NCSF’s mission is to entertain, educate and enrich North Carolina students and citizens with quality professional productions of the world’s great plays, and with in-school and life-long learning opportunities.

NCSF attracts high caliber professional actors, directors, designers and technicians from all over the United States.  It is associated with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, and operates under an agreement between the union and The League of Resident Theatres.The Festival takes pride in its service as a cultural and artistic resource.  It enriches life, broadens sensibilities, preserves cultural and historical pathways and, overall, builds community.  It’s great entertainment, too!  And, The Festival employs theatre artists and technicians trained in colleges and universities right here in North Carolina.

Spirit Center is The Festival’s new home, a 51,000 square foot central operations facility that also houses the company’s expanding Outreach Education program.  Rehearsals, camps, classes, seminars and workshops bring energy and life to the community.  Spirit Center’s names says it all – great theatre and great theatre programs ennoble life, bring out the best in us all and buoy the human spirit.

The Festival is a strong example of how a well-run arts organization can contribute to the cultural, educational and economic life of a region and state.  Its commitment to statewide service and artistic achievement has earned it the designation, The State Shakespeare Festival.  NCSF gratefully acknowledges the North Carolina General Assembly for this designation and for its vital funding support.  NCSF also thanks all those who purchase tickets and contribute generously to its mission.

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