Thank you for a Wonderful Season
Thank you all for a beautiful season! We had amazing audiences at our 40+ shows. Familiar faces and new friends! We thank all our casts, crew, hosts, volunteers, champions, sponsors, and the donors who make this possible. We're already planning for next year and can't wait to see you all again.
A note on the season dates:
In the print and original online edition of the Milwaukee Magazine article about our summer season, it indicated that the shows go through early August. At the time the interview was done (before the shows started), this was accurate. But, to paraphrase the man himself, "The course of (live theatre) never did run smooth."
As the season planning developed, we shifted to have more shows on each date and a shorter season, closing on the July 21st. Please know that we are sorry for any confusion caused, or if this means you missed out on seeing us this year.
In future seasons, we hope you'll follow us on Facebook, here on our webpage, or sign up for our newsletter, so we can keep you posted on changes.
Again, "if we shadows have offended," we are truly sorry.
A note on the season dates:
In the print and original online edition of the Milwaukee Magazine article about our summer season, it indicated that the shows go through early August. At the time the interview was done (before the shows started), this was accurate. But, to paraphrase the man himself, "The course of (live theatre) never did run smooth."
As the season planning developed, we shifted to have more shows on each date and a shorter season, closing on the July 21st. Please know that we are sorry for any confusion caused, or if this means you missed out on seeing us this year.
In future seasons, we hope you'll follow us on Facebook, here on our webpage, or sign up for our newsletter, so we can keep you posted on changes.
Again, "if we shadows have offended," we are truly sorry.
Optimist Theatre Presents: Shakespeare in the City
Optimist Theatre is very pleased to bring you Optimist Presents: Shakespeare in the City 2024!
But, wait! What happened to Shakespeare in the Park? It's still here! Optimist has embraced a unique challenge to expand our programming and bring lots more Shakespeare with a broader variety of approaches to lots more of our fair city. As a result, it seemed more appropriate and applicable to slightly alter our program name this summer to better express what we're endeavoring to deliver. Rest assured, your beloved 100% Shakespeare (albeit with quite a different take) is still here for you.
If you've made it to this page, you're either interested in attending or are currently at a performance and want to know more about it.
There's a bit about each of our 5 programs below but this page currently (what's today? Monday the somethingth?) tells you mostly about the mechanics of getting there or here. Coming soon (what's today again?) is much more information about the plays and activities themselves.
But, wait! What happened to Shakespeare in the Park? It's still here! Optimist has embraced a unique challenge to expand our programming and bring lots more Shakespeare with a broader variety of approaches to lots more of our fair city. As a result, it seemed more appropriate and applicable to slightly alter our program name this summer to better express what we're endeavoring to deliver. Rest assured, your beloved 100% Shakespeare (albeit with quite a different take) is still here for you.
If you've made it to this page, you're either interested in attending or are currently at a performance and want to know more about it.
There's a bit about each of our 5 programs below but this page currently (what's today? Monday the somethingth?) tells you mostly about the mechanics of getting there or here. Coming soon (what's today again?) is much more information about the plays and activities themselves.
Help Make It All Possible
While our shows are free to see, they are expensive to produce. We exist and continue to produce Shakespeare shows like these through the generosity of viewers like you.
To help support our mission, please click here to donate.
To help spread the word about our shows, click here to visit our Location Flyers page.
To help support our mission, please click here to donate.
To help spread the word about our shows, click here to visit our Location Flyers page.
Navigation...
Feel free to scroll down or skip to....
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Attending a Show - How To (Registrations and Reservations)
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Attending a Show - When and Where (Map and Calendar)
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Our 2024 Plays and Co-Producers
This year, Optimist will tour four titles plus Shakespeare-themed theatre games and you'll be able to see multiple shows per weekend!
