Artistic Director’s Welcome

Mike Ryan, Artistic Director

2016 marks the beginning of our third year as an independent non-profit, and the 35th year of Shakespeare performed in an evocative outdoor environment that only Santa Cruz can provide.

One of the wonderful things about theatre, and the reincarnation of this Shakespeare Festival specifically, has been the opportunity to examine old ways of thinking and performing and to take bold new directions. Self-examination and change have provided other opportunities as well. We have embraced gender equity in the acting company, finding a better way of telling stories that are inclusive and designed for a 21st century audience. Students 18 and under qualify for a free ticket. We have a successful new financial model. We are raising money to build a new outdoor theater, one that will provide us with a great deal more opportunity and flexibility than we have ever enjoyed.

I look forward to the busy months ahead, and welcome you to become part of the Santa Cruz Shakespeare community, if you have not joined already. Play on!

Santa Cruz Shakespeare is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and our tax ID number is 46-4635444.

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

Inspired by Shakespeare, we create and strengthen community by bringing audiences and theater artists together to celebrate stories about our collective humanity.

Vision

We envision a community where generations are increasingly passionate and knowledgeable about Shakespeare and Live theater, a community that engages in active discussion about language and art and reaches for passion, connection, and empowerment.

Values

Bold
We believe in taking risks, charting new territory, and demanding a fearless aesthetic.

Transparent
We commit to clear communication and responsiveness to inquiry in all that we do, from the artistic process and planning to financial management, governance, and operations.

Responsible
We ensure a balance between the financial stability of the organization and artistic risk.

Passionate
We are most passionate about our art, our community, and Shakespeare.

Inclusive
We strive to include the breadth and diversity of our community in our art and organization.

Inquisitive
We continue to learn not only from our artists, but our community; and we encourage our artists and audiences to seek and gain knowledge through the work.

Professional
We are uncompromising in our quest to work with the finest artists, artisans, administrators, and partners for our collaborative process.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and our tax ID number is 46-4635444.

Staff

Santa Cruz Shakespeare Core Staff

Mike Ryan
Artistic Director

Aimee Zygmonski
Managing Director

Alexis Rossini
Development Director

Cheryl Games
Communications Director

Sue Dormanen
Company Manager

Alexandra Schroeder
Membership and Intern Coordinator

Board of Directors

Santa Cruz Shakespeare Board of Directors

Rick Wright, President
Renee Winter, Vice President
Jean Shimoguchi, Secretary
Eric Mendelson, Treasurer
Bill Richter, Immediate Past President
Margaret Brose
Owen Brown
Mark Dammann
Chris Frost
Julie Fraser
Tamara Santos

Honorary Director

Audrey Stanley