A Little Shakespeare, a Lot of Heart
Our Story
Valley Shakespeare Festival began in 2013 with one big idea and a few folding chairs: make Shakespeare free, fun, and for everyone in Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley.
We believed—still do—that Shakespeare doesn’t belong on a dusty shelf or behind a pricey ticket. He belongs in the park, in the classroom, on the sidewalk, and in your kid’s school gym. Our first production, A Comedy of Errors, was staged under the stars in Shelton’s Veterans Memorial Park. Hundreds came, sat on blankets, shared snacks, and laughed together.
Since then, we’ve performed for thousands of people across Connecticut—on lawns, in libraries, at breweries, in senior centers, and across dozens of middle and high schools. Our mission has expanded, but our values remain the same: accessibility, artistry, and community.
What We Do
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Mainstage Performances: Each summer, we produce a full-length Shakespeare play that’s free and open to all.
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VSF2U Touring Shows: Our school tours bring fast-paced, actor-led adaptations to classrooms statewide—with lesson plans in tow.
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Community Programs: We host workshops, readings, pop-up performances, and collaborate with local organizations to bring theater where it's needed most.
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Seasonal Events: We engage the community year round including spooky Halloween shows, Shakespearean cabarets, and holiday performances.
Why We Do It
Because everyone deserves access to the arts.
Because a seventh grader watching Much Ado for the first time might become a lifelong theater lover—or just laugh a little harder than they expected.
Because professional theater isn’t just about the play. It’s about the people watching it together.
