WHICH SERVICE DO YOU NEED?
OUR HISTORY
​
Summit Players Theatre was founded in 2014 by a group of Marquette University Theatre students with a single goal - eliminate the "Shakespeare is boring" mentality by bringing exciting, unique theatre to people all over Wisconsin, regardless of economic or cultural background. Founding member and Executive Director Hannah Klapperich-Mueller, an avid camper, was inspired to embark on the project after noticing how many Wisconsin state parks were equipped with fully-functional but under-used amphitheaters and performance spaces. Thanks to a still-ongoing partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Players received access to parks across the state.
​
The Summit Players’ first season centered on a 75-minute production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented in 13 different state parks. Over the course of the summer of 2015, 160 children and adults participated in workshops, and 1,162 audience members joined us for performances. The production costs were met through a successful crowdfunding campaign, and the initial goal was reached within 26 hours of the launch. The GoFundMe page exceeded its goal and we donated 50% of additional funds raised to the youth arts organization Express Yourself Milwaukee.
Founding Members
Hannah Klapperich-Mueller
Kaitlyn Martin
Armando Harlow Ronconi
Kelly Dillon
In seasons since, Summit Players Theatre has become a nonprofit theatre company and has continued to serve larger communities across the state. More than 10,000 happy participants have joined us for Shakespeare in the State Parks since we started. In addition, we've brought Shakespeare into various schools through education initiatives. Summit Players Theatre remains committed to creating theatre that is educationally and financially accessible for a wide audience across the state of Wisconsin.
Ava Thomann
With each successive season, Summit Players Theatre aspires to reach more people in a wider range than ever before. Your support, as well as the support of various private and public Wisconsin organizations, make it possible. By donating and showing up, you can contribute to both the history and the future of Summit Players Theatre. We can't wait to see you in a park this summer. Come play!
Joe Picchetti
A.J. Magoon
Kyle Conner