We rely on the generosity of the Houston community to help share Shakespeare’s gift of stories. Our supporting members and donors are a special group of patrons who are a valued part our mission. Supporters receive a behind-the scenes look at our company and productions. With a donation of $120 or more, you can become a member and enjoy premium assigned seats for this summer's Free Houston Shakespeare Festival season and other benefits.

Your contribution helps support:

• Free summer performances for 15,000-25,000 Houstonians annually 
• Artists' wages
• Designers and technical staff during the HSF summer season
• Purchase of costume, building, and crafts materials, wigs and stage weaponry
• Educational outreach in the Houston Public Library, Bard Talks, Curriculum Development, and workshops.

The Houston Shakespeare Festival is the professional arm of the University of Houston. The University provides space for HSF and covers a small portion of other expenses, but this free festival is made possible by the support of Houston community. Contributions are essential to our existence. We very much appreciate your financial support.

For questions about Membership or joining the Bard Circle and the Shakespeare Society, please contact Cori Stevenson at  CLSteve3@central.uh.edu 

Become a Member

$120      MEMBER       (FMV $0)

• Premium Assigned Seating for each production (up to 4)
• MEMBER ACCESS OPENS July 22nd @ 10 am
• Program Recognition
• 10% discount on HSF merchandise
• Invitation to Java with Jack—coffee, conversation, and a production tour on
  the UH campus with the HSF Artistic Director on Saturday, July 18th @ 9-10 am.

$250      PARTNER      (FMV $20)

• Includes benefits listed above
• Premium Assigned Seating for each production (6)
• PARTNER ADVANCE ACCESS OPENS July 15th @ 10 am
• One (1) HSF t-shirt
• Invitation to all HSF thank you events (Turbo, lectures, and other events)

$500      DIRECTOR      (FMV $20)

• Includes benefits listed above
• Premium Assigned Seating for each production (8)
• DIRECTOR ADVANCE ACCESS OPENS July 8th @ 10 am
• Invitation to pre-show fight call with the HSF Cast

$1,000      SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY      (FMV $40)   

• Includes all Bard Circle benefits listed
• Premium Assigned Seating for each production (10+)  
• SOCIETY PRIORITY ACCESS OPENS July 1st @ 10 am  
• Two (2) HSF t-shirts
• Invitation to open HSF rehearsals
• Invitations to other special events throughout the year

$2,500      UNDERWRITER      (FMV $40)

• All benefits as a Shakespeare Society Member
• SPONSOR FIRST ACCESS OPENS June 15th @ 10 am
• Named Design Sponsorship (Choose your favorite: costumes, scenery, lighting, or sound)
• Recognition in the curtain speech and program as UNDERWRITER

$5,000      BENEFACTOR      (FMV $40)

• All benefits as a Shakespeare Society Member
• SPONSOR FIRST ACCESS OPENS June 15th @ 10 am
• Named Artistic Sponsorship for an Actor or Director in the HSF Company
• Recognition in the curtain speech and program as BENEFACTOR

$10,000      PERFORMANCE PRODUCER      (FMV $40)   

• All benefits as a Shakespeare Society Member
• SPONSOR FIRST ACCESS OPENS June 15th @ 10 am
• Named Performance Sponsorship for one HSF Performance
• Recognition in the curtain speech and program as PERFORMANCE PRODUCER

STOCKS OR SECURITIES

A gift of appreciated securities — either publicly traded or from a private company — may provide greater tax advantages than gifts of cash. With a gift of stock, you can deduct the fair market value as a charitable gift and completely avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation.

IRA Charitable Rollover

If you are aged 70½ or older*, you can make tax-free gifts of up to $100,000 per year, directly from your individual retirement account. These amounts can also count towards your required minimum distribution for the year, reducing your taxable income. Talk with your financial advisor or account administrator about making a tax-saving year-end gift to Houston Shakespeare Festival today!

Legacy Bequest

Making a planned gift is a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for the Houston Shakespeare Festival and its mission while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate-planning, and philanthropic goals. With smart planning, you may actually increase the size of your estate and/or reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Just as important, you will know that you have made a meaningful contribution to UH.

For opportunities to support the Houston Shakespeare Festival through corporate gifts, sponsorships, and planned gifts, please contact Cori Stevenson at 713-743-4356 or CLSteve3@central.uh.edu