Shakespeare festival seeks support

“[The campaign] is off to a roaring start,” said Executive Director Toby Leavitt. “This is about making sure free Shakespeare stays in Redwood City. Either we’re going out with a bang or this will be a great advertisement about why it needs to remain.”

Until this year, Redwood City has contributed $20,000 to the festival, but officials decided the city could no longer spare the money because of budget constraints. Donations from Stanford University and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative plus a $2,500 grant from the Civic Cultural Commission total $10,000 for this year, leaving a $10,000 funding gap.

If the money isn’t raised, then the nonprofit will have to “tighten its belt” in order to pay for this year’s Redwood City performances and it will not be able to return to town next year, unless new funding is identified.

“We’re hoping [the campaign] is a one-year solution that opens additional possibilities,” Leavitt said.

Parks and Recreation Director Chris Beth said the city is actively pursuing additional corporate sponsors and is encouraging the community to donate.

“Redwood City values the arts and unique experiences that enhance the quality of life for those in our community,” Beth said in an email. “Hosting the free Shakespeare in the Park event each year helps bring art to life, enriches cultural experiences and is open and accessible to everyone in our community. … We will continue to work with [The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival] and our corporate community to increase giving to ensure [the festival] remains in Redwood City.”

The annual Shakespeare tour started coming to Redwood City in 2012, but has been a summer tradition in the Bay Area for 36 years. Before arriving in Redwood City, this production attracted hundreds of people in Pleasanton and Cupertino and there are 10 performances in San Francisco scheduled for September. Only the Redwood City performances are currently in jeopardy.

Each community raises funds for the performances, and the $20,000 that Redwood City has raised in years past doesn’t cover the entire cost, but goes a long way, Leavitt said.

“We found a warm reception [in Redwood City] since that very first performance and it has grown with the seven-year track record. We feel Redwood City is where we should be as a hub of activity, diverse community and growing city,” Leavitt said. “These are all signs that bode well in the long term and we have to figure out how to support each other in the short term.”

The nonprofit puts together a new company of professional actors each year, some of which will be recognizable to audiences and some new. In addition to free performances, the nonprofit also offers a variety of educational programs, including Shakespeare youth camps and afterschool classes.

Leavitt said this year’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is especially family friendly as it features sprites, fairies, magic and plenty of comedy. And each performance begins with a 15-minute “green show” that provides an introduction and synopsis of the play.

“The company all about education and our mission is to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone,” Leavitt said. “My sense is that everyone wants free Shakespeare to stay in Redwood City and it’s a matter of resources and that’s the spotlight we’re shining.”

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ex. 102