Mission:

To create theatrical experiences for under-served, culturally diverse audiences in order to promote artistic expression.

To explore the truth of the human spirit through texts; affording each individual actor and audience member an unparalleled intellectual and emotional encounter.

About

Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) is a nonprofit organization that was launched in 1998 by Producing Artistic Director Lisa Coffi.  Partnerships with local city organizations enabled us to offer the performances for free.  The first season was tremendously successful - over 3,000 people attended the nine performances at what was then an unused facility in the park. 

Since then, SBTS has blossomed.  We now present a repertory season that runs for 9 weeks - 5 weeks in San Pedro and 4 weeks in other venues throughout LA and Orange County.  Our performances remain admission free.  SBTS is the only company in California doing what we do.  Each summer, the company tours to 14 or 15 cities for a total of 34 to 36 performances.

Over the years, SBTS has developed into a mid-sized arts organization with three core programs:

• Free Summer Repertory presented in San Pedro and then throughout the South Bay, LA  and Orange Counties.
• Little Fish Theatre (LFT) our 60 seat black box theatre where we produce new, classic and contemporary works year-round.
• Shaking it up with Shakespeare (SWISS) our touring educational outreach program.

These programs reflect our mission to provide culturally diverse audiences with theatrical encounters. Over the past 10 years, SBTS has grown into a mid-sized arts organization that is an integral part of the San Pedro and South Bay communities. Many audience members communicate their enthusiasm through surveys and correspondence.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce my children to Shakespeare that I could not otherwise afford." Margaret Kemp, Long Beach.

"Three years ago we heard about SBTS and we've been coming ever since. You are all wonderful – this is the highlight of our summer.  My kids love it too!"  K. Dahlin, Gardena.

Our free summer festival remains our core program and has become a tradition for thousands of South Bay families.

Including our other programs, SBTS has brought quality entertainment to thousands of youth and their families, seniors and individuals in Southern California since 1998.