FAQ | Freewill Shakespeare

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have a question regarding this year's festival? We have the answers! Keep reading for more information about tickets, food, accessibility, and seating at our performance venues.

I don’t have much money. What can I do?

We know times are incredibly tough for many! The best (and cheapest) option is to spread the word about this fundraiser! Share with others why you like Freewill. Re-share social posts or create your own. The more people who know about us, the better. If you were planning to purchase a ticket to see As You Like It this summer, consider donating the cost of what you would have paid for the ticket, and join us on one of our many Pay-What-You-Will shows running Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturday matinees. If you donate $20 and give a couple of cents at our PWYW show, the overall cost would be cheaper than a regular adult ticket.
Why are you trying to raise $150,000?

We know how significant that number is, but it only covers about 20% of our annual budget. With the renovations at Hawrelak Park, reduction of government grants across the arts industry, COVID closures, and smaller audiences, despite our best efforts to adapt, we are struggling. This fundraising goal provides Freewill with a crucial reserve of funding to confidently move forward in 2026 at Hawrelak Park with two shows, a larger cast, and a Freewill Shakespeare Festival like many know and love from years past. Arts industries across Edmonton and the world are hurting. Many companies, like Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park, have closed, and some festivals, like ours, have had to reduce programming. The community built this festival, and we’re hoping the community can join us in helping Freewill continue to exist.
Are there any perks for donating?

Other than our everlasting thanks and praise, and the knowledge that you helped save Freewill, all donations through the Crowdfunding Alberta link will receive a tax receipt.

I don’t have much money. What can I do?

We know times are incredibly tough for many! The best (and cheapest) option is to spread the word about this fundraiser! Share with others why you like Freewill. Re-share social posts or create your own. The more people who know about us, the better. If you were planning to purchase a ticket to see As You Like It this summer, consider donating the cost of what you would have paid for the ticket, and join us on one of our many Pay-What-You-Will shows running Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturday matinees. If you donate $20 and give a couple of cents at our PWYW show, the overall cost would be cheaper than a regular adult ticket.
Why are you trying to raise $150,000?

We know how significant that number is, but it only covers about 20% of our annual budget. With the renovations at Hawrelak Park, reduction of government grants across the arts industry, COVID closures, and smaller audiences, despite our best efforts to adapt, we are struggling. This fundraising goal provides Freewill with a crucial reserve of funding to confidently move forward in 2026 at Hawrelak Park with two shows, a larger cast, and a Freewill Shakespeare Festival like many know and love from years past. Arts industries across Edmonton and the world are hurting. Many companies, like Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park, have closed, and some festivals, like ours, have had to reduce programming. The community built this festival, and we’re hoping the community can join us in helping Freewill continue to exist.
Are there any perks for donating?

Other than our everlasting thanks and praise, and the knowledge that you helped save Freewill, all donations through the Crowdfunding Alberta link will receive a tax receipt.

I don’t have much money. What can I do?

We know times are incredibly tough for many! The best (and cheapest) option is to spread the word about this fundraiser! Share with others why you like Freewill. Re-share social posts or create your own. The more people who know about us, the better. If you were planning to purchase a ticket to see As You Like It this summer, consider donating the cost of what you would have paid for the ticket, and join us on one of our many Pay-What-You-Will shows running Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturday matinees. If you donate $20 and give a couple of cents at our PWYW show, the overall cost would be cheaper than a regular adult ticket.
Why are you trying to raise $150,000?

We know how significant that number is, but it only covers about 20% of our annual budget. With the renovations at Hawrelak Park, reduction of government grants across the arts industry, COVID closures, and smaller audiences, despite our best efforts to adapt, we are struggling. This fundraising goal provides Freewill with a crucial reserve of funding to confidently move forward in 2026 at Hawrelak Park with two shows, a larger cast, and a Freewill Shakespeare Festival like many know and love from years past. Arts industries across Edmonton and the world are hurting. Many companies, like Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park, have closed, and some festivals, like ours, have had to reduce programming. The community built this festival, and we’re hoping the community can join us in helping Freewill continue to exist.
Are there any perks for donating?

Other than our everlasting thanks and praise, and the knowledge that you helped save Freewill, all donations through the Crowdfunding Alberta link will receive a tax receipt.

I don’t have much money. What can I do?

We know times are incredibly tough for many! The best (and cheapest) option is to spread the word about this fundraiser! Share with others why you like Freewill. Re-share social posts or create your own. The more people who know about us, the better. If you were planning to purchase a ticket to see As You Like It this summer, consider donating the cost of what you would have paid for the ticket, and join us on one of our many Pay-What-You-Will shows running Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturday matinees. If you donate $20 and give a couple of cents at our PWYW show, the overall cost would be cheaper than a regular adult ticket.
Why are you trying to raise $150,000?

We know how significant that number is, but it only covers about 20% of our annual budget. With the renovations at Hawrelak Park, reduction of government grants across the arts industry, COVID closures, and smaller audiences, despite our best efforts to adapt, we are struggling. This fundraising goal provides Freewill with a crucial reserve of funding to confidently move forward in 2026 at Hawrelak Park with two shows, a larger cast, and a Freewill Shakespeare Festival like many know and love from years past. Arts industries across Edmonton and the world are hurting. Many companies, like Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park, have closed, and some festivals, like ours, have had to reduce programming. The community built this festival, and we’re hoping the community can join us in helping Freewill continue to exist.
Are there any perks for donating?

Other than our everlasting thanks and praise, and the knowledge that you helped save Freewill, all donations through the Crowdfunding Alberta link will receive a tax receipt.