For over 30 years, Southwest Shakespeare Company has been Arizona's standard-bearer for classical theatre. Our mission is to elevate, educate, entertain, and inspire communities in the Southwest. Through captivating performances of timeless works, we foster inclusivity and a love for Shakespeare's genius and other great works of literature.

Brief history

Founded in 1993 by visionary educator/artists Randy Messersmith and Kevin Dressler, SSC embodied a "user-friendly" theatre concept from its inception. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare and his contemporaries, the goal was to create a modern people's theatre, inviting audiences from all walks of life to participate actively and engage in the magic of live performances.

As SSC has grown, its core values rooted in Shakespeare's theatrical vision endured, nurturing artistic excellence and community engagement. Public performances, student matinees, workshops, tours to schools, and seminars all serve to bring the works of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights, or plays adapted from classic literature to today's audiences.

SSC has emerged strong and resilient from the trials of a pandemic, sustaining artistic excellence, moving to a much healthier financial position, and on a good trajectory for growth. Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where language, passion, and artistry have shaped a legacy of love for the stage and great literature and the shared humanity they reflect.

Visit us at Southwest Shakespeare.org.