Founded in 1979, the Florida Shakespeare Theatre (now known as GableStage), has grown to become a major cultural institution of South Florida. GableStage has won critical acclaim for its artistic excellence and has been recognized through numerous Carbonell Awards. GableStage year-round programming includes main stage productions - among which are recent contemporary plays and educational theatre programs that include Shakespeare and the Classics.

From 1983 through 1987, we performed the plays of William Shakespeare in repertory outdoors using the Casino Gardens at Vizcaya as its venue. From 1987 until Hurricane Andrew in 1992, our home was the Minorca Playhouse in Coral Gables. The fury of Hurricane Andrew decimated the playhouse, including the theatre, rehearsal hall, 5000 square foot set construction and costume workshops and storage areas. Yet, it did not destroy the theatre's mission. We continued to produce the finest classical and contemporary theatre at the Carousel Theater in Coral Gables during 1993-94.

On the heels of that season, we were invited to discuss establishing the theatre's new home at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The exceptional efforts of many dedicated individuals and our community's dynamic corporate leadership made that dream a reality: A distinctive theatre amid the exquisite splendor and grace of the Biltmore has become the theatre's permanent home. The 1999 season welcomed a renewed vision, with Producing Artistic Director Joseph Adler (now in his 9th Season) and a new name for the theatre, GableStage.