playbill vip

From our Leadership:

Welcome to As You Like It and the 2026 Shakespeare Fest!

We are delighted to welcome you outdoors for an evening of theatre under the stars. This production marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our organization as we expand beyond Richmond and bring Shakespeare and classical theatre to audiences throughout Virginia.

This summer, Shakespeare Fest will present performances in Richmond and Williamsburg, beginning with As You Like It here in Gillette Garden before traveling to the historic Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka on the campus of William & Mary. We will then present The Complete History of America (abridged) in Williamsburg before concluding the season in Richmond with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at Richmond Triangle Players Robert B. Moss Theatre.

Our growth is about more than geography. This summer also reflects our commitment to creating immersive theatrical experiences that connect audiences to extraordinary places. Whether wandering the Forest of Arden in a historic garden, gathering beside a lake where stories have been shared for generations, or enjoying the wit of Wilde in an intimate theatre, we believe great theatre should invite audiences not just to watch a story, but to step inside it.

We are equally proud of the educational and community programs that accompany our productions. Through our Festival Young Company, Bardathon, student matinees, school partnerships, internships, volunteer opportunities, and community collaborations, we continue to expand access to the arts and create opportunities for the next generation of theatre artists and audiences.

None of this would be possible without the support of our artists, staff, volunteers, board members, donors, sponsors, and community partners. Their generosity, talent, and dedication make evenings like this one possible.

Most importantly, thank you for being here. In a world that often moves too quickly, gathering together to share stories remains one of the most meaningful things we can do. Tonight, as you journey into the Forest of Arden, I hope you find laughter, joy, wonder, and perhaps a little bit of yourself among Shakespeare's unforgettable characters.

Enjoy the show!

With gratitude,

Jase Smith Sullivan

Managing Director