Silicon Valley Shakespeare

SV Shakespeare is an awesome source of inspiration in our community. From the performances at Sanborn Park in the summertime to the Willow Glen free performances our family and friends have experienced a great deal of enjoyment. SV Shakespeare promotes the Arts in our community!

I consider SVS, formally Shady Shakes, my home theatre. When I was fresh out of University, SVS was the first theatre company to hire me. The company has supported me and motivated me to take on greater roles and build lasting connections that have propelled me forward in the industry.

This year marked my ninth season with Silicon Valley Shakespeare, and I've already committed to returning again in 2016--that steadfast return, alone, tells a story about the company. There's a reason I keep coming back to SVS as an actor, designer, and staff member: its commitment to making theatre, particularly classic works, accessible to patrons of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and experience levels. Accessibility is often discussed in terms of physical or financial access, but SVS goes one step further by producing work that is also emotionally and intellectually relatable to those who have never experienced Shakespeare, or even theatre, before. I can't tell you the number of people who've told me, after seeing an SVS show, that this was either their first time seeing Shakespeare or their first time liking/understanding it. SVS brings that clarity of storytelling and commitment to the text to all the work it produces, whether that work is classical or modern, thereby creating and fostering a rich, nurturing environment for its artists and audiences alike.

In short: SVS cares deeply, which makes me care deeply, too, and that is a very good place to be.

Silicon Valley Shakespeare is in growth mode right now which warms my heart. Not content with simply "putting on plays", the management of this company endeavors to grow and raise the bar on the quality of their productions. This is the type of company for which I enjoy working. Kudos to them for not "just" existing but to make that existence better.

I have lived in the Bay Area my entire life. SVS (formerly Shady Shakespeare) is the most professional, passionate, and warmest group of people I've had the pleasure of working with. They know their Shakespeare, and do everything they can to respectfully keep the Bard alive in the modern day!

SVS is a welcome and inviting theatre company. They work effectively and fairly with their artists and technicians, and always strive to put on a fantastic production every year.

I have been involved with SV Shakes for several years; as a patron, as crew and technical director and as a partner.

I am President of The Audacity Performing Arts Project, a fellow theatre company specializing in after school programs for underfunded schools. And, in this capacity I have come to know SV Shakes as a trusted and committed partner.

What is special about SV Shakes is how they live their commitment to community and education. In SV Shakes we have a partner with whom we can share equipment, ideas and talent to the betterment of our entire community.

More than most their values and community commitment goes far beyond platitudes sprinkled on paper to impress board members and donors. These amazingly talented souls, every day, live their commitment to supporting performing arts within their entire community and that is something deeply special.

This vibrant company serves a necessary function in a community that increasingly is getting swarmed by the technology obsession. It provides vital opportunities for audiences to connect to the fantastical creative side of their souls, at a very reasonable price, while also providing critical opportunities for fledgling artists to have an outlet to develop in an area where those opportunities seemingly are dwindling.

SVS consistently provides creative, accessible and high quality productions. More importantly, their commitment to free admission for children and teens brings live theatre to many who might not have access otherwise. They have also provided training, internships, and acting opportunities to young people that are not easily found elsewhere in the Bay area. And they have created a family atmosphere among the company and the audience that I have never seen anywhere else.

I got to usher for Richard III and it was easily one of the more thrilling evenings of theatre I've had in some time. The staff was warm and engaging not to mention the performance was spellbinding. They are a valuable organization to this community.

This is a great organization -- and a true labor of love combined with extremely high production values and excellent actors. We live in Marin County but make the trip down to see their productions because they are done with such care, love and enthusiasm.

The productions up in the redwoods of Saratoga should be shared by all children. We need to expose our kids more to the various stories and SVS is the best way!

I have been donating to Silicon Valley Shakespeare almost since the started performing in Sanborn park. I've always enjoyed their shows and I think they do a great job of making Shakespeare accessible to a large audience at a very attractive price.

As a current Board member, I am amazed by the dedication and commitment of everyone involved with SVS through the years and I look forward to being a part of great theatre that innovates, illuminates and inspires!

