A Company of Fools has been delighting audiences all across Canada since 1990 (see: History). Inspired by the rogue Elizabethan players that once entertained audiences outdoors and at the Globe theatre, we have built a reputation as a highly physical troupe doing interactive shows indoors and out. The Fools mount two shows a year, plus perform at numerous festivals, in schools, and at corporate events. Our award winning shows have performed all across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver to Yellowknife.

We are a not-for-profit incorporation and a registered charity. A Company of Fools is Ottawa’s only professional Shakespeare company. The mandate of the Fools is to produce innovative, entertaining and accessible shows based on the works of William Shakespeare. We produce original works inspired by Shakespeare as well as performing his plays.

Being Fools, we combine physical theatre techniques such as clown, mask and puppetry with the classical text. This unusual mix has earned us critical acclaim all across Canada.

As part of our mandate we create new works based on and inspired by Shakespeare. Although known for our performances, the Fools are active in the field of education. We provide workshops and performances for elementary and high school students. We also program professional development workshops for emerging and established artists in the region.

For further enlightenment regarding the core members of the Fools see our biographies.

“God bless A Company of Fools. Where would original theatre in Ottawa – that is to say original theatre that is wild, witty, clever, goofy, sometimes dumb and slightly mad – be without them? … outrageous puns, imaginative adaptations… and the most glorious physical comedy this side of Clown School… a comic presence that is nothing short of brilliant… irreverent, entertaining and, most of all, fun.”
~The Ottawa Citizen