Individuals – Big Fish

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Support Summer Shakespeare in your community

Shakespeare by the Sea is a 501(c)3 public benefit non-profit arts organization, Fein Number 95-4785457.

Since 1998, SBTS has delivered Admission Free Shakespeare in multiple communities each summer, reaching thousands of residents and visitors in Southern CA. All performances are outdoor, family-friendly, ticketless, accessible and admission FREE for multigenerational and diverse audiences to experience together.  

We bring Shakespeare directly into public parks, under open skies, where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and artists practice their craft. SBTS is different from other Shakespeare companies because we come to you. We meet people where they already are and transform public spaces into magical places of connection.

Admission Free is not Free to produce. Without ticket income, SBTS must rely on donations, grants and sponsorships to underwrite the performances.

To fully fund the 2026 production and touring costs, we need your support. Please become a Big Fish Today.

2026 Budget Funding Still Needed:  $150,378

Due to rising payroll, insurance, and touring costs, combined with declining government support, SBTS is more dependent than ever on Individual Donations from community members who count on our performances in their local communities each summer.

In each neighborhood we tour to, individual donors help to Fill the Gap left when city tour fees and business support does not pay for the full cost of the performances.  Every donation matters!

CLICK TO DONATE

If Shakespeare by the Sea has been part of your family’s summer tradition, and you share our belief that engaging, professional theatre should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income, please support us. Every donation helps get us closer to funding the season.  And remember, $300+ donors are granted Big Fish Reserved Seating at performances!

Individual Giving Levels

Flying Fish ($50) Recognition in digital program
Gold Fish ($100) Recognition in digital program
Sun Fish ($300) All the above, and Reserved Festival Seating
Sword Fish ($500) All the above, and 5 Big Fish Bucks*
Angel Fish ($1000) All the above, PLUS 5 additional Big Fish Bucks*
Trigger Fish ($2500) All the above, PLUS Invitation to the Season Opening 
Mermaid ($5000) All the above, PLUS Invitation to SBTS VIP events

(*use your Big Fish Bucks at the concessions or merchandise booths at the show!)

Another way to give:   Download our Big Fish PDF form and Mail a Check to:

Shakespeare by the Sea
514. N. Prospect Avenue Ste L-1
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277

 WHY GIVE TO SBTS?

For nearly 3 decades, SBTS has delivered on its mission to engage multigenerational audiences with Shakespeare. Our organization exists to ensure that professional theatre is woven into the everyday life of neighborhoods, presented in parks and accessible community venues, especially those underserved by other arts organizations, where attendance does not depend on cost, transportation, or prior familiarity with the arts.

SBTS is guided by the following principles:      

  • Commitment to clarity of storytelling and excellence in performance   
  • Expanding cultural experiences through vibrant, language-driven theatre
  • Ensuring equitable access for multigenerational and diverse audiences
  • Activating unconventional spaces as sites for transformative artistic experiences
  • Providing paid professional opportunities for performing, creative, and technical artists

Your donations keep Summer Shakespeare Ticketless and Admission-Free!   At a time when other companies are moving to ticketing or a pay what you can structure, SBTS remains committed to free performances, for all to enjoy together!  Your tax-deductible gift makes that possible.

Your Support provides a predictable source of revenue at a critical time when government and corporate support is harder to obtain.

Your tax-deductible gift directly supports the SBTS artists, production teams this summer, and the continuation of free cultural access across our communities. 

As our world becomes more divided and isolated, free, live theatre in public spaces remains a powerful way to bring people together. Access to theatre is not a luxury. It is a powerful, sustaining force. SBTS remains committed to helping ensure that professional theatre remains visible, relevant, and accessible throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

All Donations – large or small can help keep Summer Shakespeare FREE!

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