My husband, daughter and I have had a great time these past two summers enjoying SSV's productions at Willow Street Park. We bring a picnic, a blanket, and some wine and kick back for a great show. We loved this summer's "Taming of the Shrew" - especially the colorful costumes and circus theme. So creative! We will definitely be back next summer!

This organization does a fantastic job making Shakespeare (and related) productions affordable, accessible, and understandable for modern audiences. Their production values are astonishingly high, and the talent across the board is remarkable. And as if that wasn't impressive enough, they find a way to give aspiring theater students the opportunity to be involved in the productions and gain valuable real-world experience before they even graduate high school. These folks are needed (who else is doing Shakespeare in the South Bay?) and absolutely deserving of community support.

What a wonderful presence in the Silicon Valley! They have worked to transform a community park space and provide fun and FREE Shakespeare to thousands every summer. I'm so pleased that this organization exists!

I had the pleasure of working with these great folks last Summer. They were 100% professional and welcoming and one of the best theatre companies I have ever worked with.

I was so thrilled to discover Silicon Valley Shakespeare a couple of years ago. The shows are always so beautifully done and the outdoor setting makes for such a unique experience. I appreciate that the costs are also reasonable for the quality of production. Even my middle-school-age son has enjoyed several shows. Keep up the excellent work, SVS!! Our family appreciates you.

I've been going to see performances for over 15 years, back when they were "Shady Shakespeare". Always a highlight of the summer, even my (now 21-year old) son loves to go. I used to quietly 'translate' for him, but around 8 years old he got it. And in no small part to the excellent and approachable productions. Thank you!!!

SVS is a great company doing wonderful work bringing Shakespeare to the San Jose area. I've worked with them as a contracted artist, as well as attended their fantastic shows as a patron. They are professional and passionate.

This was my first year going to the SVS and I have to say I was more than impressed. I think that I will be making this an annual trip. I am hoping for Titus next year.

Passion, dedication, humor, and wit - Silicon Valley is the whole package!

I've been a patron of Silicon Valley Shakespeare (originally Shady Shakespeare) for at least a dozen years, and have seen every show they've produced. Time and again, I am impressed beyond words with the quality and creativity that this organization produces with its plays. I've seen a lot of Shakespeare, and there are certain interpretations of plays that have never been rivaled, with SVS reigning supreme. I eagerly await each summer's shows, relishing the magic of the redwood glen, and continuing to have my imagination delighted.

I began volunteering for Silicon Valley Shakespeare about 9 years ago. I found the shows to be immensely rewarding to watch. The actors and crew and other volunteers were marvelous to work with. Every show was put on with imagination and an attention to detail. Most of the shows were breathtaking in their scope and their interpretation of Shakespeare's works. I love this group and when I move back to the Silicon Valley I will be working with them again. In the meantime, I miss them.

We have been attending Shady Shakespeare shows for many years and it never fails to exceed our expectations. The venue(s) (beautiful outdoors parks - both Sanborn Park and Branhall) add to the very distinctive and very approachable feeling of the shows. Attending a Shakespeare play can be a daunting task for many people who feel, "I won't understand what they are saying, I will miss the plot, I don't like all that old style stuff"...but Shady Shakespeare changes all of that and enables all of us to enjoy these wonderful stories...their productions transcend the "old stuffy image" and breath life into these classic works. They have a way of brining the play alive, so that the words become understandable, the plots clear, the characters interesting and engaging. We often take friends and other family members with us and in turn they have also become long time fans...oh yeah - and I haven't even mentioned yet that you don't have to get dressed up and it costs close to nothing! What a rare and enjoyable way to spend your evening. I have to say - spending the evening with family and friends, under the shade trees and beautiful stars - seems to be exactly what "Wiliam" had in mind!

An exciting theatre company to be involved with. Our potential is limitless as we strive to bring the best and most diverse theatre experiences to Silicon Valley. KP

I happened upon Shady Shakespeare by accident a few years ago, and could not have been more pleased with such a happy accident! To see a play that everyone thinks that they know and go beyond that, to make it not only understandable, but also relatable, is one of Shady Shakespeare's strengths. I am so pleased that I was lucky enough to have worked with them on their most recent season and to see, first hand, all of the hard work, dedication, and love that goes into the wonderful work that they do. I look forward to their continued growth, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for this fine group.

