Our mission
Capital Classics, a non-Equity professional theatre company, was founded in 1991 to enrich the cultural environment of Greater Hartford through the theatre arts. We are committed to providing classical entertainment that is affordable, accessible and engaging; serving the community with cultural and educational programming; and providing job opportunities and training to Connecticut's professional theatre artists.
our vision
We adhere to these artistic concepts:
All classically rooted productions are investigated beyond the written word in order to best communicate the universal and entertaining elements of the story. The company focuses on telling the story as genuinely and passionately as possible. Actor training is crucial in achieving this goal. Rehearsal time is devoted to textual analysis and extensive physical and vocal training, insuring that the production is both active and audible.
Multicultural casting is a primary goal for all programs, as it brings greater truth and dimension to a production and accurately reflects the reality of the community.
The merging of art with entertainment is a crucial aspect of the company's artistic vision. Each production combines artistic truth, passion, and accuracy with live music and dance, physical comedy, and a colorful and fanciful set and costume scheme. This combination lends itself to theatre that is meaningful, festive, and accessible.
OUR LOCAL IMPACT
Each summer, we employ 50+ Connecticut-based professional actors, musicians, designers, technician, marketers, advertisers, and more. And, how about the economic impact of our Festival? For every $1 our audience spends on tickets, they spend $3 in Greater Hartford on things like gas, food, drinks, picnic equipment, clothes, baby sitters, and more — with an estimated community boost of more than $250,000 each year!
Learn more about our 30+ year history, making us Connecticut’s longest-running Shakespeare festival.
our Board of directors
The company is led by a talented and dedicated Board of Directors
We stand behind the Bard with all that we have got to give!
Are you a Shakespeare fan?
We are always looking committed volunteers who are passionate about our Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival and want to assist our board of directors with projects like marketing, sponsorships, events, and more.
Please email our Board President Herb Emanuelson at info@capitalclassics.org to learn more.
Herb Emanuelson, Board President & Marketing Director
Edwin Thrower, Vice President
Kathleen Fischer, Secretary
Geoff Sheehan, Treasurer
Julie Ackerman
John Holder
Michael Isko
Dennis Jakiela
Reinhard Kage
Natasha Lunin
Matthew Morgan
Madelin Perez De Jesus
Benjamin Engel, Ex Officio
Mike Nowicki, Ex Officio
Laura Sheehan, Ex Officio