July 2 through August 16, 2025
Will In The Woods
One hour prior to the evening’s performance – Free Event!
Celebrate the evening’s performance by gathering with friends, family, and theater patrons prior to the show for a lively and interactive discussion. These events help us get closer to the theatrical traditions, techniques, and themes of the shows in the 2024 summer season: William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Jane Austen’s Emma, adapted for the stage by Joseph Hanreddy. Will in the Woods is ideal for theater lovers interested in learning more about Shakespeare’s world, the production process. We hope you will join us!
In order to prepare for your visit, registration is required. Please call 920.854.7111.
Dates for the 2024 Will in the Woods are…
Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of Emma.
Subject: Chat with the Playwright
Details: Joseph Hanreddy visits the Garden for a pre show gathering to discuss Jane Austen, Joe’s writing process, and all things Emma.
Wednesday, July 17, 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of Romeo and Juliet
Subject: The Science of Shakespeare: How much did Shakespeare know about the Developments in cosmology during his writing years and how are his works informed by such?
Details: William Shakespeare lived at a remarkable time—the first phase of the Scientific Revolution. New ideas were transforming Western thought, the medieval was giving way to the modern, and the work of a few key figures hinted at the brave new world to come: Galileo, Montaigne, and Shakespeare, who observed human nature just as intently as the astronomers who studied the night sky. Join Thomas Minahan from the Door County Astronomical Society for a discussion about the science advancements of Shakespeare’s day and how these were incorporated into the Bard’s works. Telescopes will be set up to view the night sky. Astronomy-related questions are welcome.
Saturday, July 27, 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. prior to the early evening’s production of Emma.
Subject: Tea With the Author
Details: Join playwright Joseph Hanreddy as he discusses his process for writing our season’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. Tea will be served. Members of the Jane Austen Society of North America will attend in costume. All are welcome to join in the festivities.
Wednesday, July 31, 6:15 p.m. to 7:00, prior to the evening’s production of Romeo and Juliet
Subject: Music Beneath the Maple
Details: Composer/Music Director Dr. Scott McKenna Campbell discusses the music in this season’s shows and the act of setting original music to new and classical plays across thirteen Door Shakespeare shows since 2017.
Thursday, August 8, 6:15 p.m. to 7:00, prior to the evening’s production of Emma.
Subject: Historic Falconry
Details: More than 60 species of birds are mentioned in Shakespeare’s texts: wrens, owls, larks, and turtle doves just to name a few. Each bird holds a place across the playwright’s works and such references have inspired bird lovers over the years. The Open Door Bird Sanctuary provides a demonstration of historic falconry for this session of Will in the Woods, This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds in Shakespeare and see some birds up close!
Will in the Woods is FREE and open to the public. However, reservations are required in order for us to verify the schedule and prepare for your visit. Please call 920.854.7111 or email info@doorshakespeare.com to reserve your seat.