I volunteered at Shady Shakespeare for the entire run of Pride and Prejudice and Othello through August and September of 2014 at Sanborn Park. The performances are top notch from a theater perspective: quality acting, production, music, and wardrobe and props, all in an amazing open air setting amongst the redwoods. I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of production considering the small budget. But what set the whole Shady Shakespeare experience apart was the people: all passionate, friendly, and willing to take a stranger volunteer into the "family" after just a few performances. I literally became a huge fan of this theater company, the way they do business, and the way they treat both volunteers and patrons of the arts - a first-rate group of people.

I've always been interested in Shakespeare, but never so much as I am now. I can honestly say that I look forward to returning for The Tempest next season, not only as a volunteer, but also to bring my family and friends to experience. Keep up the GREAT work!!

Attending Shady Shakes at Sanborn County Park has been a joy of mine for several years. As a theatre professional I've been inspired and delighted by the work of these dedicated artists. It was an honor to join the company this past season to work on Othello. The dedication to accessible Shakespeare and other Shakespeare adjacent titles shows in the exciting and creative approaches to the plays. Low cost, stunning setting, and plays the whole family can enjoy. Yes!

My Family has grown up with Shady. I am so grateful that I found this group when did because of Shady my children have had the opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare all there lives. As a family we have volunteered and also have had the opportunity to build sets. the group is the most approachable and TALENTED bunch of people I know. We have not missed a performance in years and I know that my children have had a education that would not have otherwise come there way.
Thank you, Shady

When i first heard about Shady Shakespeare, I was at a summer camp and my counselor was in The Taming of the Shrew (set as an old western comedy). That was the first show I saw at Shady. Year after year, I kept coming back and seeing Shakespeare performed in a fun, unique way. When i got to high school, i started volunteering at Shady, working as an actor for one season and helping create sets for five seasons. I like to think that part of my love for Shakespeare now is because companies like Shady Shakespeare make learning and the arts fun. It is my hope that the work Shady does continues to inspire and entertain the Bay Area for many, many years.

Shady Shakespeare is a great example of a non-profit that marries great intentions with a great product. Their goal is to inspire, innovate and illuminate for the greater silicon valley by delivering high-quality and meaningful theater to the community.
Their plays are well designed, well directed and impeccably executed. In the last year I have seen their productions of "Taming of the Shrew"; "Othello" and "Pride and Prejudice." Their work has stood apart from other productions based on the quality, of course, but more than that - Shady Shakespeare stands out because of the tremendous "soul" that is present in all of their productions.
Beyond their superior quality SSTC is also very committed to their community through their intern programs, their educational workshops and their outreach programs.
-TF

Hands-down the best event our family attended this year. Both my husband and I were laughing and grinning while my 13 and 11-year old daughters were mesmerized. The oldest one knew a little about Austen, but after the "Pride and Prejudice" performance, she went online and reserved the copy from the local library - she was THAT interested! From start to finish, the small details to the big picture, what a wonderful delight! Thanks Shady Shakespeare for making such a strong impression upon my young daughters.

What's not to like?! Shady Shakespeare delivers quality entertainment... and plays a vital role in the community, particularly by providing the ability for families to be exposed (for free!) to the Classics. Always a wonderful experience in an unmatched setting. If you haven't already, it's time you jumped on the Shady Shakespeare bandwagon!.

Shady Shakespeare is an organization that knows how to deliver on a unique experience. They mix quality with accessibility and overall entertainment. Plus, Sanborne Park is nearly unmatched in its beauty. If you are a Shakespeare fan or if you just like to be entertained in a very comfortable setting, I would strongly recommend Shady Shakespeare.

Shady shows don't cost me anything, but they are so good that I find it easy to use every excuse to send them money. It is hard to believe that they can do what they do with what they have. They give opportunities to all kinds of artists to share their talent in a beautiful environment to rapt audiences from kids to seniors. Send me the Bill!

My family loves Shady Shakespeare! We have attended many shows, the latest was Romeo & Juliet at Sanborn Park! Great event and a wonderful venue. This year we also attended Twelfth Night at Bramhall Park in Willow Glen. Awesome space and hopefully they will be back again. Nice to have them close to home.
The staff is ALWAYS nice and courteous, and everyone seems to enjoy being there.
Great organization! Great People, and great shows!!! Keep it up guys!!
Thanks!!

