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Wisconsin Lutheran College
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Show day weather:
(Will be added the morning of July 11)
​
Planning to attend?
​This page has everything you need to plan and enjoy your afternoon​​​
Coming today? Save this page.
You can use it for directions and everything you need once you arrive.
Feel free to scroll or use the links above to jump to what you need
Plan Your Visit
Assemble your party and choose how you want to attend **

​Simply Show Up
No registration or reservation is required.
  • Just bring your chair and enjoy the show. 

Register for Updates
Ready to level up? Register to let us know you’re coming and receive important updates, such as weather-related changes.
  • No check-in required.
  • This does not reserve a spot.
👉 Register for updates

Reserve Space for Your Lawn Chair
Make a $75 donation per person to reserve space for your lawn chair.
  • We’ll hold your spot until 15 minutes before showtime
  • You’ll automatically receive event updates.
👉 Reserve your space

Already Donated?
If you’ve already made your $75 per person donation, we’ll contact you directly to reserve your space.

Already Donated But Prefer to Handle it Yourself?
Just register, and we’ll match it to your donation and upgrade you to a reservation on our end
👉 Register here
** Would you like help assembling your party?
​
Send them a flyer
​👉 Wisconsin Lutheran College flyers
  • Print and web options
  • Encourage them to share with their friends, family and co-workers
Directions
Performance location on campus
The shows take place on the central campus quad . It's a large, sunny grassy area in the middle of campus
  • The quad is not visible from surrounding streets, so
    • Plan your walking route based on where you park
    • Look for Shakespeare in the Park signage once you arrive.
Choose Your Driving Route
Two best options for finding SitP at WLC
1. From Wisconsin Avenue
(Nearest Center for Arts & Performance Entrance)
📍 8815 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI

Parking:
  • Street parking available
  • Faculty parking lot available

​Walking:
  • From Faculty Lot: Use the stairs at the south end to enter the quad
  • From Street (west of N 89th): Walk east → turn right on N 89th → enter via small student lot
  • From Street (east): Walk west → enter via faculty lot stairs

​Drop-off's
  • ​​General: Near faculty lot stairs
  • ♿ Mobility: Use small permit-only lot on N 89th (drop-off only, no parking)
2. From Bluemound Road 
(Main College Campus Entrance)
​📍 8800 W Bluemound Rd, Wauwatosa
​
Parking:
  • Free street parking along Bluemound
  • Do not park in college lots

​Walking:
  • Enter at main entrance
  • Follow sidewalk around east side of building
  • Follow signage to quad

​Drop-off's
  • ​​General: Semi-circular drive off Bluemound
  • ♿ Note: Longer, less level route — N 89th option is recommended
Map Links
These maps show you performance locations, restrooms, where to park, helpful hints and more.
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Accessibility

​Drop-off Suggestion for Mobility Accessibility
The most accessible entry point is the small lot on N 89th Street. This provides the flattest route to the performance area.
(Drop-off only — no parking permitted.)

Parking
Street parking is available nearby. The 89th Street drop-off area is closest for guests with mobility needs.

Pathways
The most flat, accessible route is available from the 89th Street entrance via sidewalks to the performance area.

​Restrooms
Indoor, accessible restrooms are available in the Center for Arts and Performance.

Seating Surface
Audience seating is on grass. The quad is bordered by sidewalks, but seating will require crossing the lawn. Please allow a little extra time to traverse the grass.
Optimist Theatre's Ranking System in Progress
Optimist is in the process of evaluating and ranking accessibility everywhere we perform. Overall, Wisconsin Lutheran College is #2 in ease of accessibility.
To Bring & To Know
Bring a Chair (Very Important!)
​Seating is on grass. Bring a lawn chair for best comfort.
If you'd rather sit on a blanket, come early to secure a spot up front.
  • There's no designated blanket seating area.
  • If you come later with a blanket, you may be watching the shows from behind someone's seat.
Picnics
You’re welcome to picnic before, during, and after the show.
  • No picnic tables at WLC
    • A few benches are scattered around otherwise it's grass seating
  • No alcohol permitted on campus

Concessions
Light snacks will be available for a suggested donation.
  • The concessions tent opens around 1:00 PM and may pause during performances or scene changes
Sun and Shade
Wisconsin Lutheran College is very sunny with minimal shade. We will do our best to try to follow the shade by shifting the stage between shows.
  • Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
When to Arrive
The audience seating area is open about 1 hour before the first show
  • Arrive early to choose your spot and get settled before the performance begins.

