Shakespeare in the State Parks Returns for One-of-a-Kind Third Season

By: A.A. Cristi May. 23, 2017

Wisconsin-based traveling theatre group Summit Players Theatre is returning for a third season, and will be performing Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors from June 16 to July 30 in 16 different Wisconsin State Parks. All performances will be free and preceded by a 45-minute educational workshop. After being founded by a group of Marquette University students two years ago, the group is now an established nonprofit company.

"It's a wonderful feeling to see a project you really care about grow from the ground up, and have a hand in the process each step of the way," stated company founder and Executive Director Hannah Klapperich-Mueller, a 2015 graduate of Marquette University. "For me, it's all related to making sure that Shakespeare in the State Parks can exist for as many people as possible, and taking the necessary steps to make that happen."

Each The Comedy of Errors show is 75 minutes long and completely free. The Players want to make sure anyone can afford, attend, and understand a Shakespeare show. Through a collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Summit Players are also able to introduce audiences around the state to their local parks.

The group's educational workshop, "Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will," is offered before every show. It serves as a way for kids and "fun adults" to get comfortable with Shakespeare's language, as well as learning more about the man himself and the way nature played into his works. Participants get to take part in Shakespeare games and exercises culminating in performing a short scene.

"The Summit Players' workshops are about free education, yes, but also broadening a conversation about the arts and spreading more of society's traditions to future generations," said Summit Players Teaching Artist and Actor Joe Picchetti. "It can only help people to gain awareness."

The Summit Players are a nonprofit company and still seeking donations for their 2017 season. Donations can be made at their Donorbox page or website.

The Players' third season will consist of the following performances:

June 17: Richard Bong State Recreation Area