Our 2024 shows will be:
Our 2024 shows will be:
- Hamlet, 100% produced by Optimist Theatre, directed by former Door Shakespeare Artistic Director Michael Stebbins and 100% Shakespeare. This one-person production will star SitP favorite Ms Libby Amato. Ms Amato portrays.... everyone. (90 minute run time);
- Another Midsummer Night’s Dream, an original piece written and directed by Milwaukee Playwright Liz Shipe and performed by The Available Players. Pick up with Puck and Peaseblossom where 'Midsummer' ends. What have they really done?
From the Writer/Director: Puck & Peaseblossom from William Shakespeare's classic are caught in a bind. They must prove to the Fairy Queen that Puck has a positive influence on love in the mortal world or else he'll spend the next 100 years as a donkey in this outdoor, audience interactive show.
(80 minute run time). - The Comedy of Romeo and Juliet: Kinda Sorta, written and directed by Patrick Schmitz and performed by the Schmitz 'n Giggles Shakesparody Players. Purists may be enraged at first but stick with it for about 60 seconds. Clever wordplay even more cleverly delivered on a tarnished silver platter.
From the Writer/Director: Faithful to the original script, the greatest love story of all time is told yet again...kinda sorta. When an over-dramatic, lovesick, crybaby Romeo falls in love with straight-faced Juliet from a rival family, forbidden love (and comedy) ensues. A retelling of the original story with contemporary language and comedic bite.
(90 minute run time); - Macbeth presented by Pocket Park Puppet Players and as can only be accomplished by puppets. Think puppets with knives. This production is also almost 100% Shakespeare and yet you might never realize it. Unlike our other shows, Macbeth is designed to play in small spaces. (45 minute run time)
- The PLAY’s the Thing, our series of Shakespeare-focused theatre games. If you're up for getting up on your feet to have some fun, give it a go! Absolutely no experience with Shakespeare required. (20 to 45 minutes at a go.)
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Love the 2024 logo?By popular demand, you can now purchase merchandise on our Society6 page.
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Attending a Show - How to
This summer will feature a six-week season, currently set to open June 15 and close July 21. Performances will take place in 14 outdoor locations in the greater Milwaukee area, including Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum; Humboldt, Washington Sherman, Lake, and Lincoln parks; Wisconsin Lutheran College and small “pocket” parks and more. You'll be able to see multiple shows at a single location most days - with the exception of Macbeth by puppets. A few times, it plays on it's own.
Shakespeare in the City (SitC) performances are always free to attend. Seating is outdoors and in publicly accessible greenspaces. Options for attending...
- Show up! Simply bring your own chair and grab a spot for any show. OR...
- Reserve a space! Members can reserve a space for your lawn chair. You've either already done this by the time you land here or you can do it now!
If you're not a member ergo not reserving a space for your lawn chair, we HIGHLY recommend you REGISTER for the performances you'd like to attend. Did we mention, it's outdoors and in publicly accessible greenspaces? That means that regardless of how hard Optimist tries, things may change. Registering is the best and fastest way to to receive reminders and updates about weather, moving a performance location, or other vagaries that may impede our plans to deliver delightful programming. Registering does NOT mean you're reserving a space. That's just for members.
(It should go without saying but if you're reserving a space you're also registering by default.) So, let's go!
Our confirmed show dates are available for reservation or registration!
For reservation/registration, the shows options are
- Hamlet (One Woman as Everyone) by Optimist Theatre
- Another Midsummer Night’s Dream by Available Players
- The Comedy of Romeo and Juliet: Kinda Sorta by Schmitz 'n Giggles Shakesparody Players
Macbeth, by the Pocket Park Puppet Players and the The PLAY’s the Thing are shorter programs and general attendance for all patrons. No need to register or reserve.
RESERVATIONS
If you are a member or wish to become a member, please click here to reserve your space.
REGISTRATIONS ONLY
If you are not a member, you can click here to register for a show. Reminder, registration does not reserve a space, but allows us to contact you with show reminders and updates.
ONE LAST THING ABOUT REGISTRATIONS. If you're going to the show TODAY, you can no longer register to attend. This system closes 24 hours before show day. If you click the option to register, it may look like we're full but that's not the case. You can still show up and see the show.
