Globe for All is both a core value and a core Arts Engagement program that reimagines authentic, participatory engagement beyond conventional output of theatrical productions. A decade from now, the Globe will be known as a creator of world-class theatre productions and equally as a hub for participatory art-making, fostering cross-cultural and intergenerational shared experiences that traverse socioeconomic and geographic boundaries. 

The Globe for All Tour, one of the most transformative initiatives introduced by Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, brings live, professional productions of Shakespeare to underserved and diverse multi-generational audiences in the neighborhoods throughout the region. Globe for All presents free professional theatre to diverse, multigenerational audiences in locations around San Diego County, with a cast of nine professional actors and nine production staff members. Over the past four years, Globe for All has continued to extend its reach, performing in military bases, homeless shelters, senior and correctional facilities, recreation centers, libraries, and other community venues. It has made theatre matter to more than 7,200 audience members, many of whom, for whatever reason, do not enjoy regular access to the professional performing arts. With production values scaled to non-theatrical venues such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, and multipurpose rooms, the tour gives audiences an intimate, up-close, and visceral experience of live performance and fosters a shared sense of community between performer and spectator.

Globe for All is supported in part through lead gifts from Elaine and Dave Darwin, Silvija and Brian Devine, and Theatre Forward, with additional support from Maggie Acosta and Larry Shushan, Ann Davies Fund for Teaching Artists, Stuart Foreman, The James Irvine Foundation, Holmlund Family Fund at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, Sanderson Family Foundation, Torrey Pines Bank, Michael T. Turner and Suzanne Poet Turner in loving memory of James Whitfield Poet, The City of Chula Vista Performing and Visual Arts Grant, the County of San Diego, and Viasat. Financial support for The Old Globe is provided by The City of San Diego.