The Richmond Shakespeare Festival provides high-quality Shakespeare programming in East Central Indiana.

Plans for 2024 include:

  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream, May 2, a Free Shakespeare in the Park touring production by Kentucky Shakespeare, Jack Elstro Plaza
  • Hamlet, August 15, a Free Shakespeare in the Park touring production by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Jack Elstro Plaza

Each year we collaborate with local schools to underwrite live performances of Shakespeare plays and other programming for over 700 high school students in Wayne County schools. We also contributed to the quality of life in our community through one-person shows by nationally recognized Shakespearean actors, as well as community readings, workshops, and even a film series.

Alas, the costs for mounting original, full-cast productions have risen dramatically in the past few years. Confronted with these realities the RSF Board of Directors has chosen to suspend our creation of original, full-cast play productions in order to focus on offering free-to-access Shakespeare for everyone in our community through our Shakespeare in the Park productions and live Shakespeare performance in Wayne County schools. 

2023 marked the 10th season for Richmond Shakespeare Festival. Our summer 2023 program included:

  • Hamlet, May 11, a Free Shakespeare in the Park touring production by Kentucky Shakespeare, Jack Elstro Plaza
  • As You Like It, June 16-25, an original, full-cast production by Richmond Shakespeare Festival, McGuire Auditorium
  • The Comedy of Errors, August 31, a Free Shakespeare in the Park touring production by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Jack Elstro Plaza

We are grateful for the support of so many donors, sponsors, volunteers, directors, designers, cast, crew and staff during these past 10 years. Thank you.

In 2024, the Richmond Shakespeare Festival will, with your help, continue to sponsor educational programming in the schools, our Shakespeare in the Park program, and other community activities. Thank you for your support as we shift toward a more sustainable future.

Sincerely, 

Ray Ontko, President

null

About Us

Photos, cast lists and more from previous festival seasons.

View More

Plan Your Visit

Get directions and look for great restaurant options here.

Get Directions

Donate Now

Help us keep this fine Shakespeare Festival tradition alive and well!

Richmond Parks and Recreation Department logo
Wayne Count Foundation

Vigran Family Foundation