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Mark Woods and Stuart Brooks founded The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival in February, 1977, as a small, resident professional theatre company dedicated to producing the world's classics.
Thirty years later, The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival (NCSF) continues to set the standard for creative excellence in theater and arts education in North Carolina.
NCSF's mission is to entertain, educate and enrich the lives of North Carolina students and citizens with quality professional productions of the world's great plays, and with in-school and life-long learning opportunities.
Since 1977, NCSF has achieved the following:
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Mounted over 120 professional productions |
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Filled over 1.5 million seats at venues statewide |
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Made nearly 2,000 tour stops statewide |
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Performed to students in every North Carolina county |
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Presented school matinees to over 12,000 students each year. |
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Presented Dickens' A Christmas Carol annually since 1977. |
Every year the company works diligently to serve the region and state with programming that includes:
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Shakespeare to Go Tours to middle school and high schools |
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ShakeSpirit: Artist in the School classroom visitations |
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SchoolFest school matinee performances |
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Hands-On Shakespeare teacher workshops |
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Nancy Lyles ForeWords Saturday seminars |
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AfterWords post-theatre discussions |
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Elizabeth's Bard Weekend program |
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The Twin City Theatre Season performances in Winston-Salem |
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The MainStage Season of classical productions |
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Dickens' A Christmas Carol every December |
NCSF attracts the highest caliber actors, directors, designers and technicians from all over the United States. NCSF is associated with Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, and operates under an agreement between the union and The League of Resident Theatres.
We have currently launched a $3 million capital campaign,
the first in NCSF history, to create Spirit
Center, a 51, 000 sq. ft two-building
performing arts campus located at the corner of W. Ward
Avenue and Green Street in downtown High Point. The
31,000 sq. ft Production Place includes
the Renaissance Learning Center, two
rehearsal halls, and scene, costume and properties shops.
The 15,000 sq. ft Outreach Place includes
administrative offices for staff, directors, designers
and outreach program leaders.
Spirit Center signifies a new era of artistic expression, education and outreach for the Triad and the state. The campus will become a gateway to inspiring and educational programs, and will serve as a resource for theatre and all performing arts groups seeking costume and scenery service at reasonable rates.
Since its inception in 1977 as a small summer festival with a budget under $70,000, NCSF has emerged as one of North Carolina's largest and most renowned cultural resources. With a $1.35 million budget this year, NCSF will perform more than 30 weeks, reaching over 50,000 students and adults statewide.
NCSF's commitment to statewide service and artistic
achievement has earned it the designation, The
State Shakespeare Festival. It stands
as a shining example of how a well-run arts organization
can contribute to the cultural, educational and economic
health of a community. NCSF gratefully acknowledges
the North Carolina General Assembly for this recognition
and for its vital funding support. NCSF also thanks
all those who purchase tickets and contribute generously
to its mission.
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