Our Mission
To use the power and presence of live professional performance to enhance the meaning of life and to illustrate the indomitability of the human spirit through the works of William Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired works.
Vision
To use the power and presence of live professional performance to enhance the meaning of life and to illustrate the indomitability of the human spirit through the works of William Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired works.
History
The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1991 by Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Marilyn Strauss.
The idea for the festival began in 1990, inspired by a promise Strauss made to her friend, the famed New York Shakespeare Festival founder Joseph Papp, to bring a free theater experience back to her hometown of Kansas City.
The festival held its first official season in 1993 with an outdoor performance in Southmoreland Park, which has remained its main venue. The mission of the festival is to make the works of Shakespeare accessible to a diverse audience through professional, free outdoor productions and educational programs.
Since its launch, it has grown to become a significant cultural event in Kansas City, drawing thousands of theatergoers each summer. Over the years, the festival has also expanded its offerings to include educational camps, pre-show entertainment, lecture series, and contests. While primarily focused on Shakespeare’s works, it has also produced Shakespeare-inspired plays to connect with new audiences.
Get Involved
We welcome volunteers, sponsors, and patrons to support our mission and help us continue to bring Shakespeare to life in Kansas City.
