Dear Friends,

“Our entertainment is educational and our education is entertaining.” I remember the first time I heard Artistic Director, Denice Hicks say this and now, having served my first year at The Festival, I understand its full meaning.

In 1988 the Nashville Shakespeare Festival produced its first Shakespeare in the Park production, AS YOU LIKE IT in Centennial Park.  Twenty years later The Festival has touched over 350,000 lives.

From a teacher who received our workshops-

I wanted to thank you for all you have done to help us….  Your presentations to my classes, both English and Theatre have been excellent.  Not only was there a lot of concrete  information presented, but you did it with an enthusiasm and energy that drew in the students….The students may not realize now, but a mark has been placed on them.  They will forever react to and embrace Shakespeare and all theatre.

From a student in the Byron & Beth Smith Apprentice Company-

I cannot think of another time where it seemed that the only consequence of your action was to get another opportunity to aim for success.

From an Apprentice Company parent -

All I know about Shakespeare is that it changed my family’s life…..

From a loyal audience member-

My wife and I along with another couple enjoyed the presentation of HAMLET (Winter Shakespeare).  We are very excited for all of those associated with The Nashville Shakespeare Festival. I know you have worked hard for the nearly 20 years to arrive at this point.  I remember in the earlier years in the park …….(we) were discussing the history recently and we think we have attended all of Shakespeare's works that you have presented in the park except for maybe one year.  Keep on keeping on!

Our last audited report* indicated that $101,400 our $411,276 budget was given as in-kind support!  We thank all of the individuals and organizations that give in this way.  Our business support is up 113% and foundation support is up 56%.  Clearly The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is a good investment!

In addition, we need individual donors like you to help us raise $29,000 before our production of CORIOLANUS for Shakespeare in The Park 2008

Your donation will also help us bring our education programs to qualified schools in need.  It will help us sustain our Teaching Artists and Directors and further assure excellence in our professional productions!

Your support is vital - please visit our website at http://www.nashvilleshakes.org/Donate.htm  to make a donation today.

Thank you in advance for being as “great in act as you have been in thought.” **

Nancy VanReece

Executive Director

*Independent Audit Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2007.  Full Report at http://www.givingmatters.com/

** William Shakespeare from KING JOHN