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So... GREAT News!
We are pleased to announce that Shakespeare in the Park and No Holds Bard 2021 are ON! We'll be presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Midsummer Project, respectively, and SitP will be GOING MOBILE! What does all of that mean? Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream In the grand tradition of keeping professional live Shakespeare free to see for as many people in the Milwaukee area as possible, we are taking what we've learned over the past decade of live shows (and a year of on-location filming) to build a fully realized, fully staged, fully touring show. Instead of one static location, our stage and cast will move--bringing the show to multiple parks and green spaces near YOU. What you need to know now:
No Holds Bard: The Midsummer Project Following the success of our No Holds Bard: The Pericles Project (if you missed it, visit our YouTube channel and check it out) we will follow the live performances by filming our story to create a new season that will stream over the fall/winter. From Executive Director Susan Scot Fry "We’re happy and relieved to be joining the ranks of our fellow companies bringing live theatre back to audiences who are craving love, connection and laughter. With our mobile set, we’ll be able to help fill that need anywhere there’s a piece of flat grass, an electrical outlet and bathrooms within walking distance." "This is also our opportunity to take our shows to green spaces all over Milwaukee. Connecting with all of our diverse communities is one of our cornerstones. It’s why we Optimists work so hard to keep our performances free." After all, All the world’s a stage! We were ECSTATIC last summer during A Midsummer Night's Dream to host John McGivern and the crew of Around the Corner as part of their "official" visit to Brewer's Hill. They filmed an interview with Todd Denning, our Oberon, as well as the general delightful environs of the show. Now, that episode is now scheduled to air! Which is beyond cool to start with. But wait, it gets better! There will be a preview party at Lakefront Brewery. And all our friends and fans are invited to turn out. In fact, we'd really love to have lots of you proudly flying your Shakespeare in the Park banners (figurative, anyway**) to show the rest of the neighborhood just how excited you all are to have us in their/your midst. Besides...brewery! John McGivern! John Gurda! Get all the details straight from John McG, then read below for more from us: What else do you need to know?
This was all arranged by the fantastic people at the Historic Brewer's Hill Association, so be sure to appreciate them, in whatever way seems appropriate, for putting this soiree together. If you'd like to come out, there's no need to RSVP -- doors open at 6:00, just show up! That said, feel free to post a comment telling us to look for you in what will surely be a crowd! **We would be aided in spotting you if you elected to sport a Shakespeare in the Park t-shirt (or mug or shower curtain...) that you could find here!! Finally, if you can't be at the preview party, you can (and should!) still catch the episode when it airs two days later on MPTV (channel 10.1), Thursday, February 25 at 7:00 pm.  The Shakespeare in the Park team had the opportunity to present a very unique workshop several weeks ago – to current and prospective members of The Shakespeare Prison Project at the Racine Correctional Institution. The Shakespeare Prison Project is a partnership between Racine Correctional Institution and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside that provides opportunities for prisoners to study, rehearse and perform the works of William Shakespeare. Since 2004, the project has encompassed six plays and nearly 800 prisoners.
The Shakespeare Prison Project’s 2015-2016 production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Which is how M.L Cogar, Tom Reed, Ron Scot Fry, Marcee Doherty-Elst, Tess Cinpinski and Susan Scot Fry found themselves as honored guests in the Big House. At the special invitation of Mr. Jonathan Shailor, Founder of the Shakespeare in the Prisons Project, OT staff and actors from 2015’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream had the opportunity to meet inmates involved in The Muddy Flower Theatre Troupe. Having recently completed a production of Hamlet, the troupe and other interested inmates were considering doing Midsummer next. After intensive and extensive scrutiny including background checks and searches, the team found themselves spending the evening talking about performing Shakespeare with about 25 medium- to maximum-security inmates. Susan Fry relates, "once we realized that we were able to effectively follow the ground rules that Jonathan had provided, the discussion became lively. It was enlightening and enjoyable. "It was an amazing experience. One that every single actor and producer on the Shakespeare in the Park panel will remember for the rest of our lives." Read Jonathan Shailor's blog about this visit. It was all such a good time, from the Ober-oki to Pyramus' endless death scene, we had to put this little montage together. Enjoy:
 What brought you to acting? Back in middle school, I had a group of girlfriends who were into choir and auditioning for the school musicals. I would audition every time but was never cast in an acting role. Starting high school, I did the same. I auditioned for the school musical my Freshman year and bombed it big time! I gave up until my Senior year of high school when I decided to go for it once again. I really gave it my all, and as fortune would have it, I was cast as one of the Angels in Cole Porter's Anything Goes. Later that year, I was cast in a monologue show and fell in love with the way the audience reacted to my work. I was sold once I felt the rush of fear and pure delight for accomplishing something that I never could before. Cut to my 2nd year in college: after taking a step back from acting, I was cast in the musical All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. I found myself falling in love again with the rush of being on stage and having the opportunity to work with others who felt exactly the same as I did! I transferred to