Orlando Shakespeare Theater Verified listing

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, now known as Orlando Shakes in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF), has been a cornerstone of Central Florida's cultural landscape since its founding in 1989 by UCF professor Stuart Omans. Situated in the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, the theater has evolved from a seasonal festival into a year-round professional company. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakes has garnered national acclaim, with The Wall Street Journal praising it as “outstanding…spectacular…Broadway worthy.” The company is renowned for its ambitious productions, including classics like Les Misérables, In the Heights, and a unique original pronunciation staging of Twelfth Night.

Orlando Shakes offers a diverse array of programming that extends beyond Shakespearean works. Its Signature Series features a mix of classic and contemporary plays, while the Children's Series introduces young audiences to theater through engaging performances. The theater also hosts PlayFest, an annual festival dedicated to developing new plays, providing a platform for emerging playwrights. The 2025–2026 season, themed “Passion & Pulitzers,” includes two Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and the beloved holiday tradition A Christmas Carol.

Education is a central pillar of Orlando Shakes' mission. The theater offers a range of programs for students of all ages, including school field trips, in-school workshops, and Saturday classes. One notable initiative is "Shakespeare with Heart," a summer camp that brings together students with and without disabilities to collaboratively produce a Shakespeare play, fostering inclusivity and creativity citeturn0search5. Additionally, Orlando Shakes provides internships and apprenticeships for aspiring theater professionals, offering hands-on experience in acting, production, and administration.