Shady has been a part of my life since its inception. Even when I am at my busiest, I always seem to find time to give to this organization. It's mission to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone has always been part of my own mission as a Dramaturg and professed Shakespeare addict. I adore seeing the reactions of audiences, especially with small children as they comprehend the language and leave with smiles on their faces. Watching new generations get the same joy from Shakespeare as I do is why I continue to be a part of this spectacular organization.

I've followed Shady Shakespeare Co. for many years and invited friends and neighbors along, many who are amazingly have never seen a Shakespeare play performed. Love the performances and have seen tremendous value added to the neighborhoods and communities when they have local performances. A well run company, educational, fun and enjoyment for all!

We have attended Shady Shakespeare shows for the last 3 years. My boys have loved every show. They make Shakespeare approachable and entertaining. The characters are brought to life by the excellent actors and the staging is always exciting. We especially appreciate that they reached out to the a new area of San Jose and staged a free production in Willow Glen for several weeks this year. My boys are looking forward to reading Shakespeare in High School.

My husband and I leaned about Shady Shakespeare when I was cruising the web one lazy Sunday. We went to one free evening show in the hills and were hooked. Since then we've become donors/members and have taken several others to paid and free events.

The "Shady Shakes" organization puts on amazing, thought-provoking shows with twists on Shakespeare's original works that can reach out to almost anyone.

Fund raising in many ways, engaging volunteers, working with local elected officials to put on a free show, oh, the creativity is not just in the shows!

In my capacity as a performing arts publicist, I see a fair amount of Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan in the bay area. I was delighted by the Shady Shakespeare production I attended last summer. I found the actors hugely committed to engaging and interacting with the audience, and the volunteers supporting the production genuinely helpful.

The Shady Shakespeare company consistently produces two Shakespeare plays and one other quality play every season. Their productions are always well-done, witty and interesting. They mak Shakespeare accessible to people (children for free!) and they engage their audience. It is no wonder they have a host of vu\olunteers - they love the community and the community loves them back.

We haven't missed a production in years - we are supporting members, and donating beyond the membership, loooking for matching funds and grants for them . You could, and should, too!

We have been coming to Shady Shakespeare plays for 4 or 5 years now, every summer is highlighted by the experience. When it was free we donated wholeheartedly at the end of the play, now that tickets cost money we became "Swan" members - and donated some more. The plays are always well executed, in acting and directing, in the great sets and lighting - the Shady Shakespeare experience is always unique and exhilarating. Another great thing is the free admission to school children - promoting culture and art to youths.

My review is posted in Plays Category on my blog at www.darshanavnadkarni.wordpress.com .

My commitment to Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company began three years ago when I became a board member and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Working with the SSTC staff, fellow board members and especially with our fantastic volunteers, has been extremely rewarding. We are a passionate group and I am proud to be part of an organization that believes in the ability of Shakespeare’s works to speak to contemporary audiences.

I just joined the board this year after volunteering for 3 years. Shady puts on top notch productions and does an amazing job of creating a two story stage out in the middle of a remote park. It's something that every kid will remember about their summer up in the "Shady" grove. It's also a great group of people who work well together.

I'm proud to say I've been involved with Shady Shakespeare as a Board and committee member since 2005. It's been an absolute pleasure to assist what began as a fledgling theatre group on a shoestring budget grow into a diverse and active company that boasts three main stage shows a year, a growing summer theatre education program and other educational offerings. Shady Shakespeare does an excellent job of reaching out to it's audience and de-mystifying Shakespeare with unique interpretations, humor, creativity and energy. To hear the laughter and see the delight in the faces of the audience members (especially the youngsters!) during the productions is one of the reasons I enjoy assisting Shady in it's mission. These are kind, creative people who are producing a free-to-the-public, quality product for everyone.

