The mission of the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is to make the words and themes of Shakespeare available to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, financial status, or level of education. Since its founding in 1983, the Festival has grown to become one of the largest Free Shakespeare programs in the nation, and a major provider of arts education programs throughout the Bay Area and the state. Each of our programs aims to reach a diverse population and to foster active arts engagement, especially reaching those new to and without traditional access to the arts. We strive to foster a level of comfort with the potentially intimidating concept of live theater, which can be perceived as an elite activity, by bringing the arts to the community in familiar surroundings, such as parks, schools, and libraries. In addressing perceived and actual barriers such as price, location, and venue, we encourage arts participation and make artistic activities an integral part of community life.