To explore and produce the works of William Shakespeare in an outdoor setting
as interpreted by an ensemble of Canadian actors, directors and designers.
To illuminate in a bold, modern way the humanity of Shakespeare and explore
how his themes are relevant four hundred years on.
To provide further investigation of Shakespeare’s world and his impact on
present day theatre and dramatic thought.
To inspire young artists in further enjoyment of Shakespeare.
To remain financially accessible to all, regardless of financial situation.

The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is produced by Freewill Players in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Freewill Players was formed in 1989 by a group of actors in a truly co-operative, pass-the-hat spirit with the mandate to produce the works of William Shakespeare. Since then the company has attracted over 168,000 people to 27 main-stage productions. The 2006 Summer Season saw over 17, 000 people clamour for Shakespeare, making it the most successful season to date. These large numbers are a reflection of the high quality of production and the very affordable ticket prices, that range from the 7 pay-what-you-will performances, to, free for children twelve and under, to, discounts for seniors and students, to, the economical season pass. The plays are performed at Hawrelak Park, in the 1100 seat, canopy covered, Heritage Amphitheatre.

In 1998, Freewill Players expanded to produce The Freewill Shakespeare Festival, an event designed to satisfy growing audience numbers and the Festival’s goal of creating a truly remarkable celebration of Shakespeare for Edmonton. The Festival consists of two fully realized Shakespearean productions that run in repertory over a period of four weeks from late June to late July. Productions boast contemporary interpretations of setting, theme, and character to best communicate the plays ideas to a modern audience. The Festival also offers the Enbridge Camp Shakespeare program which runs in tandem with the Festival. Week long camps expose young people aged 8-16, to text, music, dance and stage fighting, culminating in an afternoon sharing for friends and family.

The company established a permanent paid administration in 1999 with the hiring of a General Manager, working on a full-time basis for six months, and a part-time basis the remainder of the year. The Artistic Director position followed in 2000. The Festival employs a full complement of 42 people at the height of the Festival, including actors, designers, Stage Managers, Production Manager, Administrative Assistant, Publicist, Technical Director, Site/Volunteer Coordinator, etc. Interestingly, a full 40% of the yearly budget goes to artist’s fees.

Freewill Players / The Freewill Shakespeare Festival has endeavoured to broaden its horizons and remain vital to the theatre community. To that end, the Festival set upon a program of commissioning new plays that are inspired by the life and/or times of William Shakespeare. The first experiment in this venture was a commission from Governor General Award winning playwright Vern Theissen. Vern’s play Shakespeare’s Will was a major success in Edmonton and is presently being re-produced across Canada and United States. Our second commission is by local playwright Beth Graham, who is in the midst of writing her new play, Losing War. Supported in part by the AFA and the Clifford E. Lee Foundation, the aim is to develop and produce this project in the very near future.

Freewill Players / The Freewill Shakespeare Festival has been nominated for numerous Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards for excellence in Edmonton theatre. Most recently, Chris Bullough received the award for Outstanding Actor for his sensitive performance as Berowne in 2005’s Love’s Labour’s Lost.

In 2003 the Freewill Players / The Freewill Shakespeare Festival was honored to receive the City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence Arts Achievement Award and the Syncrude Award for Innovative Artistic Direction at the Mayors Luncheon for Business and the Arts in Edmonton.

Click here to view Freewill Players Board of Directors 2007 / 2008