The Texas Shakespeare Festival brings culture and history to Kilgore, as well as a spike in tourism.

Mike Coston, Kilgore Chamber of Commerce president, said Kilgore as a whole benefits from the festival.

"Most people who come to these performances ... spend $30 to $40 on average apart from their tickets," Coston said.

About 7,500 to 8,000 people, including those who attend more than one show, come to performances throughout the festival, said Raymond Caldwell, artistic director for the festival.