Jenni’s People Power Challenge ⚡

I love Shakespeare Dallas. Like, a lot.

I started here 19 years ago as an intern, fresh out of undergrad. Since then, I’ve had the incredible privilege of growing up alongside this organization. I’ve directed plays, worked backstage, solved more problems in the park than I can count, watched more than half a million people discover Shakespeare under the stars, and eventually became Shakespeare Dallas’s Executive & Artistic Director.

So yes, North Texas Giving Day is personal for me. Also personal? Being Shakespeare Dallas’s top fundraiser.

And apparently, I have some competition this year. People are coming for my spot. So I need your help.

This year, Shakespeare Dallas is doing something a little different for NTGD. Instead of focusing only on how many dollars we can raise, we’re asking:

Can 1,000 people Power The People’s Theatre?

I love this idea because it gets to the heart of what Shakespeare Dallas is.

For 54 years, we’ve worked to make professional theatre accessible to everyone. More than half of our tickets are distributed free of charge. We bring Shakespeare directly into schools through Shakespeare on the Go!, welcome students to live performances through student matinees, offer Shakespeare Lab completely free to teens, and gather thousands of people every summer for Shakespeare in the Park.

And we have big plans for what comes next.

Our new strategic plan imagines Samuell-Grand as The People’s Park, a thriving public cultural asset and gathering place. We’re investing in bold and accessible performances, education, our artists and staff, stronger systems, and the long-term financial health that will allow Shakespeare Dallas to keep serving North Texas for generations.

After 19 years, I’ve seen firsthand what this organization can do. I’ve seen kids encounter Shakespeare for the first time. I’ve watched families make summer nights at Samuell-Grand a tradition. I’ve seen young people find confidence and their voices. I’ve watched artists make extraordinary work. And I’ve seen audiences come together year after year because they believe Dallas deserves this kind of theatre.

That’s why I love the idea of measuring this year’s campaign in people. I’m not asking you for a huge gift. Give $1. Give $5. Give $25.

The amount matters less than adding your name to the number of people who believe North Texas should have a People’s Theatre.

Of course, if you would like to give $500 while simultaneously helping me maintain my completely unofficial and extremely important status as Shakespeare Dallas’s top fundraiser, I will not stop you.

I want to see 1,000 people show up for Shakespeare Dallas this year. Give what you can. Be counted. Help us build what comes next.

Help me Power The People’s Theatre. And, importantly, help me keep my spot. ⚡