June 22 through August 27
About Door Shakespeare
Door Shakespeare was created under the umbrella of then named American Folklore Theater in collaboration with Blue Circle Theatre in 1995. The first season produced in the Garden at Björklunden included “A Midsommer Night’s Dream” and “The Comedie of Errors,” which played in conjunction with the same acting company performing across the peninsula at American Folklore Theater (Now, Northern Sky Theater). In 1999, the organization became its own non-profit and has since produced 44 striking productions of classical theater by playwrights including Shakespeare, Moliere, and Oscar Wilde in the Garden of Björklunden’s 405-acre estate on Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor.
Under the leadership of Michael Stebbins and Amy Ensign, Door Shakespeare’s presence in the local and regional community continues to grow and is enriched by educational programming, including the Door Shakespeare’s Camp Will, Will in the Woods, Shake it up Saturday, and Shakespeare in the Schools. Door Shakespeare’s productions have been recognized and ranked in the top 10 theatrical experiences in the state of Wisconsin by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Door Shakespeare is a professional theatre company, employing members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Door Shakespeare is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide relevant and entertaining productions of the works of William Shakespeare and other playwrights through artistic excellence, and to enhance the theatrical experience through interactive educational opportunities designed for audiences of all ages, thereby creating a common ground to experience these productions.
Land Acknowledgement
Door Shakespeare’s performance space is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. Currently there are 11 federally recognized Native American sovereign nations in Wisconsin. We acknowledge these indigenous communities who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.
Shakespeare Theatre Association
Door Shakespeare is proud to be a member of The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA) and partner of the Folger Shakespeare Library. For more information visit www.stahome.org or www.folger.edu.
Door Shakespeare website photography courtesy of Heidi Hodges, Len Villano, Bruce Ambuel, Torey Byrne, Jason Fassl, Katie Sikora, Suzi Hass, and Rick Spaulding.