About Us
Founded by UCF professor Stuart Omans in 1989, Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF (Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Inc.) produces classic, contemporary, and children’s plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed professional theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout: “outstanding…spectacular… Broadway worthy… a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida.”
With ambitious, high-caliber productions like Nicholas Nickleby, Les Miserables, In the Heights, the original pronunciation Elizabethan production of Twelfth Night, and the Fire and Reign series history cycle, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare’s legacy as the cornerstone of the company.
Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large.
Mission
Enrich our community with engaging professional theater, inspiring educational experiences, and thought-provoking new plays.
Vision
Achieve national prominence through bold, life-changing theater and educational programming.
Values
Building community through art, language, imagination, excellence, professionalism, mentorship, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Affiliations
