Tickets are free.
​Your gift makes that possible for everyone.
​Please...

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"Wonderful, engaging, charming cast. Excellent addition of music. Let's get more people here!!
These events are why we like in MKE and tell others to move here. What makes modern life survivable.
​Just keep going."     Cy 2025

Lincoln Park

Lake Park

"Such a great afternoon! Thanks so much for the wonderful performances. I can't wait to see what next season brings."   ​Megan L 2025

Why your gift matters...

• Shakespeare in the Park is free on purpose. Because we don’t sell tickets, donations are what keep the 'curtains' rising.

• You reach thousands. Audiences of 2,500 to 3,000 enjoy plays, music, and family activities in 10+ Milwaukee County parks and public greenspaces every summer.

• Your gift creates jobs. 85% of every dollar goes directly to pay local theatre professionals. 30+ artists and crew members are employed each summer, including members of Actors’ Equity Association.

Your donation is a ticket for all...

If every audience member bought a ticket, it would cost about $60 each. But Shakespeare in the Park belongs to everyone. When you donate:

• $25 is a free workshop
• $50 shares Shakespeare with a child
• $75 covers the “true ticket price” of $60 for one person — and then some​ **
• $100 helps costume an actor
• $150 supports the musical soundscape
• Other Amount — every gift matters and keeps Shakespeare in the Park free for all

** A special thank you! Any donation of $75 (and $75 increments) earns reserved seating space(s) at the performance(s) of your choice.

Prefer to mail a check?

Make your check out and mail it to...

Optimist Theatre
2010 N 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be gratefully sent to the address on the check.

Download a mail-in donation form here

Thank you for making Shakespeare in the Park possible.