UWM after my two years at UW-Waukesha. I was very reluctant to go into theater since the fate of an actor is uncertain. One day it dawned on me, after having a conversation with someone who has influenced my life drastically, that I really should allow myself to do what I love. I chose to stop worrying so much about the future and dived right into my acting degree at UWM. I auditioned and completed the BFA acting program within two years. I know that choosing to go into acting was the best decision I have ever made for myself. It is the one and only thing I have NEVER given up on despite the constant challenges. I couldn't be happier with the choice I made back in 2006 to pursue my career in acting, because I get to do the one thing I have always loved to do. What did 10-year-old Tess think she'd be when she grew up? I thought I was going to be a nurse for a long time. My mother has been a nurse since I can remember and I always thought I would follow her down the same path.  What is the greatest challenge of playing Robyn Starveling in A Midsummer Night's Dream? There aren't many clues as to WHO Starveling is as a character. I found creating a character that made sense within the context of the play was a challenge. What do you hope that Shakespeare in the Park fans will take away from A Midsummer Night's Dream? Overall, I hope our fans allow themselves to really get into the language of the play. This show is a lot of fun and the old jokes still translate to this day. Other than yourself (!) who should play you in the feature film of your life? LAURA PREPON!!!! I think she is magnificent. I enjoy her comedic timing and her ability to transform into characters. Think about it: she rocked in That 70's Show and is dynamite in Orange is the New Black. Plus, I think she is very lovely! What Shakespeare character's personality do you most resemble? The first character that comes to mind is the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. I really think it's because she has the ability to see perspective. She also clearly cares a lot for those close to her. What's your superpower? Speaking to animals. I typed that without hesitation; I love animals so much! Tragedy, comedy or history? Comedy. You can't leave a rehearsal or a show in a bad mood! Plus, it is challenging. Truth or dare? Truth. Guilty pleasure? Playing The Sims for an entire day. I would tell you all to give the game a shot, but then I don't think any of you would make it to the show ;) ! More about Tess:
You may know Tess through Youngblood Theatre Company. While working with Youngblood, she produced and acted in Red Light Winter, Spirits to Enforce, Freakshow and Dying City, to name a few. Tess is thrilled to again have the chance to work with Optimist Theatre, and is thankful to get to work alongside a group of talented artists dedicated to making A Midsummer Night's Dream a success. She thanks her friends, family (cat included), and fellow artists for their support throughout this production. You can follow Tess on Facebook, or catch her performing with the sketch comedy group Variety Hour Happy Hour in this year's Milwaukee Comedy Fest on August 8th at 10 p.m.  What brought you to acting? It's been so long since I started, I'm not sure I remember the initial draw. Part of what keeps me acting is storytelling. I think the human animal needs storytelling as much as it needs food and water and sleep: look at the cave paintings -- that's storytelling. And, it probably goes back even longer than that. I am drawn to telling stories, because I have been told so many wonderful stories, myself. And, because by telling stories I can inform or inspire or entertain, or do all three at once. Or, I can just help another person forget their troubles for a while. To me, that is very worthwhile. What did 10-year-old Mary think she'd be when she grew up? I honestly don't remember what I thought I might be. I remember telling someone once that I didn't want to be a nurse, like my Mother. Ten-year-old me was probably already enjoying being told stories so much that somewhere inside, the foundation was laid to do it myself.  What is the greatest challenge of playing Petra Quince in A Midsummer Night's Dream? Being the straight man. What do you hope that Shakespeare in the Park fans will take away from A Midsummer Night's Dream? Laughter; a pleasant memory of time spent with friends and family watching magic under the stars... Other than yourself (!) who should play you in the feature film of your life? I don't know, but I've been told that I look like Linda Hamilton, so maybe her? What Shakespeare character's personality do you most resemble? It sounds like a cop-out, but there are too many plays and too many characters that nothing leaps to mind. Maybe if I read or reread all the plays I would be able to say with assurance, "This one." I can say that in some ways I identify with Kate from Taming of the Shrew; in other ways, with Queen Katharine from Henry VIII. Those are two very different women, so who knows? Maybe I most resemble one of those many male nobles from the Histories. What's your superpower? A facility with language and pronunciation. I can look at the most technical jargon and after a few practice runs, I can read it to you as if I know what I'm talking about. Tragedy, comedy or history? History. Truth or dare? I...don't like this game. Guilty pleasure? Television. More about Mary:
