Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Seattle places

Seattle, Washington / Theaters and music

Seattle Shakespeare Company

A professional classical theatre company in the Puget Sound region, specializing in year-round productions of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Seattle Shakespeare Company
www.seattleshakespeare.org, og_image_www.seattleshakespeare.org

What is the Seattle Shakespeare Company known for?

It is a year-round, professional classical theatre in the Puget Sound region that focuses on the works of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights.

Where is it located?

The company's primary location is the Center House Building at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, with its indoor home being the Center House Theatre at Seattle Center. Additionally, it is identified with the Union Arts Center in Seattle, and some joint performances are held at 700 Union Street.

Are there any free performances?

Yes, during the summer, the company's Wooden O productions offer free outdoor performances that tour parks in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the company aims to open doors to classical plays for audiences of all ages and operates an education department that serves over 24,000 youth annually across Washington State.

What is the history of the company?

Founded in 1991 as the Seattle Shakespeare Festival, the company merged with Wooden O Theatre in 2008 and later merged with ACT Contemporary Theatre in 2025.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Seattle Shakespeare Company is a professional classical theatre organization that serves as a voice of contemporary theatre in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1991 as the Seattle Shakespeare Festival, the company has evolved through several strategic partnerships. In 2008, it merged with the Wooden O Theatre, which is known for producing free outdoor performances of classical plays in parks throughout the Puget Sound region. By 2025, the company further expanded its reach by merging with the ACT Contemporary Theatre. Operating as a year-round professional theatre, the company frames its artistic mission around the time-tested words of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. Their goal is to open doors to classical plays for audiences of all ages through intimate and daring productions. This commitment to accessibility is reflected in their educational outreach, with an education department that serves more than 24,000 youth annually across Washington State through classroom programs and theatre performances. While the company has long been associated with the Center House Theatre at Seattle Center, located at 305 Harrison Street, it has recently transitioned to a joint season with ACT Contemporary Theatre. This new partnership features five works, including a musical adaptation of Twelfth Night, a romantic comedy of mistaken identity. Current performances are now staged at 700 Union Street in Seattle, Washington.

Visitor tips

  • Check the current season's schedule to see if a production is running at 700 Union Street or the Center House Theatre.
  • If visiting during the summer, look for free outdoor Wooden O productions in parks across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
  • Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Seattle Center area if you are visiting the Center House Theatre location.
  • Review the company's education programs if you are a student or educator visiting the city.

Nearby context

The company's historical home at the Center House Theatre puts it in the heart of the Seattle Center, a sprawling campus of museums and attractions. Its newer joint productions with ACT Contemporary Theatre move the experience to the Union Arts Center area around Union Street.

Sources

Evidence and links