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We need your help to keep high-quality, professional productions of Shakespeare FREE for our community. The Festival exists because of the combined donations of every individual who enjoys the Festival and cares about making quality arts experiences available to the entire city. While we enjoy support from a long list of foundations, businesses and public entities, we also depend on the generosity of individuals like you—the people who attend each summer and enjoy Shakespeare and the community spirit that fills Southmoreland Park under the summer sky.

We are deeply committed to keeping the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival accessible to families with children, young adults and people on a limited budget. It speaks volumes about the nature of Kansas City that our Festival is one of only a handful of FREE Festivals still in existence across the country.

Please consider a contribution to the Festival today. No matter the size of your gift, it makes a real difference. In return, we promise you another summer of great theatre in a beautiful park, life-changing education programs for young people and adults, and the deep satisfaction that comes from being able to say, “It’s FREE because of me.”

Your contribution may be MADE ONLINE HERE or mailed to the Festival office at 3732 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Good Will Society

If you enjoy the Festival and care about the cultural life of our community, please consider becoming a member of the Good Will Society. Your donation makes it possible to transform a city park into a theatre and bring the world of Shakespeare to life for thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Your support will help us provide our 2024 summer production of Julius Caesar in beautiful Southmoreland Park.

Marilyn Strauss Legacy Fund

Each summer, the effort begins to fully fund the Shakespeare Festival’s programs and production for the coming year. With the summer Festival ending, productions with Camp Shakespeare still in full force, and production costs wrapping up, the organization finds itself back at square one, and has to begin the process all over to raise enough monies to continue for another year.

While the Festival receives wonderfully generous monetary and in-kind donations, they are often one-time gifts that must be raised elsewhere the following year. The Marilyn Strauss Legacy Board-Advised Fund will provide a dependable revenue source to help fund annual expenses, such as costumes, sets and lighting, as well as occasional capital improvements needed to keep our programs fresh, accessible and entertaining. The Fund’s distribution is subject to the organization’s Board of Directors’ approval. The Fund will only be used at the discretion of the Board and for board-approved expenses.

You Make It Happen. Please make your gift today to ensure FREE Shakespeare is available for everyone in the future. This special board-advised fund will honor our Founder’s vision and ensure her legacy and the Festival’s solvency.

How You Can Help:

  • Give a One-time Gift
  • Provide a Structured Multi-year Gift
  • Make a Donation via Planned Giving
  • Donate Stock
  • Memorial or Honorary Gifts
  • Charitable Gift Annuities
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts

Your contribution may be MADE ONLINE HERE or mailed to the Festival office at 3732 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Other Ways to Donate

Matching Gifts
Many companies in the area offer matching gifts programs that will double your contribution to the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.  Please contact your human resources department for a matching gift form. Matching gift forms may be mailed to the Festival office at 3732 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Sponsorships and In-Kind Donations
Corporate sponsorships range from $5000 to $25,000. Advertising opportunities and additional benefits are provided based on the giving level. For more information on Festival sponsorship and in-kind donations, contact Taylor Smith at  tsmith@kcshakes.org or call the Festival office at (816) 531-7728.

Romantic Revels Gala
Join us February 10, 2024 at the InterContinental Hotel for Romantic Revels. The gala event raises funds for Festival operations and education scholarships. It is a delightful evening, featuring an open bar, a gourmet dinner and dancing. Please contact Taylor Smith at tsmith@kcshakes.org for more information on becoming a Gala Patron.

ShakesBEER Birthday Bash
Join us for a celebration of the Bard’s Birthday! Music, comedy sketches, birthday cake, Shakespearaoke, and, of course, beer are all a part of a great evening that funds our Camp Shakespeare scholarships. More information about our 2024 ShakesBEER event coming soon.

Purchase of Charlie Hustle T-Shirt
For only $35, you can support the Festival and our programs with great style in a Charlie Hustle Shakespeare-inspired t-shirt. Pickup and shipping options available through online purchase. Click HERE to purchase your Charlie Hustle t-shirt.

Donation Refund Policy: Donations and matching gifts are not refundable.