Mary experienced magic under the stars last summer, playing Paulina in Shakespeare in the Park’s production of The Winter’s Tale. Later last year, she had a rare opportunity to sing in Heresy/the Crackdown Cabaret at Next Act Theatre. Mary has worked with: Next Act Theatre in Microcrisis, Youngblood Theater in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, In Tandem Theatre in Equus, Two Rooms, and The Afghan Women, and Theatre X in The Hunting of the Snark, among others. She has long had an interest in bringing historical figures to life, and since 2008 has portrayed Cordelia Harvey, former First Lady of Wisconsin during the Civil War, in a one woman show that is part of the Theater Program at the Kenosha Civil War Museum. Mary is loving making more magic unfold this summer, on a bluff overlooking the city, under velvet skies! Follow Mary at her website.  What brought you to acting? I started singing first. I grew up going to touring Broadway shows with my parents. In seventh grade I saw the high school do Grease and I suddenly thought, "maybe I could do that!" I was in musicals all through junior high and high school, and originally went to college to study voice (at Lawrence University). Halfway through my program I realized that I liked the acting part more than the music part so I switched my focus and ended up going to graduate school for acting. What did 10-year-old Kristin think she'd be when she grew up? The first female president. I was really into politics.  What is the greatest challenge of playing Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream? I've been trying to make her annoying in a very earnest and likable way -- finding that balance. What do you hope that Shakespeare in the Park fans will take away from A Midsummer Night's Dream? I think Midsummer has all of the elements of a great comedy -- magic, love, mischief, BIG characters. I hope people see it and feel that what they're watching and (hopefully) enjoying is relevant to popular entertainment today. Compare it to a summer blockbuster movie and you should see a lot of similarities. We're still building on top of Shakespeare's foundation, which is interesting in an academic sense, but also really cool in a cultural sense. Storytelling is timeless. Other than yourself (!) who should play you in the feature film of your life? Jennifer Lawrence is welcome to try! What Shakespeare character's personality do you most resemble? Beatrice from Much Ado. What's your superpower? Leaving Costco with only the 2 items on my list! Tragedy, comedy or history? Comedy. Or, really, just The Tempest! Truth or dare? Truth. I cannot tell a lie. Guilty pleasure? I love Celine Dion and I'm proud of it. More about Kristin:
Kristin is excited to join Optimist for another summer of Shakespeare in the Park. She was last seen with the company as Rosalind in Shakespeare in the Park's 2013 producion of As You Like It. Recent credits include two tours with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' fall education program and performances of her original one-woman show about Jane Austen, Discovering Austen. Other professional work includes Door Shakespeare, Forward Theater Company, American Players Theatre, and Madison Opera. She earned her MFA in Acting from University of Wisconsin -- Madison. Look for Kristin performing in Milwaukee in Ernest in Love with In Tandem next spring, as well as in several local performances of Discovering Austen. Keep up with her via her website.  What brought you to acting? I was a shy kid who didn't really break out of his shell until getting up on stage. Acting was (and is) an opportunity to step outside my own skin and into someone else's. I relish the opportunity to create a character from the ground-up; if done well, it can be extremely cathartic. What did 10-year-old Shayne think he'd be when he grew up? Hands-down, a pro basketball player! We were a sporty (not to mention, musical) family, and all three of us kids took to both. I had long limbs, decent athletic ability, and spent hours upon hours shooting jumpshots in our beat-up driveway-- rain, shine, hail, snow, sleet.... It wasn't until high school that I discovered I was an even-better cross-country runner and that my passion was the dramatic arts.  What is the greatest challenge of playing Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream? Lysander's relationship with Hermia is crucial to the story and represents what he is wholeheartedly fighting for...yet Lysander's world undoubtedly gets turned on it's axis once outside forces intervene. This would be my greatest challenge: responding to this change, discovering the appropriate nuance(s) and continuing to fight for what he feels in his heart. Another challenge was working with the rich, poetic language that Lysander employs. This was a fun challenge that I embraced, with special thanks to Ron, our director and ML, our Shakespearean Dramaturg Extraordinaire, for their valuable insight and guidance. I've enjoyed working with the language as well as collaborating with everyone involved. . What do you hope that Shakespeare in the Park fans will take away from A Midsummer Night's Dream? Whether they've had a particularly stressful (or relaxing) week, I hope that they can take two hours out of their lives, suspend their belief, indulge their senses and give in to the reality we've created. Other than yourself (!) who should play you in the feature film of your life? Benjamin Bratt or Adam Beach. What Shakespeare character's personality do you most resemble? Horatio What's your superpower? While I'm partial to Wolverine when it comes to superheroes, brute force is not my strong suit :) To be completely honest, empathy. Tragedy, comedy or history? Comedy. Truth or dare? Truth. Guilty pleasure? Tiramisu. More about Shayne:
A Midsummer Night's Dream marks Shayne's debut with Optimist Theatre. A Milwaukee native, Shayne is a proud graduate of UW-Green Bay's Theatre Arts program and a former intern of the Milwaukee Rep. Most recently, Shayne collaborated with: Bronzeville Arts Ensemble for Chicken and Dumplings, UPROOTED Freedom High and Classic Rock: 101, In Tandem for The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Milwaukee Chamber for the Young Playwrights Festival, Milwaukee Public Theatre for Stories From the Medicine Wheel, and Windfall for City of Angels. Shayne also appeared in the independent films Waterwalk, Come Follow Me, and My Son, My Savior and is currently the lead vocalist of two Milwaukee-based music groups. Shayne is currently a Testing Specialist with Gateway Technical College, and has more than five years experience serving low-income families through the W-2 program. Born and raised in Milwaukee County, he still resides in the area and is a proud uncle of six -- and thanks his family and dear friends for all their support.
 If you're a Summer Sponsor and made a reservation for one of the limited reservable spaces, here's what you do with it when you come to the show!
____ If you're NOT yet a Summer Sponsor, but would like to become one, check it out here! |
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