SitP 2023
Shakespeare in the Park's 2023 Show is Cymbeline
Optimist Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park presents "Cymbeline"
An angry king, a wronged princess, young lovers torn apart. Lessons in kindness, forgiveness and the triumph of love. A 'Happily Ever After' for all ages....
Join Milwaukee's Free Shakespeare in the Park for "Cymbeline", Shakespeare's Comedic/Tragic/Romantic tale told in just 90 minutes. Abridged and directed by Optimist's resident Dramaturg ML Cogar, with Stage Management by Melissa L. Wanke.*
Starring Adam Medina, Brielle Richmond, Fabian Guerrero, Ken Williams,* Libby Amato, Michael Stebbins,* Susie Duecker, and Zachary Woods, with backdrops designed by Founding Artistic Director Ron Scot Fry, inspired by the medieval Book of Kells.
Click here for more information on our full cast and production team.
(*Member of Actor's Equity Association)
An angry king, a wronged princess, young lovers torn apart. Lessons in kindness, forgiveness and the triumph of love. A 'Happily Ever After' for all ages....
Join Milwaukee's Free Shakespeare in the Park for "Cymbeline", Shakespeare's Comedic/Tragic/Romantic tale told in just 90 minutes. Abridged and directed by Optimist's resident Dramaturg ML Cogar, with Stage Management by Melissa L. Wanke.*
Starring Adam Medina, Brielle Richmond, Fabian Guerrero, Ken Williams,* Libby Amato, Michael Stebbins,* Susie Duecker, and Zachary Woods, with backdrops designed by Founding Artistic Director Ron Scot Fry, inspired by the medieval Book of Kells.
Click here for more information on our full cast and production team.
(*Member of Actor's Equity Association)
2023 Show Locations
Click on the location to register or reserve your space.
For more information about Registration/Reservations, click here or scroll down.
For an interactive map of the locations, click here or scroll down.
Alverno College
Sunday, July 9 at 5:00 PM
With an extra special event welcome to Alverno's new college President!
Washington Park
Saturday, July 15 at 4:00 PM
Humboldt Park
Sunday, July 16 at 5:00 PM
Kosciuszko Park
Saturday, July 22 at 4:00 PM
Click here for picture guides to help you find the performance space
Sherman Park
Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 PM
With extra special guest William Shakespeare and activities hosted by the Sherman Park Community Association
Mitchell Park
Sunday, July 30 at 5:00 PM
Please note: Performance is behind (east of) the Domes.
Forest Home Cemetery**
Saturday, August 5 at 5:00 PM
Lincoln Park:**
Sunday, August 6 at 5:00 PM
This performance also welcomes a variety of special pre-show and post-show events:
**Please note: The weekend of August 4-6, Milwaukee hosts the USA Triathlon Nationals. While the event does not take place near this site, road closures may affect your route if you are coming from the lakefront or using certain freeways, entrances, or exits. Please go to www.visitmilwaukee.org/usa-triathlon/ and click on road closure notification for more details.
Lake Park:
Saturday, August 12 at 5:00 PM
Marcus Performing Arts Center:
Sunday, August 13 at 5:00 PM
For more information about Registration/Reservations, click here or scroll down.
For an interactive map of the locations, click here or scroll down.
Alverno College
Sunday, July 9 at 5:00 PM
With an extra special event welcome to Alverno's new college President!
Washington Park
Saturday, July 15 at 4:00 PM
Humboldt Park
Sunday, July 16 at 5:00 PM
Kosciuszko Park
Saturday, July 22 at 4:00 PM
Click here for picture guides to help you find the performance space
Sherman Park
Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 PM
With extra special guest William Shakespeare and activities hosted by the Sherman Park Community Association
Mitchell Park
Sunday, July 30 at 5:00 PM
Please note: Performance is behind (east of) the Domes.
Forest Home Cemetery**
Saturday, August 5 at 5:00 PM
Lincoln Park:**
Sunday, August 6 at 5:00 PM
This performance also welcomes a variety of special pre-show and post-show events:
- 2:30 to 4:30 Official Ko-Thi Dance Company will bring their Ko-Thi Around Town program
Near the playground towards the corner of Hampton and Green Bay. - Also 2:30 to 4:30 Friends of Lincoln Park is hosting Create Your Own Corn Dolly.
Tents will be visible from Ko-Thi along the pathway that leads around the back of the aquatic park and ends at Shakespeare's Meadow behind the Blatz Pavilion - 4:00 to 5:00: Shakespeare in the Park Milwaukee's own William Shakespeare meet-and-greet in Shakespeare's Meadow
- 5:00 to 6:30 Cymbeline!
- 6:00 to 9:00 Lanterns for Peace. Origami folding, live music and floating of lanterns.
Near picnic areas 3 and 4
**Please note: The weekend of August 4-6, Milwaukee hosts the USA Triathlon Nationals. While the event does not take place near this site, road closures may affect your route if you are coming from the lakefront or using certain freeways, entrances, or exits. Please go to www.visitmilwaukee.org/usa-triathlon/ and click on road closure notification for more details.
Lake Park:
Saturday, August 12 at 5:00 PM
Marcus Performing Arts Center:
Sunday, August 13 at 5:00 PM
Register or Reserve Today
Shakespeare in the Park (SitP) performances are always free to attend. Seating is outdoors. Simply bring your own chair and grab a spot in the non-reserved area!
