Since 2010, Optimist Theatre's sponsors have made it possible to reach over 36,000 people with the wit and wisdom of William Shakespeare

Our visionary supporters understand the power of theatre in our lives.  From joy to catharsis to transformation. Now, Optimist is poised to make a monumental leap forward  - to  truly activate greater Milwaukee with the power of free, outdoor, summer theatre. The power of Shakespeare in the Park.

The dynamic impact of theatre is unique among art forms. 

Imagine a  Milwaukee where live, free outdoor theatre is an expectation. It bridges gaps. It creates a common language. It crosses boundaries. In our great city, there are few higher callings and needs. 

Theatre is miraculous. Shakespeare is so above all others. That's not merely the opinion of an enthusiast. It's science. We won't get into the details here (but are thrilled to do so if you're interested) but hearing  Shakespeare's words stimulates and impacts our brains like no other playwright. Science.  

Optimist Theatre is the only  company in Milwaukee  who's cornerstone is presenting the works of this miracle playwright through free Shakespeare in the Park. To the delight and acclaim of 36,000 people since 2010.

ML Cogar, Founder, Producer, Director
"We don't make Shakespeare.
We make Shakespeare people love."

Optimist Rising

36,000 people in 14 summers is an impressive number - especially for a shoestring, bootstrap theatre company that doesn't sell tickets. 

But those are just numbers. Fourteen summers also means fourteen shows. Every single one, an opportunity to grow our skills. To attract the best talent possible. To present theatre that leaves audiences astounded that it's free. But, Optimist has hit a stalemate. We either make a bold leap forward or... There's no such thing as treading water in this business. 

How? It all comes down to funding.  Caveat. It all comes down to funding that's managed by a saavy leader. Someone who knows how to take that shoestring and turn it into   Carmina's - Crocket & Jones - Harry Winston - Nike. Check. Got that covered.

Funding will enable Optimist to take that talent, add more talent, up the game, turn Milwaukee into the theatre festival city. Change more lives.   More theatre is like  compound interest.  ​

We can do it.

Susan Scot Fry, Founder, Producer,
Executive Director
"Dreams aren't magic. They're hard work.
​Then, they're magic."

For the first time, Optimist Theatre is undertaking a bold fund drive. But, this is more than a campaign. This is an investment in the future. As our Milwaukee community partners taught us, you have to show up. Then, you have to show up again. And again.

Let's show up.

With these sponsorships, you can spread your donation out over three years. As a matter of fact, we'd love it if you would. 

Memberships?

Yes. With a multi-year commitment, you are members. More than sponsors. You're partners. You have a stake in the success of Shakespeare in the Park. 

Why 'Founding'? Because you are on the leading edge of Optimist Theatre's evolution. 

(Don't get us wrong. We'd love a single donation and highly encourage you to do that..)

Membership Levels

founding trust member $25,000 +

$25,000 plus - paid over the course of three (3) to five (5) years.
​
You get a say. Board advisory committee of your choice with leadership possibilities. Select one of our wild card performance locations. Contribute your thoughts on which play(s) to offer.

Walk on role. Season launch party. "Table" of 10 at VIP performance. Attend the first reading. Organization dedication during curtain speech.

Founding member $18,000 to $24,999

$18,000 to $24,999 - paid over the course of one (1) to five (5) years/

You get a say. Your choice of board advisory committee. Vote on  performance locations. Planning committee for play selections.

​Season launch party. "Table" of 6 at VIP performance. Attend the first reading. Organization dedication during curtain speech.

Associate founding member $9,000 to $17,999

$9,000 to $17,999 level - paid over the course of one (1) to three (3) years

​You get a say.  Board advisory committee .  Season launch party. "Table" of 4 at VIP performance .  

platinum founding member $6,000 to $8,999

gold founding member $3,000 to $5,999

silver founding member $1,500 to $2,999

bronze founding member

rising  member

optimist member