forest Meadows amphitheatre was built for the Shakespeare Festival where it remained until 1971. In 2001, Marin Shakespeare Company was California’s first outdoor Shakespeare festival.
Financials
Sponsors
Past Productions
Please enjoy this short video about Marin Shakespeare’s many gifts to the community:
http://youtu.be/JLQbqMasWc0