Tina Packer, a prominent theater-maker known for her work as an actor, director, and educator, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her son Martin and close friends, Packer’s influence on the theater world is profound and enduring, particularly through her role as the founding artistic director of Shakespeare & Company.
Born in Wolverhampton, England, and raised in Nottingham, Packer trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she graduated in 1964 with the Ronson Award for Most Promising Actress. She initially made her mark as an associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company before moving into television, appearing in notable series such as “David Copperfield” and “Doctor Who.”
Packer’s journey in theater took her beyond acting. She transitioned into directing and teaching, influencing a generation of actors and theater enthusiasts. Her research into the visceral roots of Shakespeare’s works, supported by a Ford Foundation Travel and Study Grant, led her to countries such as India, Israel, Italy, and the United States.
In 1978, she co-founded **Shakespeare & Company** in the Berkshires of Massachusetts alongside her husband, actor and director Dennis Krausnick, and voice teacher Kristin Linklater. The Mount, the home of author Edith Wharton in Lenox, served as the company’s initial venue. Packer and Linklater developed a training program that became known as the Center for Actor Training, emphasizing the integration of voice, body, mind, soul, and spirit in classical performance.
Today, Shakespeare & Company continues to thrive, offering a range of performance and educational opportunities from its expansive 30-acre campus in Lenox. Packer stepped down as artistic director in 2009 but remained active in acting and directing. Her notable performances included roles in “Shirley Valentine,” “Molly Ivins: Red Hot Patriot,” and “Mother of the Maid,” among others.
Packer’s directorial work extended globally, culminating in recent productions such as “Titus Andronicus” in 2022 at Portland Playhouse in Oregon. She directed numerous Shakespearean plays and worked with various theater companies, including the Boston Actors’ Shakespeare Project and the American Shakespeare Center.
Beyond her theatrical achievements, Packer was an academic who taught Shakespeare’s complete works at over 30 colleges and universities, including Harvard University and New York University. Her contributions to scholarship include the book “Women of Will,” which examined the female characters in Shakespeare’s plays through performance and lectures. This work earned recognition as a New York Times Editors’ Choice.
In recognition of her impact, Packer received multiple accolades, including the Shakespeare Theatre Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gold Medal Award for the Arts from the National Arts Club. She was also honored with six honorary degrees from institutions such as Emerson College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Tina Packer leaves behind a rich legacy, including her son Martin Jason Asprey and numerous family members who cherish her spirit and passion. A celebration of her life is scheduled for May 31, 2026, on the Shakespeare & Company campus, with details forthcoming. In her honor, the company has established the Tina Packer Legacy Fund to support its future endeavors. Friends and admirers are encouraged to contribute in lieu of flowers.
Those wishing to share their memories of Tina are invited to reach out via email at [email protected]. Packer’s profound influence on theater and education will be felt for generations to come, marking her as an indelible figure in the world of Shakespearean performance.