Attending a Show - When and Where
Now that you know all about registering, let's pick your plays and days. All performances are Saturday and Sunday matinees from June 15th through July 21st. They may start as early as 11 am. Check the calendar below to see each date or click here (or scroll down) to see a list by show.
Map Note: The registration or performance location links on the calendar will take you to our performance space map OR to our registration page that contains a link. You can also click here to access a Google map with all the Performance Space Specifics.
Once on the map link, click on the white square with the arrow in the upper left corner of the page (see image) to expand the list of performance sites. They are in alphabetical order.
If you're using this map to simply find out what's playing TODAY, you should start with the calendar below instead.
Each title will play a maximum of once per day per location. Except Macbeth by Puppets.
Once on the map link, click on the white square with the arrow in the upper left corner of the page (see image) to expand the list of performance sites. They are in alphabetical order.
If you're using this map to simply find out what's playing TODAY, you should start with the calendar below instead.
Each title will play a maximum of once per day per location. Except Macbeth by Puppets.
Show Listings
Another Midsummer Night's Dream
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Saturday, June 15 at 4:30 pm
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 pm
- Lincoln Park: Saturday, June 22 at 1:00 pm
- Sherman Park: Sunday, June 23 at 4:30 pm
- Humboldt Park: Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm
- Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum: Sunday, June 30 at 11:30 am
- Lake Park: Saturday, July 6 at 2:30 pm
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, July 7 at 2:30 pm
- Grant Park: Saturday, July 13 at 3:00 pm
- Washington Park: Sunday, July 14 at 12:30 pm
- Sherman Park: Saturday, July 20 at 2:30 pm
- Lincoln Park: Sunday, July 21 at 2:30 pm
The Comedy of Romeo & Juliet, Kinda, Sorta
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 pm
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, June 16 at 4:30 pm
- Lincoln Park: Saturday, June 22 at 5:00 pm
- Sherman Park: Sunday, June 23 at 1:00 pm
- Humboldt Park: Saturday, June 29 at 11:00 am
- Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum: Sunday, June 30 at 2:30 pm
- Lake Park: Saturday, July 6 at 12:00pm (noon)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, July 7 at 12:00 (noon)
- Grant Park: Saturday, July 13 at 12:30 pm
- Washington Park: Sunday, July 14 at 3:00 pm
Hamlet (One Woman as Everyone)
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
(Please see above on how to reserve your space or register for updates, 90 minute runtime)
- Humboldt Park: Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 pm
- Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum: Sunday, June 30 at 5:30 pm
- Lake Park: Saturday, July 6 at 5:00 pm
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, July 7 at 5:00 pm
- Grant Park: Saturday, July 13 at 5:30 pm
- Washington Park: Sunday, July 14 at 5:30 pm
- Sherman Park: Saturday, July 20 at 5:00 pm
- Lincoln Park: Sunday, July 21 at 5:00 pm
Macbeth by the Pocket Park Puppet Players
(No Registration or Reservation Needed. 45 minute runtime)
(No Registration or Reservation Needed. 45 minute runtime)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Saturday, June 15 at 3:00 pm
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Sunday, June 16 at 3:00 pm
- Honey Creek Park: Saturday, June 22 at 12:00 pm (noon)
- Clarke Square Park: Saturday, June 22 at 4:00 pm
*With Spanish Language interpreter and Q&A in Spanish after the performance* - Walker Square Park: Sunday, June 23 at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
*With Spanish Language interpreter and Q&A in Spanish after the performance* - Humboldt Park: Saturday, June 29 at 3:30pm
- Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum: Sunday, June 30 at 4:30pm
- Garden District Community Garden: Sunday, July 7 at 2:00 pm
- Morgan Triangle Park: Sunday, July 7 at 4:00 pm
- Beerline Trail: Saturday, July 20 at 11:00 am
- Sherman Park: Saturday, July 20 at 1:00 pm
- Lincoln Park: Sunday, July 21 at 1:00 pm
The PLAY’s The Thing: Theatre Games and Adventures
(No Registration or Reservation Needed. 30-60 minute runtime)
(No Registration or Reservation Needed. 30-60 minute runtime)
- Lincoln Park: Saturday, June 22 at 3:00 pm
- Sherman Park: Sunday, June 23 at 3:00 pm
- Humboldt Park: Saturday, June 29 at 10:00 am
- Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum: Sunday, June 30 at 10:30 am
