Shakespeare Under the Stars, was founded by three friends, 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 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 501c3 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 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 501c3 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.