June 26 through August 24, 2024
Will In The Woods
6:30 pm before the 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 2023 summer season: William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and The Old Man and The Old Moon, by PigPen Theatre Company. Will in the Woods is ideal for theatre lovers interested in learning more about Shakespeare’s world and the production process. Popular programs from previous seasons include visits from the Northern Door Bird Sanctuary, Blacksmith Richard Furrer of Door County Forgeworks, Fight and Movement Director Dan Klarer, Director/Music Director/Composer Scott McKenna Campbell, Producing Artistic Director Amy Ensign, and actors from the company. We hope you will join us!
Dates for the 2023 Will in the Woods are…
Wednesday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of The Old Man and The Old Moon
Subject: A Visit With Music Director Karen Mal
Details: Join Music Director Karen Mal and Producing Artistic Director Amy Ensign for a chat about the music in The Old Man and The Old Moon. Karen will tell us about her path to becoming a Music Director and share a bit about her creative process. Topics include pre season preparation, music arrangement, voice and instrument choices, and the rehearsal process. We’ll be sure to save some time for a question and answer session. This is a great opportunity to learn a bit more about the production process, and we might even get to hear a song from Karen!
Thursday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of As You Like It
Subject: A Visit with Fight and Movement Director Dan Klarer
Details: Join Fight/Movement Director Dan Klarer and Managing Director Elissa Wolf for a chat about the movement and fight choreography in As You Like It and The Old Man and The Old Moon. Dan will share his journey about becoming a Fight/Movement Director and talk about his process. We will also discuss the incorporation of stage combat during Shakespeare’s time.
Friday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of The Old Man and The Old Moon
Subject: Have you seen the moon tonight?
Details: Mr. Tom Minahan from the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society visits with Producing Artistic Director Amy Ensign to discuss the Moon. Conversation topics include topographical features, viewing techniques, and lunar references in theatrical works. We’ll also review the creative process behind building The Moon set piece for The Old Man and The Old Moon, followed by an open question and answer session. Snack on blue cheese and crackers. Telescopes will be set up for post-show moon viewing.
Wednesday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of The Old Man and The Old Moon
Subject: Built for Battle
Details: Door County Maritime Museum Deputy Director and Development Manager, Sam Perlman, joins us for a presentation about Sturgeon Bay shipbuilding during World War II. At the peak of the Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding effort, a vessel was built and launched every week! “It just reminds you how important Door County was at that time, and continues to be, as a center of shipbuilding, with that amazing contribution that people made both fighting overseas, and here on the home front,” says Perlman. Producing Artistic Director Amy Ensign shares insight to the design concepts and building techniques used to create the seafaring vessels in The Old Man and The Old Moon. An open question and answer session follows.
Thursday, August 10, at 6:30 p.m., prior to the evening’s production of As You Like It
Subject: Birds in Shakespeare and 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 joins us for this session of Will in the Woods, providing a demonstration of historic falconry. 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.
