Chicago Shakespeare Theater: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Free Shakespeare in the Parks is back!

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks launched its citywide tour at the Garfield Park Conservatory this past Sunday, following two preview performances at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and nearly 3,500 audience members enjoyed Shakespeare’s popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream in its first weekend. The tour continues FREE FOR ALL to neighborhood parks across Chicago, now through August 17, 2014. With support from Chicago Park District and Boeing, along with Production Sponsor BMO Harris Bank, Chicago Shakespeare Theater brings this citywide tradition to 18 neighborhood parks throughout the South, West and North sides of the City. Championed by Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is the inspiration for the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks—presenting 1,000 free cultural events in Chicago neighborhood parks this summer.

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In the Community

CST teams with CAPS and local youth to spread the word about FREE Shakespeare

Deepening relationships within communities, CST is partnering with Chicago Police Department’s CAPS officers and local teens. In neighborhoods across the city, these groups are putting up posters and engaging with local businesses to promote Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks.

Hear a radio spot created by Englewood youth

Spotlight on local artists

Opening acts capture the vibrancy of Chicago’s neighborhoods

Each Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks performance begins with a “Green Show,” performed by local artists, that reflect their neighborhood's dynamic spirit. In Shakespeare’s time, Green Shows were the Elizabethan equivalent of an opening act at a concert. This year brings together a mix of returning and new art partners, ranging from After School Matters Youth Mariachi Ensemble to Red Clay Dance and South Shore Opera Company.

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An actor's perspective

Three-time Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks performer Tiffany Yvonne Cox shares her experience

Featured in Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Magazine, A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast member Tiffany Yvonne Cox talks about how touring to neighborhoods with Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks has influenced her engagement with audience members.

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A lasting impact

Year three and still growing...

Launched in 2012, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks began as an ambitious pilot program, activating the Chicago Cultural Plan and capturing the attention of Mayor Emanuel. The tour expanded in year two, becoming the centerpiece of the City's Night out in the Parks program. Now in its third season, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is one of the city's most eagerly anticipated summer traditions—entertaining thousands of people of all ages, supporting neighborhood artists and providing summer learning opportunities.

See the impact of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

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