June 29 through August 22, 2026
July 11th Newsletter
“Come, old boy, you had much better have the whole thing out at at once.” –Algernon (Robert Hunter Bry*) to Jack, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Photo by Heidi Hodges
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Will in the Woods
Prior to the evening’s performance – Free Event!
Gather with friends, family, and theater patrons prior to the show for a lively and interactive discussion. These events bring us closer to the theatrical traditions and themes of the season. Will in the Woods is ideal for theater lovers interested in learning more about Door Shakespeare’s productions. We hope you will join us!
Wednesday, July 15 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Love’s Labour’s Lost: A Deep Dive into the World and Writing of the Play
What was happening in Shakespeare’s world when he wrote Love’s Labour’s Lost? Join us as we explore the people, politics, and culture of Elizabethan England, discover how those influences found their way into the play, and discuss why its themes still resonate today. We’ll also share insights into Door Shakespeare’s production and the choices that bring this sparkling comedy to life.
In order to prepare for your visit, registration is requested. Please call 920.854.7111 or email info@doorshakespeare.com.
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Wine Night
Enjoy a preshow picnic in the Door Shakespeare Garden with wine and craft soda selection. Your meal is prepared by Door County’s own Thyme Market and Catering. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Garden, mingle with patrons, and enjoy delicious desserts and coffee during intermission. Picnic guests are also privy to preshow preparation.
Thursday, July 16, 2026, prior to the performance of The Importance of Being Earnest
- Door County Cherry BBQ Chicken Breast
- Seasonal Risotto
- Roasted Whole Carrots
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
Dietary restrictions happily accommodated by calling 920.854.7111. After determining which wine night you would like to attend, get your tickets by clicking on the date here or calling 920.854.7111.
Wine Night schedule and menus for the season may be found here.
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Shake It Up Saturday
Join Door Shakespeare on July 18 for Shake It Up Saturday, a free, family-friendly pre-show experience that introduces theatergoers to the world of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., families meet near the box office before heading down to the lakeshore for an hour of theater games, playful activities, and storytelling. Together, we’ll explore the characters, plot, and delightful world of Oscar Wilde’s comedy while helping young audience members feel prepared and excited for the evening’s performance.
Perfect for families with children, Shake It Up Saturday is a fun way to get the wiggles out, spark curiosity, and create a deeper connection to the magic of live theater.
Shake it Up Saturday is free and open to the public. However, registration is required to confirm the schedule and prepare for your visit. Please call 920.854.7111 or email info@doorshakespeare.com to register.
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Tickets Available Here or Call 920.854.7111
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Volunteer Sign Up Underway 
Door Shakespeare is seeking volunteers to help out before our performances each night in the beautiful Garden at Björklunden in Baileys Harbor.
Responsibilities could include greeting our patrons as they arrive, assisting them as they park, or ushering them to their seats.
Whatever the task, all of our volunteers are guaranteed a free ticket to the performance that night! Free theater, and a night of connecting with your Door County community… What could be better?!
If you are interested in signing up to volunteer, call 920.854.7111, email VolunteerCoordinator@
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You’re Invited!
Step into a night of celebrating with laughter and community at the Door Shakespeare Annual Fundraising Gala! Enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by beer, wine, and mocktails. Rub elbows with fellow theater lovers and members of the Door Shakespeare company while enjoying live performances by our talented artists.
This year’s Annual Fundraising Gala is Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at theKress Pavillion in Egg Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin.
Wine • Dinner • Entertainment
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In the Spotlight
Explore recent reviews, interviews, and stories celebrating Door Shakespeare’s productions, artists, and community.
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
By Sam Watson, July 9th, 2026
Door Shakespeare’s rendition of The Importance of Being Earnest – a play from 1895 – made me think of a new vocabulary word from the mid-2020s: heteropessimism. Outlets like the…
Photo: Christian Davis Aldridge as Jack and Elizabeth Reese* as Gwendolen. Photo by Larry Mohr.
CULTURE CLUB: What Shakespeare Still Knows About Being Human
By Door County Pulse, July 2nd, 2026
…Lost and Oscar Wilde’s iconic comedy of manners, The Importance of Being Earnest, audiences are treated to two-ish hours of young people stumbling and bumbling forward as they try to…
CULTURE CLUB: A Homecoming: Suzanne Graff and Door Shakespeare
By Door County Pulse, May 21st, 2026
Suzanne Graff, one of Door Shakespeare’s founding artists, returns to the Garden this season to direct Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Graff was at the…
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*Appearing through an agreement between Door Shakespeare and Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
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Would you like to support the season? Donate here.
Thank you to our season sponsors:
Steve and Jackie Kane, Dr. Eric Ohlrogge, and the following organizations.
