Baileys Harbor, Wis. (May 2, 2020) — Door Shakespeare has announced that while it had hoped to celebrate its 25th Anniversary Summer Season in style, and had brought together an amazing company in order to do just that, the company’s 2020 season has been cancelled.
Three productions (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised], Wittenberg, and Hamlet) had been planned to be brought to life by talented actors, designers, stage managers, directors, interns, and staff – and shared on the Bjorklunden stage from May through August.
Theater-goers agree that a Door Shakespeare production can be a truly memorable experience. There’s the beauty of the grounds, the outdoor intimacy between artist and audience, and all of the other things that go along with it.
The company said that over the last month and a half, it had continued to plan accordingly for the summer months ahead, making adjustments along the way. First, the dates of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] were moved to the back end of the season’s calendar, in the hopes of keeping one step ahead of the coronavirus and the country’s ever-changing landscape. The second move was to begin rehearsals one week later than scheduled, to give even more distance between the company and the coronavirus.
In the end, however, the company says it came down to the health and safety of each and every individual, from artist to audience to staff, and they sadly made the call that other theaters across the country have done, to cancel Door Shakespeare’s summer production season.
Door Shakespeare’s summer theatre education program, Camp Will, will go forward with an online virtual platform.
Patrons who have purchased tickets for Door Shakespeare’s 2020 summer productions will be contacted regarding options. Camp Will campers will be contacted with information on how to participate online.
Door Shakespeare was informed earlier this week that the facility/grounds of Björklunden, where Door Shakespeare performs, has completely shut down through Labor Day. Björklunden, owned by Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, has been a host to Door Shakespeare over the years, and says they look forward to the day when they can return.
Door Shakespeare Marketing Director Amy Ensign noted that Door Shakespeare relies heavily on ticket sales, concession and merchandise sales, and donations for revenue during the summer performance months. “If you are able,” said Ensign, “we hope our audience will consider a donation. There are many nonprofit companies here and beyond facing extreme financial challenges. If you feel, like we do, that the arts are a crucial part of Door County’s cultural landscape, please consider supporting us. No amount is too small. No amount is too large.”
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