Los Angeles, CA

THE INDEPENDENT SHAKESPEARE CO INC

EIN 20-1004993

Arts, Culture & Heritage Performing Arts

Mission

Independent Shakespeare Co. brings Los Angeles together through exuberant, surprising productions of classical plays and new works; addresses inequity of access through free and low-cost programming; and creates theater that is dynamic, inclusive, and accessible, enriching the community and reaching new audiences.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About THE INDEPENDENT SHAKESPEARE CO INC

Independent Shakespeare Co. (also known as Indie Shakes) is a Los Angeles–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company (Federal Tax ID: 20-1004993) that produces free outdoor Shakespeare in Griffith Park each summer and year-round programming in its intimate studio venue. The company’s work includes full productions of Shakespeare and related classics, new-play development, actor training classes, and community-access initiatives aimed at broadening participation in the performing arts.

Founded in 1998 and relocated to Los Angeles in 2001, Indie Shakes has grown its annual free festival into one of the city’s largest summer arts traditions, regularly drawing large, diverse audiences and offering pre-show workshops, salon conversations, and family programming. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across its casting, audiences, and educational programs.

Indie Shakes maintains an active public presence (annual reports, seasonal press releases, and ongoing studio and education activities) and has recently continued festival and studio seasons while participating in the Griffith Park Performing Arts Stage Project to establish a permanent performance site in the Old Zoo amphitheater.

Notable achievements

Large annual free-audience impact

Built the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival into a major annual event that, in recent years, has performed to tens of thousands of Angelenos each summer (the organization reports audiences in the 40,000+ range during peak seasons).

Secured permanent Griffith Park stage project

Advanced a multi-million dollar Griffith Park Performing Arts Stage Project in partnership with the City of Los Angeles to create a permanent stage in the Old Zoo amphitheater for the festival, transitioning the company from a temporary to a permanent outdoor venue.

Major industry awards

Recipient of high-profile honors recognizing sustained artistic excellence and civic contribution, including the Actors' Equity Foundation Paul Robeson Citation and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence.

At a glance

Total assets: $871K
Annual revenue: $1.6M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 20-1004993
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: indieshakes.org
On Mahalo since: April 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Paul Robeson Citation Award — Actors' Equity Foundation and Actors’ Equity Association (recognizes commitment to freedom of expression, artist responsibility to society, and service to all humankind).

Margaret Harford Award — Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (highest honor for sustained excellence in theater).

Regular coverage in major local and national outlets (press attention from outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and Forbes) for the Free Shakespeare festival, civic partnerships, and season announcements.

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