April 15 2020

April 2020 Newsletter

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows…

We take great joy in choosing the season, the directors and designers, the actors and the interns, and in making preparations for Camp Will and Door Shakespeare’s Annual Gala. It brings us joy because we do it with you in mind.

At the same time, we are also mindful of our responsibility for the health and well-being of those in Door County, in Wisconsin, in the United States, and in the world. And, because we want to share everything with you in the healthiest way, we will be coming together in early May to make a determination on how best to move forward with our 25th anniversary season.

In the meantime, “walk hence wi th [hope] an d manage it against despairing thoughts.“

Sincerely,

Michael Stebbins

Producing Artistic Director

Amy Ensign

Managing Director

A LOOK AT DOOR SHAKESPEARE’S 2020 SUMMER SEASON

HAMLET

by William Shakespeare

Door Shakespeare presents, for the first time in its 25 year history, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Directed by Door Shakespeare’s producing artistic director, Michael Stebbins, Hamlet welcomes back to the stage some Door Shakespeare favorites, including Elyse Edelman, Amy Ensign, Jonathan Wainwright, and Ryan Schabach in the title role.

WITTENBERG

A Tragical-Comical-Historical in Two Acts

by David Davalos

Marcella Kearns (2019’s The Merry Wives of Windsor) returns to direct this regional theatre favorite. A smart, witty and irreverent breath of fresh air, this play imagines college student Hamlet as he enters Wittenberg University, ready to soak up all of the knowledge that is offered. On his first day of study, he meets his two primary professors: Dr. John Faustus and Professor Doctor Reverend Father Martin Luther. Faustus and Luther don’t have much in common — other than the goal of battling for the soul of young Hamlet.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (abridged) [revised]

by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield

Door Shakespeare celebrates its 25th Anniversary by bringing back a blast from the past (and one of its biggest hits), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]. Actors are always up for a challenge, right? Right! Well, three actors take on the challenge of sharing William Shakespeare’s 37 plays in 97 minutes. Can they do it? Fun for the whole family!

Performance Schedule & Ticket Policy Update

Know that we are thinking of you during this uncertain and untested time. Also know that we, like thousands of other arts organizations across the country, are doing our best to navigate the challenges that we currently face and are considering a number of scenarios to address them. As of this writing, we fully intend to move forward.

Performance dates for Wittenberg and Hamlet have not changed (July 1 – August 17). The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised], however, will now have its first performance on July 27,with a closing date of August 24. Tickets to the 2020 season are fully refundable, with no exchange fees. All performances take place outdoors.

At a time when travel plans are up in the air, remember: you can purchase our Early bird Flex Pass (save $5), and choose your dates at a later time.

Click here to meet the company!

Elyse Edelman returns to direct Camp Will!

True hope is swift and flies with swallow’s wings.

July 13–17, July 27–31, August 10–14

Registrations to Camp Will’s three session are fully refundable.

Save the date…

August 2, 2020, Door Shakespeare’s Annual Summer Gala will be held at the beautiful Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Join Door Shakespeare for entertainment provided by the 2020 acting company, Camp Will campers, and special guests. Food provided by Thyme Cuisine and Catering. Tickets go on sale soon.

CARES ACT Creates Charitable Giving Incentives

Section 2204 & Section 2205 of the CARES Act

Section 2204 of the CARES Act includes a new above-the-line deduction (universal or non-itemized deduction that applies to all taxpayers) for total charitable contributions of up to $300. The incentive applies to contributions made in 2020 and would be claimed on tax forms next year.

Section 2205 of the CARES Act lifts the existing cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, raising it from 60 percent of adjusted gross income to 100 percent. For corporations, the legislation raises the annual limit from 10 percent to 25 percent.

Matching Funds Double your Donation

We fully understand that many of your lives and livelihoods also have been impacted by COVID-19. While Door Shakespeare is working hard to make the most of this difficult situation, it’s worth acknowledging that we, along with so many performing arts organizations across the country, will sustain an unavoidable financial loss during this time.

Thanks to our anonymous donors, our $25,000 matching appeal is still in effect. If your circumstances are such that you can make a donation, please know your gift to the appeal will still be matched and may be especially critical to support ongoing operating expenses.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we’re committed to doing what is in the best interest of our patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers. One thing we know for sure is that there will be an end to this. And when it arrives, we will see you in the Garden.

Katherine Norman, Scott McKenna Campbell, James Carington, and Ben Yela stroll to places in 2018’s The Comedy of Errors (directed by Leda Hoffmann), Picture by Melissa Wanke.

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