Registration: You don’t have to register to attend a SitP show, but we recommend you do. It’s free, and once you’re registered, you’ll receive reminders and updates about the show. Note: Registration does not reserve you a space at the show—general seating is still first come, first served.
Reservation: If you’re a SitP member, you can reserve a space at one performance each season.
Membership is available for a yearly donation of $75. (SitP is 100% donor supported!) As a member, you can also reserve spots for non-members to join you at a show for an additional donation of $40 per person. Member spaces at each show are limited, so act fast.
If you would like to register, reserve, or become a member, follow the link above for each show (click on the show location).
Registration: You don’t have to register to attend a SitP show, but we recommend you do. It’s free, and once you’re registered, you’ll receive reminders and updates about the show. Note: Registration does not reserve you a space at the show—general seating is still first come, first served.
Reservation: If you’re a SitP member, you can reserve a space at one performance each season.
Membership is available for a yearly donation of $75. (SitP is 100% donor supported!) As a member, you can also reserve spots for non-members to join you at a show for an additional donation of $40 per person. Member spaces at each show are limited, so act fast.
If you would like to register, reserve, or become a member, follow the link above for each show (click on the show location).
Coming to the Show: What to Expect, Venues, and
Seating
What to Expect
SitP uses a mobile set that replicates the experience of an indoor theater, complete with a sound system and backdrop. All of the actors wear wireless microphones. Ushers will be in the seating area to assist you. The show will be 80-90 minutes with no intermission.
Coming to the Show: Venues and Seating
What to Bring
What Not to Bring
The following items are not allowed at any performance:
Reminder: We Are All Guests
Optimist Theatre and SitP are guests at each performance location, so it’s very important we respect their rules and treat their green spaces with care.
Health and Safety: Masks and Distancing
SitP is committed to keeping our cast, crew, audiences, and communities safe. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend the show.
Optimist Theatre is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association and follows the association’s COVID parameters, which currently do not require masks or distancing for outdoor performances. Any changes to these guidelines will be communicated before the performance.
SitP uses a mobile set that replicates the experience of an indoor theater, complete with a sound system and backdrop. All of the actors wear wireless microphones. Ushers will be in the seating area to assist you. The show will be 80-90 minutes with no intermission.
Coming to the Show: Venues and Seating
- The show is free to attend, and space to sit is first-come, first-served. Members may reserve seating spaces (see show links above).
- The grass will be marked with areas for the audience. This is where you will best see and hear the performance, although you may sit outside this area if you wish. If you sit near a speaker, please bear in mind that there will be amplified music and sound effects. (The speakers are easy to spot.)
- 60 minutes before the show, the audience area will open. You’re welcome to pick your spot and mark it with a chair or blanket. Once you’ve marked your spot, you can stay there or you may leave and come back.
- No seats or chairs are provided. You must bring your own chair or blanket. If you use a wheelchair, please contact us at [email protected] so that we can provide more information, including suggestions on which locations have the best accessibility.
- Check out our interactive Locations Map (below) for venue-specific information, including amenities or restrictions.
What to Bring
- A lawn chair or blanket to sit on. If you opt for a blanket, you may want to arrive early to get a spot in front so you aren’t sitting behind chairs.
- Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses. Shows are outdoors, and there may not be shade available.
- Insect repellent.
- A light sweater or jacket in case of windy or cool evenings.
- A raincoat if rain is expected. Note: No umbrellas are allowed, because they might block the view for other audience members.
- A full water bottle. This is highly recommended. You might spend the entire show (and an hour before the show) sitting in the sun.
- Picnic-style snacks.
- A lawn chair. Yes, we mentioned this already, but it’s very important.
- What about kids? Children are welcome at the shows, and many families love to experience our shows together! However, keep in mind that the shows are not designed to be children’s shows. If you plan to bring very young children who may not be able to sit for 80-90 minutes, please sit on the outside edge of the seating area in case the kids need a movement break.
- A note on dogs. Service animals are always welcome. Well-behaved pets are also welcome if the host venue allows it (check the locations map) . Your dog must be on a leash at all times, and we ask that you sit on the outer edge of seating area.
What Not to Bring
The following items are not allowed at any performance:
- Alcohol.
- Firearms, knives, or any other weapons.
- Cameras or video recording equipment. (No photos or videos of the production are allowed.)
- Umbrellas.
- Cigarettes or other smoking devices. These are not allowed in the audience seating area or anywhere near the performance area.
- Anything the particular venue does not allow (listed on the map below).
Reminder: We Are All Guests
Optimist Theatre and SitP are guests at each performance location, so it’s very important we respect their rules and treat their green spaces with care.
- Site-specific rules: The map below has information for each site, including any restrictions.
- Cleanliness: Please clean up after yourself and use appropriate garbage and recycling bins. If you cannot locate bins, please pack up your garbage and take it with you.
Health and Safety: Masks and Distancing
SitP is committed to keeping our cast, crew, audiences, and communities safe. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend the show.
Optimist Theatre is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association and follows the association’s COVID parameters, which currently do not require masks or distancing for outdoor performances. Any changes to these guidelines will be communicated before the performance.
Locations Map
Use the interactive map below for site specific information, including the performance and parking locations:
Site Partners