- Grant Park: Saturday, July 13 at 2:00 pm
- Washington Park: Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm
- Sherman Park: Saturday, July 20 at 12:00 pm
- Lincoln Park: Sunday, July 21 at 12:00 pm
Other Offerings
On certain show days we are partnering with other local artists and organizations to bring additional engagement opportunities to the show site. More information will be coming soon, but for now here are our planned offerings:
On certain show days we are partnering with other local artists and organizations to bring additional engagement opportunities to the show site. More information will be coming soon, but for now here are our planned offerings:
- Saturday, June 22--Lincoln Park at 4:30 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Sunday, June 23--Sherman Park all day (starting at 12:30 pm): Plein Air Painting with Optimist resident artist, Estephanie Mendoza
- Saturday, June 29--Humboldt Park at 4:30pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minute run time)
- Saturday, July 6--Lake Park at 4:30 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Sunday, July 7--Wisconsin Lutheran College at 4:30 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Saturday, July 13--Grant Park at 5:00 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Sunday, July 14--Washington Park at 5:00 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Saturday, July 20--Sherman Park at 4:30 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
- Sunday, July 21--Lincoln Park at 4:30 pm: Early Music Now (20-30 minutes run time)
Post Show Survey
Already seen a show? Please click here to take our post show survey which is vitally important to making sure we can bring you Shakespeare each summer!
Our New Format: Why this? Why Now?
Transitioning to this multiple show, multiple company format is a big change for us, but it's what we felt is the next step in our mission to bring Shakespeare to more Milwaukee communities.
As our Executive Director Susan Scot Fry explains: “When Shakespeare in the Park transformed into a touring company three years ago, we had no idea how fast demand for shows would exceed capacity. This ambitious expansion provides us with the opportunity to accomplish three important goals. First, to meet that demand; second, to add shows crafted to appeal to a broader audience; and third, to showcase the work of other local theatre companies. This summer-long showcase is also what prompted the name change for the 2024 season from Shakespeare in the Park to Optimist Presents: Shakespeare in the City. After all, as Shakespeare said in Coriolanus, ”What is the city but the people?”
As our Executive Director Susan Scot Fry explains: “When Shakespeare in the Park transformed into a touring company three years ago, we had no idea how fast demand for shows would exceed capacity. This ambitious expansion provides us with the opportunity to accomplish three important goals. First, to meet that demand; second, to add shows crafted to appeal to a broader audience; and third, to showcase the work of other local theatre companies. This summer-long showcase is also what prompted the name change for the 2024 season from Shakespeare in the Park to Optimist Presents: Shakespeare in the City. After all, as Shakespeare said in Coriolanus, ”What is the city but the people?”
Current Season Press Releases
We are pleased to announce our 2024 summer series: Optimist Presents: Shakespeare in the City. With this bold new approach, we will expand our offerings from 10 to nearly 50 performances.
Building upon the success of the company’s first three fully touring shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Lovers’ Tale (2021), Twelfth Night: Or, What She Will (2022), and Cymbeline (2023), this year’s production will continue to perform in public green spaces throughout the greater Milwaukee area. New this year, the performance dates will feature multiple show offerings from several companies. The expanded programming will continue SitP’s mission of bringing free, professionally produced Shakespeare to neighborhoods throughout the city and beyond.
Building upon the success of the company’s first three fully touring shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Lovers’ Tale (2021), Twelfth Night: Or, What She Will (2022), and Cymbeline (2023), this year’s production will continue to perform in public green spaces throughout the greater Milwaukee area. New this year, the performance dates will feature multiple show offerings from several companies. The expanded programming will continue SitP’s mission of bringing free, professionally produced Shakespeare to neighborhoods throughout the city and beyond.