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Wisconsin Lutheran College
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Show day weather:
Forecast is for high of 81 and sunny. Beautiful day for some Shakespeare. WLC is quite sunny so bring sunscreen.
Navigation (this page, not your car. we'll get to that...)
Using this page
You’ve Planned Your Visit.  Now Let’s Get You There.
This page is designed to work as your Shakespeare in the Park guide to Wisconsin Lutheran College.
​
Use it on show day for things like....
  • directions and parking  ......  accessibility guidance  ..... seating details ..... restrooms ..... etc
Companions - This Page + The Main SitP 2026 Page

​The main SitP 2026 page contains a great deal of detailed information and is where you'll do your planning. This page focuses specifically on this location and might reference the more detailed info on the main page. 
We recommend bookmarking this page before heading to the park
Please register

We highly recommend that you register to receive the fastest updates. The person who typically maintains this website is at the park and wifi can be spotty. The person who sends updates to people who register is sitting at a desk with an excellent internet connection. You decide. No pressure.

----- Details are on the Main SitP page - Navigate to "Gather Your Party" ------
Getting to Wisconsin Lutheran College and the performance space
​​Arrival Lead Time
There has always been plenty of seating space at Wisconsin Lutheran College so arriving at least 15 minutes before show time - or the pre-show - should allow plenty of time to park and walk. 
Driving Route
(Our recommended route)
​
📍 8815 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
This address guides you to the Center for Arts & Performance entrance

Why is it our recommended route?
  • The drop-off for shortest mobility friendly walk. more parking.​ within sight of the performance space
  • Parking is more plentiful on Wisconsin Avenue

Alternate driving route
​📍 8800 W Bluemound Rd, Wauwatosa
This takes you to the main college Campus entrance
Drop-off's
Semi-circular drive at the main WLC building at the top of the circular drive on Bluemound
  • ♿ Note: Longer route than dropping off at the student lot on 89th St.
  • ​♿ Pathways are fairly level sidewalk around the building to the quad. Then, need to travers thick grass to the stages
Parking:
Free street parking along Bluemound​
Walking:
If you find parking on Bluemound Road, hike up the hill toward the main entrance and follow sidewalk around east side of building
Map Links
These maps show you performance locations, restrooms, where to park, helpful hints and more.
Getting around at Wisconsin Lutheran College
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.​
​From our recommended route on Wisconsin Avenue
Drop-off
  • ​​Anyone: Inside the faculty lot toward the staircase at the far end of the lot
    • Stairs take you up to the quad where we're performing

♿  Drop-off and Pathways
  • ♿ Mobility: Use small permit-only lot on N 89th (drop-off only, no parking)
  • 89th is a one way street. Enter from Wisconsin Ave
    • There is a dip in the curb to allow easier sidewalk access
    • This drop-off is within sight of the performance space
    • Note: Do no park in this student lot
​Parking:
  • Street parking available both sides of the street on Wisconsin Ave
  • The faculty parking lot on Wisconsin Avenue is available for our use. 
    • Just ignore the signs that say faculty only. We have permission. 

​Walking:
  • From Faculty Lot: Use the stairs at the south end to enter the quad
  • From Wisconin Avenue-  west of N 89th: Walk east - turn right on N 89th and walk in via small student lot. on 89th
    • This hill is a bit steep
  • From Wisconsin Avenue -  east of 89th: Walk west, walk into the faculty lot, walk up the stair​
Enjoy the Park
Sun and Shade*
The performance area at WLC is very sunny. We have plans for placement of the stage for both the  2:00 PM and 5:00 PM shows that will help get you closer to the shade available under trees.

Did you bring a chair*
Just a reminder even though it's probably too late since you're already here. 

Check-In / Info Tent*
At WLC, it's located toward the back of the performance space. 
  • You only need to check in if you have a reservation

Seating Surface
​Audience seating is on flat lush grass.
  • ♿ Mobility assistance may be helpful for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids since the grass is thick

​Restrooms
Indoor restrooms are available inside the Center for Arts and Performance
  • ♿ Route is along sidewalks circling the quad once you traverse the grassy audience seating area
Picnics
  • Tables.  There are no picnic tables on the WLC campus but you're welcome to bring your own.
    • If you bring a folding table, please set up outside of the audience seating area
    • WLC is typically a medium sized audience so let's make sure everyone has space.
    • Suggestion: Mark your spot in the audience with a blanket then go have your picnic in the shade
WLC does not allow alcohol to be brought in.

​​Concessions
Light snacks will be available for a suggested donation starting at 1:00 PM
​​​Pets*
No pets, please
  • Service animals are always welcome at WLC
*----- Details are on the Main SitP page -----
Enjoying Shakespeare in the Park
It's all led up to this
Daily Schedule

1:00 PM ... Games and activities open
Available all afternoon, including....
  • Renaissance-era games... yes, even the giant Jenga
  • Bard-themed trivia and activities
  • Make your own garland... a free, all-ages activity

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 the stage reconfiguration and shift to follow the shade.
  • Relax until we're done, then you can move your chairs.

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.
Sun, Stages, Shade, Shift*

The Seating and Stage Configurations and the Stage Location Will Change Between Shows

Sun...
The big quad at WLC is very sunny. In years past, we attempted to find a happy medium by trying to get as close to the few trees. That was less than successful. 

Stages...
Richard III at 2:00 uses an intimate thrust-style stage where the audience sits on 3 sides of the action. After the show, the stage crew will reconfigure the stage by turning the thrust into more traditional proscenium set-up.
 
Shade...
Because we have to reconfigure the stage and seating area after the 2:00 show anyway, we're going to shift location to follow the shade. At WLC, that will also shift audience seating to under a different tree. Let's find out together.

Shift...
Just relax while we make the shift. Please re-join the fun after we're done.
Program & Show Info
  • ​Explore the digital program and show details anytime:
​ Shakespeare in the Park 2026 Program
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

Did you have a good time? Come again and bring new friends. Wisconsin Lutheran College is the first stop on our 2026 tour with 10 more chances to join us. The grid at the top of the main SitP 2026 page shows the whole season. 
​
Thank you for coming to Milwaukee's free Shakespeare in the Park.
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 
​Your donation is always 100% tax-deductible
​Contact Us 
© 2010-2025  Optimist Theatre