Scranton Shakes | Free Theatre & Original Voices in Scranton
Scranton Shakes in Scranton is a nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to presenting free public performances and supporting artistic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It began in 2011 with a single production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Nay Aug Park, which attracted nearly 1,000 attendees and sparked the founding of the festival. Over the years, the company has expanded its programming to include Shakespearean classics, musicals, and immersive theatrical experiences.
The organization also serves as a creative incubator, encouraging the development of new work across genres. From one-act plays and dance pieces to original TV pilots, Scranton Shakes offers artists a supportive platform for experimentation and growth. Many company members have gone on to successful careers in Broadway, film, and television, with the festival playing a key role in their early artistic journeys.
Based at The Marketplace at Steamtown, Scranton Shakes operates out of a dedicated 7,000-square-foot venue known as The Shakes Space. This multi-use theatre allows the group to present performances, workshops, and community events year-round.
Scranton Shakes in Scranton delivers free professional theatre and nurtures original voices shaping the region’s creative future.