FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund

Why Give to Our FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour is the only professional outdoor theatre opportunity in Cincinnati each summer. CSC’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour enhances the vibrancy of neighborhoods throughout the region by creating traveling arts programs that increase the affordability, availability, and accessibility of the arts outside the downtown core.

Your gift makes FREE Shakespeare possible in Parks and Public Spaces across the tri-state.

For Summer 2022:

All donors to our Shakespeare in the Park Fund between now and August 31 will be entered in a drawing to win two free subscriptions to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2022-2023 Mainstage Season. We also have a variety of fun Shakespeare in the Park themed thank you gifts in exchange for your donations:
• A Gift of $12 (in honor of “Twelfth Night”) – Vinyl Sticker
• A Gift of $38 (in honor of Shakespeare’s 38 play canon) – Bumper Magnet
• A Gift of $100 – Water Bottle

Donors who join our Monthly Giving Circle between May 1 and August 31 and will be entered in a drawing to win an exclusive Behind the Scenes Package for a mainstage show of your choice during the 2022-2023 Season and:
• Monthly Gift of $10 or One-Time Gift of $120 – Insulated Tote Bag
• Monthly Gift of $25 or One-Time Gift of $300 – Roll-up Picnic Blanket
• Monthly Gift of $100 or One-Time Gift of $1,200 – Portable Camp Chair

To start donating monthly, make a a single gift for $10, $25, or $100 and we will follow up with you!

Thanks to a generous network of donors, CSC is able to take FREE Shakespeare to communities across Cincinnati and beyond!

FREE Shakespeare in the Park:

Increases the availability of Arts Experiences beyond Downtown Cincinnati!

  • 86% of audiences report that their community needs more arts opportunities

Makes professional theatre affordable for all!

  • 89% of audiences report that this is the easiest and most accessible way to attend live theatre

And in 2021, it provided a safe way to attend the arts!

  • For 57% of audiences, FREE Shakespeare in the Park was their first in-person arts experience since before the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020

And, did you know – the actors you see in the park tour are the same ones who bring our Education Program to life each school year? Your gift supports them, thus also sustaining CSC’s numerous arts education opportunities that take place all year long. Thanks to your thoughtful donation, CSC is able to fully carry out its mission to bring Shakespeare and the Classics to life for all.

CSC ASL 2019-12
Park access
FREE Shakespeare in the Park1

“My daughters went with me. It was their first play. We all loved it and really enjoyed talking to the cast. I had no idea this went on all summer and will make a point to take them to more next year. We can't really afford this type of thing so are so grateful you brought the show to us.” - Shakespeare in the Park Patron

“A Midsummer Night's Dream was hilarious! It made my 13-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter laugh out loud (me too)! Thank you for coming to Portsmouth [Ohio]. This is the third year we have driven from Ashland, KY, for this amazing event! Thank you for giving me the chance to expose my kids to Shakespeare as it should be - on the stage.” - Shakespeare in the Park Patron

Learn more by viewing our latest IMPACT REPORT.

Donate Online

Donate online above

Donate by Mail

Please make a check out to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and mail to:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Attention: Development
217 W. 12th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Donate by Phone

Please call Associate Director of Development, Elaine Cox at 513-381-2273 ext. 3200

Donate at the Theater*

The box office will be happy to accept and process a tax-deductible donation by cash, check or credit card at:
The Otto M. Budig Theater
1195 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
*Call in advance for current hours (513)381-2273

Donate with Stock

Download instructions for making a gift of stock online here.

Questions? Contact Director of Development, Sara Clark at sara.clark@cincyshakes.com

The 2022 FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour is generously sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group and was financially assisted by the Ohio Valley Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Agent.

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To learn how you can support FREE Shakespeare programs like this, click here.