The idea of a free, outdoor Shakespeare festival in St. Louis began in 1997, inspired by R. Crosby Kemper, III. It was realized by community volunteer Lana Pepper, who became its first Managing Director, and a visionary board of civic and corporate leaders. The founding mission—to produce professional Shakespeare theatre, outdoors in a city park, free and for a diverse audience, and to provide education through schools and community outreach—led board members to select Forest Park as the home for the Festival. Romeo and Juliet debuted under the stars in the spring of 2001 to more than 33,000 people. As the audience grew, the run was expanded to four weeks. The Festival is the only free, outdoor, professional theatre in the St. Louis area, employing renowned national and regional directors, designers and actors for the benefit of the community.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis received 501(c)3 status in December of 1999. In the fall of 2000, Robert Townsend was engaged as Producing Director, and Marvin Moskowitz became Chairman of the Board. Director of Development and Marketing Marilyn Spirt joined the team in fall 2001 and took over as Managing Director on October 1, 2004. With Rob Townsend’s move from St. Louis, Dawn McAndrews joined as Artistic Director from July 2007-June 2009. In September, 2009, Rick Dildine became the first Executive Director. Terry Schnuck was Board Chair from 2006-2008, followed by current Chair Mont Levy.

Spring 2007 ushered in a new era of growth for the Festival. In April, the Festival signed a 10-year renewable lease with the City, giving permanence to the Festival’s home: Shakespeare Glen. A new logo was launched to support the Festival's commitment to provide fun, inspiring, accessible productions.

The Festival celebrated its ninth year of professional Shakespeare in Forest Park in 2009 with The Merry Wives of Windsor that played audiences of 46,155. The pre-performance Green Show offered performances by local musicians, singers and dancers, Juggling Jeff and Josh the Clown. Lectures showcased scholars from area universities, and a mini-play introduced children to the plot and characters. 

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has entertained, enlightened and educated more than 386,000 people in the last nine years, and has reached an additional 169,000 students of all ages through our Education Touring productions, School Programs and Community Partnerships.

The Festival site is in process of completing improvements including the installation of permanent power, drainage and landscaping. These improvements are designed to enhance the audience experience and to develop Shakespeare Glen as a permanent amenity in Forest Park for generations to come.

SFSTL 2007 production of Much Ado About Nothing. Photo © 2007 J. David Levy