"Exit, pursued by a bear."

That stage direction - from THE WINTER'S TALE, by William Shakespeare - is one of the most famous stage directions in all of theater. Here's another quote, from a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board in 2009 when reviewing Optimist Theatre's very first grant application: "I don't know if they can pull it off but, if they do, we need to be a part of it."

That's impressive. And Optimist Theatre has INDEED pulled it off. FREE Shakespeare in the Park at a new outdoor venue in Kadish Park, Milwaukee. FREE - this June. THE WINTER'S TALE! William freakin' Shakespeare! The Bard! But Optimist Theatre needs your help now. They're having a fundraiser in February at Turner Hall. $35 a ticket. And for an added incentive, BMO Harris Bank has issued a matching challenge grant. We raise $1,000 - they match it. We raise $5,000 - you get it, I know. Check out the link below with all the what-for's and how-da-ya-do's. If you can't attend the fundraiser, you can still pledge a tax-deductible donation. And remember - THE WINTER'S TALE is FREE this June for three weeks!

The new outdoor theater at Kadish Park (above). Who in the hell puts on FREE theater? Optimist Theatre in MKE does. Click here for fundraiser ticket information.

And if you're ever really pursued by a bear, you can't outrun it.

 Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company.  Your donation is 100% tax deductible and greatly appreciated.  Shakespeare in the Park and "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now" would not be possible without your financial support.