The history of Optimist Theatre
1992
In a cheap pizza joint in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1992, four friends decided they wanted to use their passion for theatre and education to make the world a better place. The result was Midwest Children’s Theatre, the forerunner of Optimist Theatre, and our first touring school show, “The Magic Library”.
As Midwest Children's Theatre, we reached hundreds of schools, libraries and community groups with more than three hundred performances of more than a dozen projects. From a one-person interactive performance in a local grade school to an elaborately produced play in a 1200-seat auditorium, we’ve worked to enrich the spirit and capture the imagination of our audiences.
What an incredibly talented and creative group of people. A fun and easy way to share an important message. Probably the best "school" performance I have ever seen in many, many years of teaching.
Fourth Grade Teacher, Roosevelt School, about “The Magic Library”
To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now
Also born during our days as Midwest Children's Theatre, Optimist continues to celebrate our roots in touring to schools and libraries with "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now," a one-person experience with William Shakespeare. "To Be!" features performances of some of the bard's best-known works along with audience participation and a humorous look at Sixteenth Century England. The program plays primarily in Wisconsin and the Midwest, but has played locations including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and most recently Florence, Italy.
Also born during our days as Midwest Children's Theatre, Optimist continues to celebrate our roots in touring to schools and libraries with "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now," a one-person experience with William Shakespeare. "To Be!" features performances of some of the bard's best-known works along with audience participation and a humorous look at Sixteenth Century England. The program plays primarily in Wisconsin and the Midwest, but has played locations including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and most recently Florence, Italy.
2009
In 2009, Ron and Susan Fry moved to Milwaukee, gathered a focus group of community leaders, business people, city government officials, educators and other smart people and asked the simple question, "Should Milwaukee have Shakespeare in the Park?"
Following a resounding, yes - of course, they got to work. The company name changed to Optimist Theatre as a reminder to stay the course, especially at the height of a recession (always the best time to start a theatre company, right?). They wrote grant applications. They connected and partnered with brilliant Milwaukee area theatre folks like Tom Reed and ML Cogar, both of whom assumed prominent leadership roles for the next 13 seasons. As a result, Optimist has been presenting free Shakespeare in the Park in Milwaukee since 2010. Always outdoors, always in the summer and always free to see.
Following a resounding, yes - of course, they got to work. The company name changed to Optimist Theatre as a reminder to stay the course, especially at the height of a recession (always the best time to start a theatre company, right?). They wrote grant applications. They connected and partnered with brilliant Milwaukee area theatre folks like Tom Reed and ML Cogar, both of whom assumed prominent leadership roles for the next 13 seasons. As a result, Optimist has been presenting free Shakespeare in the Park in Milwaukee since 2010. Always outdoors, always in the summer and always free to see.
2010 to 2019 .... Shakespeare in the Park
From Optimist's debut in 2010 to through our 10th anniversary season in 2019, all performances were nearly full-length, with full cast, took place in one central location and were presented between 6 and 12 times each summer.
In 2017, Optimist became a resident company at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Quite an achievement from humble beginnings a mere 7 seasons ago.
In 2017, Optimist became a resident company at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Quite an achievement from humble beginnings a mere 7 seasons ago.
2020 .... Web Series
Optimist pivoted to filming a serialized version of Pericles, Prince of Tyre and put a full-size company to work safely outdoors when people working in theatre just couldn't find work.
2021 to 2023 .... Shakespeare in the Park transforms into a touring company
Embracing our ability to evolve to even better meet the needs of our community, in 2021 the company transformed into a 'lean and mean' touring company, taking an abridged play with a smaller cast playing multiple roles, directly to public green spaces around greater Milwaukee and beyond.
2024 .... "Optimist Presents: Shakespeare in the City"
In 2024, Optimist answered the call for even more programming and evolved again. Shakespeare in the Park became Shakespeare in the City. By inviting 3 other theatre companies, 1 music company and other theatre educators and professionals along for the ride, Optimist radically expanded from the typical 8-10 shows per summer to over 60 programs.
Still free, still outdoors, still in the summer, still on tour. Yes. That's right.
Still free, still outdoors, still in the summer, still on tour. Yes. That's right.
2025 to 2026 and beyond .... Shakespeare in the Park
Optimist Theatre reclaimed its tried and true name: Shakespeare in the Park and continued to tour far and wide to public green spaces with...
- Two abridged plays - one performed by puppets and one performed by the same core cast sans puppets - both nearly 100% Shakespeare
- Special presentations - including a pre-show chat about the play you are about to see
- Early Music Now - a mini-concert and fun history about the music and instruments. In 2026, EMN also performed as the 'house band' for one of Optimists two plays.
- Games and activities
- Make your own garland - free, hands-on