I started working with SSTC about 9 years ago, and absolutely love it - from the venue to the managing staff, volunteers and actors, it's an incredible experience and one not to be missed. How cool is it to be able to bring a picnic, enjoy the hidden gem known as Sanborn Skyline County Park, and enjoy FREE shakespeare in the park! I started out working on props, ushering and gradually made my way to Concessions Management; I also assist with other fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The shows themselves are very well directed and staged, costumes and lighting are awesome - everyone works very hard to make sure the audience enjoys each show. The settings they use for the shows really make shakespeare enjoyable and understandable to everyone.
For example, "Taming of the Shrew" was set in the the "old west"and it really made it easy for me to understand and I really enjoyed it. Last summer's production of "Much Ado" set in a WWII England was a hoot - especially with live music on stage and the actor's singing the standards of the day.

The shows presented by Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company should not be missed.

My friend and I discovered Shady Shakespeare about three years ago and what a gem!! We have attended every performance, and all I can say is wow. The performances are simply amazing - how this wonderful, talented team pull off the professional and engaging performances is hard to imagine - this is a part of my summer schedule - this is a MUST SEE!

Two weeks ago my husband and I attended our first play at shakespeare in the Park. It was great. My husband was hesitent because he wasn't a big shakespeare fan, but he went for me. Now he's insistent on making it to a show as much as possible. The actors are all very talented and funny. It's a nice thing to do just to enjoy the scenery at the park and enjoy the show. I'm very glad that we attended two shows so far this summer and will continue to support shadyshakes for a long time!!!

We usually attend one Shady Shakes performances a year and have always enjoyed ourselves. We donate enough to score the "Royal Seating" which offers comfort, a great view, plus free drinks and preferred parking -- it really is a great deal. But beyond the perks, the shows themselves are always a lot of fun and the company tries hard to bring the stories and characters alive in a way that a non-Shakespeare geek can understand and enjoy. It's especially gratifying to see kids from grade school to high school also having a good time at the shows.

I've been involved with Shady for 3 or 4 years, as a volunteer, as an attendee at shows and at events. I've helped with catering food, taking tickets and admission. I usually help with all of the major events put on through the year - 3 or 4 of them yearly. I have also donated money. I've found all of the people involved with Shady to be marvelous, passionate people really want to put on a tremendous show to share their love of Shakespeare. I'm pleased and proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.

The plays are an entertaining performance set in an exquisite Shakespearean like atmoshpere (in the woods). You can't go wrong with one of their events! I think the overall awareness of the summer events would lead to large crowds.

I have always found Shady Shakespeare to be a wonderful experience. Watching plays under the trees and the stars, hot cocoa in hand is the way it was meant to be done. I personally prefer to bring a blanket and sit on the ground with pillows rather than use the chairs they have as 3 hours is a long time to sit in folding chairs, but the fact that they allow you to simply lounge anywhere that does not block the view of others is fantastic. I heartily endorse their efforts and will continue to go see Shady Shakespeare productions long into the future!

Amazing level of performance and setup! I was very surprised the first time I attended with my husband. I fell in love with the entire production... so much so, that we volunteered to be ushers at another performance the following year. Each year, I look forward to drinking wine, taking a stroll through the park, and enjoy fantastic performances through the evening!

I love working with this group. They are very professional in the way they handle everything, put on great shows, and love their patrons. I've been the Concessions Manager for 7 years and get great support from the management and other volunteers.

As and Actor and Director I have been directly involved in several of Shady Shakespeare's productions over the last 8 years. Also, as a Management professional I have always kept a keen eye on the workings of this companies organization and business practices. Shady Shakespeare's professionalism is evident in everything they do. Their commitment to the community and the idea of free access to the Arts is outstanding. As a patron and donor I am able to see first hand where my money and support has been going. This organization still has room to grow and continue to improve and they are always striving for this. They have done amazingly well in a tough economy. This speaks well for the people involved in their day-to-day operations. However, while their work with the general public is outstanding, they need to continue to analyze and improve their relationships with their volunteers, support base and their internal administration. They need to strengthen their strategic outlook on the business side of things. They are at that crossroads that many successful organizations reach when they grow. They need to transition from their "grassroots" beginnings into a more full fledged business model that can lead them onto further growth. This cannot happen overnight and they are making strides in that area. If they continue on this path there is no limit to how successful they can ultimately become.