The Mermaid Theatre Company presents professional theatre of the highest quality with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare, bringing to the public performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.

Presenting high-caliber, classic yet cutting-edge performances of Shakespeare's timeless, cross-culturally relevant work by a dedicated ensemble of theatre artists is the core of our artistic mission, and is necessary to the well-being of a culturally well-rounded individual life. The Mermaid Theatre Company is dedicated to presenting to the world community a vibrant year-round, professional Shakespeare theatre, essential in shaping our global culturally dynamic landscape.

These are the values we hold at the Mermaid Theatre Company. They are at the center of everything we do, and describe how we work together. While we recognize the need for balance among them, these values guide us in all our decisions:

Excellence: We believe in constantly seeking to present work of the highest quality, expecting excellence from all staff & company members. We are committed to a bold, imaginative production style that illuminates our world in a fresh and insightful manner, producing theatre that inspires profound understanding and hope for the human condition.

Truth: We believe in the classical principles present in the experience of performing and producing Shakespeare's plays. These classical principles are the foundation upon which all programs and activities are built. By classical, we mean: "the highest truths told in a universally accessible form which have an impact that is healing for the individual and society."

Artistry: In our commitment to creating a high-caliber resident artistic company of actors, directors, and designers, we value the continuity, innovation, growth and artistic integrity that a year-round season of company training, performance, and education provides to artists and audiences.

Research: We believe that our mission can only be fulfilled by enriching our own theatrical activities with the ongoing study and research of not only other theatrical entities, individuals and organizations and their artistic endeavors but also by the study and research of other pertinent literary and artistic disciplines.

Learning: We believe in being an organization that offers company members, audiences and students the richest possible learning experiences.

Collaboration: We believe that the collaborative process is intrinsic to theatre and is the bedrock of our working relationships.

Creation: We believe that the creative impulse is essential to the human soul, and that the arts are the most realized expression of this impulse.

Fair Compensation: While working for an arts organization is a privilege and has its own rewards, we believe that our employees should receive competitive wages and secure benefits, and we endeavor to be a leader in the field and community, progressively always compensating our artists and employees at the highest level possible.

Communication: We value open and honest communication and strive to implement it on every level, even when it is difficult or unpleasant.

Diversity: We believe the inclusion of diverse people, ideas, cultures and traditions enriches both our insights into the work we present on stage and our relationships with each other. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work and organization.

Company: We believe in sustaining a safe and flexible workplace where we rely on each other to work together with trust, respect and compassion. We encourage and support a balance between our lives inside and outside the Festival.

Financial Health: We believe in the need for financial stability, making wise and efficient use of all the resources entrusted to us and in all instances to put the needs of our art and our artistic endeavors above all other needs when a difficult choice must be made.