​Check-In / Info Tent
Located at the edge of the quad:
  • Check in if you have a reservation
    • No need to check in if you don't have a reservation
    • 👉 Detailed reservation info is available on the main SitP 2026 page
  • Get help finding a space
  • Ask questions
Restrooms
Indoor, accessible restrooms are available in the Center for Arts and Performance, near the performance area.

​Pets
Pets are not allowed at this location (campus policy).
  • Service animals are always welcome.
HINT: If bringing your furry friend is a must-do, consider one of the county parks. Lots of dogs love Shakespeare. Guaranteed to receive love from the SitP cast and crew.
At the Park
You made it to Wisconsin Lutheran College
  • Our park for today
Here’s what to expect once you’re settled on the lawn.
Today’s Schedule

1:00 PM — Games and activities open
Available all afternoon, including Renaissance-era games and make-your-own garland.

1:40 PM — All About Richard III
The low-down, the gossip, the history, and oh, the drama.

2:00 PM — Richard III — Puppet Edition
Approximately 55 minutes.

​About 3:30 PM — Reset stage reconfiguration and follow the shade

4:15 PM — All About The Merry Wives of Windsor
Our version, and what we’ve gotten ourselves into.

4:30 PM — Early Music Now
Approximately 25 minutes.

5:00 PM — The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale
With live musical accompaniment by Early Music Now. Approximately 40 minutes.
Where to Sit & How It Will Change Between Shows

​We’re doing something a little different this year.

We’re presenting two play with two very different stage configurations. Richard III uses an intimate thrust-style setup which will  be clearly marked when you arrive. 

After Richard III, we’ll reset the stage for The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale. If you’re staying for the full afternoon, you may be asked to move closer, shift your chair, or turn toward a new playing area.

Following the Shade
​
The WLC quad is mostly sunny, especially earlier in the day.

For our second play, we may adjust the playing area to make better use of available shade. If that happens, our team will guide you.

Thanks in advance for your flexibility. This should help us create the best experience for everyone.
Also Enjoy
​
Games and activities are available all afternoon:
  • Renaissance-era games... yes, even the giant Jenga
  • Bard-themed trivia and activities
  • Make your own garland... a free, all-ages activity
Of course, you’re always welcome to simpy bring a book, enjoy your picnic, or just relax and take it all in.
Program & Show Info
​
Explore the digital program and show details anytime:
👉 Shakespeare in the Park 2026 Program
Need Help?
Stop by the Info Tent if you have questions or need assistance during your visit.
Fun-Facts About Wisconsin Lutheran College
  • Founded in 1973 with just 24 students
  • Established its permanent campus in 1977
  • Preserved a 60,000-volume library from Milton College
  • Ranked among the top Regional Colleges in the Midwest
  • Home to 18 NCAA Division III teams and 35+ student organizations
​Shakespeare in the Park is proudly hosted at Wisconsin Lutheran College by the Center for Performing Arts and WLC Theatre Department. Special thanks to Simon Provan and Loni Boyd for their support.
Join Us Again

WLC is the first stop on our 2026 tour with 10 more chances to join us.
👉 View all 2026 dates and locations on the main SitP 2026 page 
  • The grid is in date order to make it easy to plan your next visit.
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 
​Your donation is always 100% tax-deductible
​Contact Us 
© 2010-2025  Optimist Theatre