June 26 through August 24, 2024
Support Door Shakespeare
Door Shakespeare wouldn’t be possible without its loyal and generous community of donors.
“A memory can last a long time … until one day it sparks up and sets light to mind.” –The Old Man and The Old Moon
Each summer for the past 27 years, a company of professional actors, directors, designers, and technicians have gathered in Baileys Harbor to create a season of unforgettable theatre under an ancient maple in the Garden at Bjorklunden. 2023 marks the 28th time that audiences will laugh out loud, shed a tear, and perhaps see a bit of their own lives reflected on stage. That is what theatre does best.
We hope both William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, a romantic comedy, and The Old Man and The Old Moon, a musical with book, music, and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Company, will bring you joy this summer. Each play is a celebration of who we are and an exploration of the challenges that lead us to discovery. In As You Like It, the daughter of a peaceful duke must employ courage and independence to find her place in the world. Filled to the brim with live music, liquid light and shimmering life, The Old Man and The Old Moon is a rollicking adventure on the high seas. Will in the Woods, Shake It Up Saturdays, and our youth theatre program, Camp Will, round out the season.
None of the past 27 years would have been possible without you, but the last three have been especially critical. And we aren’t going to lie … we’re not out of the woods as we enter 2023. Recovery from the pandemic has been painfully slow. All its repercussions remain: COVID risk and its related expenses, increased production costs, and a seasonal housing crisis — just to name a few. Add to that the harsh reality that audience numbers have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and you begin to get a sense of the uphill battle we’re fighting. But it’s a battle we know we can win with your help.
Like others this past season, we experienced a significant number of canceled performances due to COVID, a resulting increase in ticket refunds, and the cancellation of our annual fundraising Gala. Despite these and other obstacles, we’ve never lost sight of our mission to continue to be the best we can be for you — our audience.
Due to the losses we sustained last year, we need to raise $100,000 to support this year’s production expenses. We’re pleased to announce that board member Steve Kane and two anonymous donors have offered to match the first $50,000 in donations received by June 30 to help us reach our goal. Please take advantage of this generous match. Donate or pledge what you can. Every dollar is vital.
We look forward to meeting you in the Garden again this summer as poetry and music fill our little forest in Baileys Harbor. We hope this season will dwell in your memory and, on occasion, spark up and fill your mind with light. With your help, we will create memories for many years to come.
Thank you!
If you are able to make a contribution, please know that your gift in any amount will make a difference. With your help, we will continue to bring you and your family the tales that unite our minds and hearts — the best of classical and classically inspired theater. Donor levels are as follows:
The Monarchs: $5,000 and Above
The Nobility: $2,500 to 4,999
The Gentry: $1,000 to 2,499
The Knights: $500-999
The Esquires: $250-499
The Merchants: $100-249
The Masters: $99 and Under
Donate to Door Shakespeare’s Family Fund
The Door Shakespeare Family Fund keeps Camp Will tuition prices low while the quality of our educational programming remains high. You can contribute too! Please consider a donation to the Family fund.
To Mail a Donation
Make checks payable to Door Shakespeare and mail to:
PO Box 351
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
To Make a Donation by Phone
Call 920.854.7111
To donate now, go here.
“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks…”
(Twelfth Night)