Austin Shakespeare was founded in 1985 to offer summertime productions of Shakespeare’s plays in the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, located in Zilker Park (see listing below for other theater at that location). In 2001, the company expanded from a summer festival to a year-round producing organization, broadening its scope to include the works of other great playwrights. In addition to its summer shows in the park, the company now has a permanent home at “The Curtain” — a scaled-down replica of the original Globe Theatre in London, designed and built by video game innovator Richard Garriott, located in the hills of Garriott’s West Austin estate.
Austin Shakespeare Information
- Venues: Rollins Studio Theatre at Long Center for the Performing Arts (701 West Riverside Drive); Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park (2301 Barton Springs Road); Umlauf Sculpture Garden (605 Robert E. Lee Road); and more
- Public Transportation: Varies by venue
- Handicapped Accessibility: Depends on venue, but generally good
- Performance/Programs: Approximately five programs per season, with between one and 10 performances of each
- Admission: Varies (between $20-75) depending on performance and seating choice
- Membership: Donations to Austin Shakespeare are tax-deductible. Donors of over $100 receive free admission to event previews and discounts at other events. Further benefits available with larger donations.
