Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival

About Us

Vision Statement
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival envisions a world where theatre serves to elevate empathy —sparking joy, curiosity, and connection across generations.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, affectionately known as FlagShakes, is to faithfully portray classics of the Renaissance and produce other actor-driven plays that speak to today’s audiences. Each Shakespeare and Renaissance performance incorporates authentic Elizabethan staging practices, making these timeless works accessible and providing a unique learning opportunity. Through our professional theatre productions and dynamic educational outreach, FlagShakes is committed to elevating empathy, inspiring curiosity, encouraging dialogue, and enriching the cultural life of Arizonans.

Dedicated to excellence in the performing arts, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival offers exciting artistic opportunities and meaningful experiences for residents of Flagstaff, the wider Arizona community, and visitors from around the world. By bridging tradition with innovation, FlagShakes strengthens the region’s reputation as a vibrant hub for theatre, arts, and culture.

Land Acknowledgment
With Respect and Humanity, We first acknowledge the words of the stewards of the lands in which we reside or occupy, who are the Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest. In honoring and respecting life, we acknowledge the presence and first footsteps of the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, Yavapai, Zuni, Piute, the Ute, White Mountain Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Navajo, Tohono’O’Odham, Gila River, and Mojave Nations. By acknowledging these Five Fingered Beings, we also acknowledge the injustices and profess to continually work to be at better service to Indigenous Peoples. We recognize our presence in a Sacred Space held sacred and holy by these 13 Nations. In the arms of this Mountain, we declare ourselves as instruments of healing and reconciliation as we work towards justice and equity for all Peoples of all walks of life, as the Stewards of the land had first demonstrated.
(Crafted in collaboration with FlagShakes by Makauis, 19 year old Dine male)