Founded in 1962, its original mandate was to stimulate interest in George Bernard Shaw and his period, and to advance the development of theatre arts in Canada.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced on 26 August 2020, that the entirety of the 2020 season was cancelled, with the possible exception of A Christmas Carol, which may still be performed depending on government guidelines.
[3] Previously, on 22 July 2020, it was said there was the possibility that some performances of Charley's Aunt and Flush might begin in September.
[7] The productions that were originally scheduled, and subsequently cancelled, for 2020 and not planned for 2021 are: Mahabharata, Prince Caspian, Assassins, The Playboy of the Western World, and Me and My Girl.
Shows announced for the 2025 season: Note: The following original theatrical works by Shaw have never been produced at the Shaw Festival: Buoyant Billions, Cymbeline Refinished, Farfetched Fables, The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, and Why She Would Not.