The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is fully committed to the goal of diversity in art. We are well-known  for our practice of non-traditional  casting,  having welcomed actors of  all likes in roles traditionally reserved for white males (particularly leading roles). We put on stage a host of actors who do not look like traditional Shakespearean casts, and whom young minority audience members may identify as role models.

Over the last 21 years, our goal is to provide the many underserved populations of greater Cleveland with culturally rich experiences right in their own neighborhoods. In order to achieve this goal, we do something no other theatre in Northeastern Ohio does – we offer FREE ADMISSION to all of our touring productions. This allows all individuals, regardless of background, income or zip code, to experience live storytelling, community engagement, history, art and creative enjoyment in their own communities.