For 40 years, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival has stood as one of the South’s most enduring cultural institutions—a place where language, imagination, and community converge in Montgomery, the state’s capital. Fully professional and nationally respected, ASF produces world-class theatre year-round, anchoring its work in Shakespeare while embracing musicals, American classics, children’s productions, and new works that reflect both global traditions and Southern stories.

Located on a sweeping campus in Montgomery, ASF operates in association with Actors’ Equity Association, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and United Scenic Artists, producing approximately 14 productions annually. At the artistic core are the plays of William Shakespeare, complemented by works from playwrights such as Molière, George Bernard Shaw, Anton Chekhov, Tennessee Williams, Thornton Wilder, and Eugene O’Neill, alongside Broadway-caliber musicals and world premieres.

From Anniston to the National Stage

Founded in Anniston in 1972, Alabama Shakespeare Festival began humbly in a high school auditorium. In 1977, it was designated the State Theatre of Alabama, a milestone that affirmed its growing significance. The pivotal moment came in 1985, when ASF relocated to Montgomery, a move that propelled the company to national prominence and expanded its artistic capacity.

On December 7, 1985, the Carolyn Blount Theatre opened as ASF’s permanent home—a $21.5 million performing arts complex that allowed the Festival to produce work at a scale previously unseen in the South. Since its founding, ASF has produced more than 500 plays and musicals, completed the entire Shakespearean canon, and developed more than 100 new scripts through its commitment to new play development.

A Spark That Lasts a Lifetime

For many, ASF is more than a theatre—it is a beginning. Executive Director Todd Schmidt traces his own path back to a formative experience at ASF.

“Alabama Shakespeare Festival has had a significant impact on my life,” Schmidt says. “The first professional theater I saw was at ASF — a 1976 production of King Lear in Anniston, Alabama. I was a teenage boy fascinated by theater and the arts but from very far away.”

That production, he recalls, opened his eyes to what theatre could be. “The magnificence of the acting, the beautiful use of language, the regal costumes – all combined to spark a fire in me that ignited into a long and fruitful career. I am eternally grateful to ASF for exposing this young Alabama boy to the power of a great story told by a skilled group of professionals.”

The same sentiments are echoed by countless audience members, artists, educators, and students whose first encounter with professional theatre happened within ASF’s walls.

Values That Shape the Stage

At the core of Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s mission are guiding values that shape every artistic and operational decision. Grounded in heritage, ASF honors Shakespeare’s exploration of the human experience while reflecting the complexity and character of the South. A commitment to excellence drives work onstage and behind the scenes, alongside a belief that theatre is essential to a healthy, engaged community. ASF prioritizes accessibility and life-long learning, striving to be a welcoming gathering place and an educational resource for audiences of all ages. Through careful stewardship and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the Festival acknowledges the past while working intentionally toward a more representative and inclusive future for artists, staff, and audiences alike.

Storytelling is universal, and ASF embraces that truth fully. The stories told on its stages range from timeless classics to deeply specific narratives that offer windows into worlds audiences may never have seen—or mirrors reflecting their own lives.

Each season is designed to broaden perspective and spark understanding, revealing both the shared and singular experiences that shape individuals and communities. These stories invite audiences not only to watch, but to recognize themselves and one another in the shared experience of live theatre.

A Place for Everyone

For many Alabamians, ASF is their first experience with professional theatre. Through programs like SchoolFest, which reaches nearly 35,000 students annually, and broader education initiatives that have served more than one million students over time, ASF plays a formative role in arts education across the state.

From longtime patrons who have attended performances for decades to multigenerational families celebrating milestones on the grounds, ASF is a place where people gather, grow, and create memories together. The Shakespeare Garden and campus regularly host weddings, reunions, and celebrations, weaving the Festival into the personal histories of its community.

Looking Ahead

As Alabama Shakespeare Festival celebrates 40 years in Montgomery, it continues to look forward with expectation. The upcoming season builds on its legacy with a dynamic mix of Shakespeare, classics, musicals, and new works—offering audiences both the comfort of beloved stories and the excitement of what’s next.

Four decades on, ASF remains what it has always been: a place where stories matter, where excellence thrives, and where everyone is invited to take a seat and see themselves reflected on stage.

What’s Coming Up

Looking ahead at Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 40th anniversary season, audiences have much to anticipate in early 2026. The Lehman Trilogy runs January 29–February 15, a sweeping stage adaptation tracing the rise and fall of an American family business with deep Montgomery roots. From February 12–15, Unforgettable: John-Mark McGaha Sings Nat King Cole celebrates the music of Montgomery’s legendary crooner in an intimate concert experience. Rounding out the season through March, Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy Much Ado About Nothing takes the Festival Stage from March 19–April 5, bringing wit, romance, and mischief to one of the Bard’s most beloved plays.

Visit The Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s website here for more information on upcoming events, performances, and to purchase tickets.

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