About the Festival
The Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival is a community based initiative focused on providing patrons with classical outdoor theater under the stars of Northeast Kansas.
Each fall the festival transforms a wood affectionately known as Sir William Hollow into an outdoor Shakespearean Amphitheater and Festival. Located on the historic grounds of St. Mary's College in St. Marys, Kansas, the festival is nonetheless autonomous and self-sustained by the generous contributions of many patrons and businesses.
The Festival gates open a few hours before the main stage production, and patrons are invited to browse the various booths beforehand.
Established in 2010, the Festival has grown into a successful annual event. Last year's performances saw over 7,000 theater enthusiasts attend over two weekends.
As we are a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, contributions to FHSF are tax deductible. Donations are essential to our existence and we very much appreciate your financial support.
Your attendance helps us grow the festival into a premier Kansas event.
Each fall the festival transforms a wood affectionately known as Sir William Hollow into an outdoor Shakespearean Amphitheater and Festival. Located on the historic grounds of St. Mary's College in St. Marys, Kansas, the festival is nonetheless autonomous and self-sustained by the generous contributions of many patrons and businesses.
The Festival gates open a few hours before the main stage production, and patrons are invited to browse the various booths beforehand.
Established in 2010, the Festival has grown into a successful annual event. Last year's performances saw over 7,000 theater enthusiasts attend over two weekends.
As we are a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, contributions to FHSF are tax deductible. Donations are essential to our existence and we very much appreciate your financial support.
Your attendance helps us grow the festival into a premier Kansas event.
History
Shakespeare Under the Stars, was founded by three friends, all theater enthusiasts: Eric Stevenson (technical director), Tim Akers (artistic director), and Benjamin Moats. Amid the joyful strains of live Irish music, over frosted mugs of beer at Tully's Pub in St. Marys, Kansas, some of the first discussions that led directly to the founding of the festival took place.
Eight years later, in the fall of 2010, the three friends collected their dreams and put them into action. On the edge of the Flint Hills, in a meadow under the full moon, over 900 patrons enjoyed Shakespeare's classic comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, performed by local volunteer talent. The weekend was a success and a new annual event was born.
After several years, Tim and Eric moved on to greater endeavors and a 501(c)(3) was formed; Shakespeare Under the Stars became the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival..
Since relocating to a new permanent location in a meadow outside St. Marys, the greater community has embraced the festival and with many volunteers hours has continued to grow it into a wonderful annual event.
Eight years later, in the fall of 2010, the three friends collected their dreams and put them into action. On the edge of the Flint Hills, in a meadow under the full moon, over 900 patrons enjoyed Shakespeare's classic comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, performed by local volunteer talent. The weekend was a success and a new annual event was born.
After several years, Tim and Eric moved on to greater endeavors and a 501(c)(3) was formed; Shakespeare Under the Stars became the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival..
Since relocating to a new permanent location in a meadow outside St. Marys, the greater community has embraced the festival and with many volunteers hours has continued to grow it into a wonderful annual event.