Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, affectionately known as FlagShakes, is the only year-round professional theatre company in Northern Arizona, proudly committed to supporting and compensating the hardworking artists in our community. Our mission is to faithfully portray classics of the Renaissance, as well as produce other actor-driven plays. Each Renaissance performance incorporates original Elizabethan staging practices, making our plays accessible and providing a unique learning opportunity.
We further deepen the connection to history and tradition by making live music a central component of our original staging practices. Each of our Renaissance productions features live musical performance, echoing the spirit of Elizabethan theatre and enriching the audience experience. Our musicians collaborate closely with the actors, providing an immediate, dynamic soundscape that heightens the emotional resonance of each performance. This dedication to live music ensures that our productions remain vibrant and accessible, while remaining rooted in the living traditions of classical theatre.
FlagShakes has been recognized with Viola Awards for Excellence in Performing Arts and Community Impact, reflecting our dedication to both artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement. With over a decade of financial stability, we continue to grow as a cornerstone of Flagstaff’s cultural landscape.
Education and audience connection are at the heart of our mission. We offer workshops, student matinees, and a Theatre for Young Audiences program, now in its second year, bringing the magic of live theatre to younger generations. Our Theatre for Young Audiences productions are carefully crafted to spark imagination, foster empathy, and introduce young people to the power of classical and contemporary storytelling.
FlagShakes is also committed to bridging the gap between arts and science. Through productions like “Shakespeare on Pluto,” annual participation in the Flagstaff Festival of Science, and production of the “Wisdom Carriers” film series, we explore the intersection of storytelling and scientific discovery, making theatre a powerful tool for education and engagement across disciplines.
