Help us save the Freewill Shakespeare Festival for years to come.
Freewill’s future existence is at risk, and without immediate support, we will no longer be able to produce the high-quality classical theatre that we’re known for. We have been dealt a huge blow to our budget with the 3-year relocation out of the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park due to renovations. While the past two seasons have had success in reaching new audiences, diversifying our talent pool and continuing the strong artistic work that previous Artistic Directors have set the bar for, we have struggled with the reduction of government grants, the disappearance of corporate sponsorships and an overall shrinking of our audience base that came with the COVID shutdown.
We’ve calculated that if we do not build up our reserve at the end of this summer, we will not be able to come back to Hawrelak Park in 2026. This fundraising push is ambitious but necessary. We need to build a reserve of $150,000 by the end of this year’s festival. This may sound like a lot, but it is only about 20% of our annual budget. This $150,000 would go directly to the artists and crew to get us back to the amphitheatre in 2026 and beyond.
At Freewill, we have dedicated ourselves to nurturing emerging artists and making the arts accessible to all. Without this funding, we won’t be able to provide the performances that bring joy, inspiration, and education to our community. The reality is simple—without your help, we may not be able to continue.
Please, don’t let this venerable summer festival fade away. Your donation today—no matter the size—will make a real difference. As the Free Will Players Theatre Guild is a non-profit charity, all donations through Crowdfunding Alberta will receive a tax donation receipt.
This is an urgent plea . We cannot do this without you. Please make a tax-deductible donation today.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Highlights
See all activity19Our History
In 1989, a passionate group of recently graduated students collaborated to build the Free Will Players Theatre Guild (FWP). Their goal was to embody a cooperative, community-driven, pass-the-hat style spirit, bringing William Shakespeare's works to life through an outdoor summer Festival. Over 35 years, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival (originally known as the River City Shakespeare Festival) has attracted over 450,000 people with 60 mainstage productions, remaining true to the original text and spirit while accenting new interpretations for a modern audience.
Located in the picturesque setting of Hawrelak Park, the festival unfolds under the enchanting 1100-seat, canopy-covered Heritage Amphitheatre. Over the course of four weeks, from late June to July, this idyllic outdoor venue becomes the stage for an immersive and unforgettable theatrical experience. The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is not just a celebration of artistry; it is also a significant source of employment, engaging over 50 dedicated individuals at the peak of the festival season. This diverse team includes actors, designers, stage managers, production managers, administrative assistants, publicists, and site/volunteer coordinators, all working in harmony to bring the magic of the Festival to life. Thirty percent of the FWP yearly budget goes towards artist fees, ensuring that the creative talents behind the productions are recognized and compensated for their invaluable contributions.
Since COVID, and the current closure of Hawrelak Park for construction, we've had to be a bit more creative in our offerings.
- 2020: Partnered with Thou Art Here and became the Free Willies, producing a travelling troubadour show to markets, parks, and front porches across Edmonton.
- 2021: Travelled with condensed productions of Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing, with performances at Edmonton Fringe, a brief stint in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, and private and public spaces.
- 2022: Back in the Hawrelak Amphitheatre for A Midsummer Night's Dream and Measure for Measure .
- 2023: Produced Romeo & Juliet and Twelfth Night with ' Shakespeare in the Parking Lot' in the Crystal Palace Spiegeltent.
- 2024: Travelled to four community leagues in Edmonton with our production of The Tempest.
- 2025: Performing at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park with our production of As You Like It, June 27-July 20.
These challenges, along with reduced granting and audience return, have greatly impacted the financial stability of FWP, but also highlighted the community-driven spirit that originally built this company and its ability to adapt to the changing environments of the arts in Edmonton.
Through Pay-What-You-Will ticketed shows, affordable ticket ranges, and a long history of supporting youth and young creatives, the Free Will Players Theatre Guild and the Freewill Shakespeare Festival strive to promote artistic excellence, community collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to making the arts accessible.
