Mandell Theater

Founded by UCF professor Stuart Omans in 1989, Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF (Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Inc.) produces classic, contemporary, and children’s plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Douglas Love-Ramos, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed professional theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout: “outstanding…spectacular… Broadway worthy… a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida.”

With ambitious, high-caliber productions like Nicholas Nickleby, Les Miserables, In the Heights, the original pronunciation Elizabethan production of Twelfth Night, and the Fire and Reign series history cycle, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare’s legacy as the cornerstone of the company.

Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large.

Mission Statement

To enrich our community with engaging professional theater, inspiring educational experiences, and thought-provoking new plays.

Vision Statement

To create theater of extraordinary quality that encourages the actor/audience relationship, embraces the passionate use of language, and ignites the imagination. Our main goal is to be a nationally recognized destination theater offering productions and education year-round for all audiences.

Value Statement

We value professionalism, creativity, fiscal responsibility, positive audience experience, accessibility, and community enrichment.