Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Audience
The Audience Group, Inc. 136 St. Matthews Avenue #300 Louisville, KY 40207
502.212.5177 Audience502.com
C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater Central Park, Old Louisville 1340 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40208 All shows are free and non-ticketed. Details at kyshakespeare.com
FROM THE THEATRE
“What is the city but the people?”
- Coriolanus
Welcome to the 65th season of your Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, the longest-running, free, non-ticketed Shakespeare Festival in the United States! Please know you belong here, and we are here for you all season long, with 58 free performances, 6 productions, over 11 weeks!
The human connection and shared experience live theatre provides is more important than ever. A 2017 study led by Dr. Joseph Devlin from the University College London Division of Psychological and Language Sciences found that watching a live theatre performance together can actually synchronize your heartbeat with other people in the audience. Dr. Devlin explained, “Experiencing the live theatre performance was extraordinary enough to overcome group differences and produce a common physiological experience in the audience members.” Watching live theatre can actually unify an audience’s heartbeats!
We work daily to build community more connected – to each other. Let’s revel tonight in this shared human experience of live theater that unites us all.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of two Kentucky Shakespeare family members – Dr. Peter Tanguay and Dr. John Gatton. Peter was a long-time Emeritus board member, supporter, and friend. John performed on this stage in the early seasons of the festival and remained a stalwart supporter and friend, as well. While both were incredibly accomplished in their professional lives, as a nationally renowned pioneer of autism research and a beloved 30+year professor of literature respectively, it’s their profound kindness and support we will hold in our hearts. We honor them through this season and beyond.
Thanks for joining us this evening, and we hope you continue to return and make new memories with us this summer. If you’re not yet a donor and would like to be, please know we will be worthy stewards of your generosity. Your gift allows us to provide this free, professional public service and also extend our mission far beyond the Central Park stage — through education outreach programs, community work, indoor productions, employing local artists, and more. (Join us at kyshakespeare.com/donate or Venmo @KeepWillFree to support.)
Enjoy your magical evening under the stars!
Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director
PHOTO BY JOSEPH MAYS
Matt
2025 DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Hamlet ......................................................................................................................................... Amy Attaway
Director Much Ado About Nothing, Cymbeline Matt Wallace
Scenic Designer ........................................................................................................................................... Eric Allgeier
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................................................... Casey Clark
Sound Designer Laura Ellis
Costume Designer Donna Lawrence-Downs
Composer, Cymbeline .............................................................................................................................. Wayne Krigger
Choreographer, Much Ado About Nothing Tyler Tate
Music Director, Much Ado About Nothing Christina Booker
Fight Choreographer, Hamlet, Cymbeline .................................................................................................... Eric Frantz
Fight Captain ................................................................................................................................................... Tom Luce
Technical Director Patrick Jump, Bluegrass Production Studios
Lead Carpenter/Deck Manager................................................................................................................. Mavrick Cook
Carpenters................................................................................................... Zac Campbell-Hoogendyk, Karl Anderson
Scenic Painters Karl Anderson, Brittany Conder
Properties Manager Sam Powers
Costume Shop Draper .................................................................................................................... Charles Heightchew
Assistant Lighting Supervisor .......................................................................................................................... Zane Hall
Sound Engineer Stephan Carpenter
Assistant Sound Engineer ....................................................................................................................... William Young
House Manager ........................................................................................................................................ Ian Fitzgerald
Photographers .................................................................................................................. Zachary Burrell, Bill Brymer
Production Logo Design Rosie Felfle, Liquid Design
T-Shirts/Playbill Cover Design ......................................................................................................................... Kyle Ware
Special Thanks to Paul Doyle for Sound Engineering Expertise
2025 BEKKI JO SCHNEIDER INTERN COMPANY
Made possible through the generosity of the Max G. Baumgardner Charitable Trust, in memory of Bekki Jo Schneider.
Acting ........................................................................................................................... Kate Drury, Logan Lee Edwards
Arts Administration ................................................................................................................................. Isabella Schott
Costumes .................................................................................................................................................... Gia Guralnik
Education: Globe Players Lachlan Apple
Education: Kids’ Globe Sierra Conner
Education: Camp Shakespeare Sierra Sheard
Lighting Gianna Alcala
Front of House Nathaniel Brantley, Allie Rahman
Production .......................................................................................................................... Ian Bischoff, Austin Hinton
Properties................................................................................................................................................. Sydney Collins
Leonato ....................................................................................................................................... Tom Luce
Hero .......................................................................................................................................... Kate Drury
Director Matt Wallace is sponsored by Vivian Ruth Sawyer
Sound Designer Laura Ellis is sponsored by Tom Gerstle
Costume Designer Donna Lawrence-Downs is sponsored by Mac and Jessica Thompson
The role of Beatrice, played by Hallie Dizdarevic, is sponsored by Charlie and Jenny Marsh
The role of Benedick, played by Justin Jackson, is sponsored by Tom Gerstle
The role of Claudio, played by Logan Lee Edwards, is sponsored by Ellen Morrison Kelley, in memory of William “Tex” Wells, Kentucky Shakespeare company member 1976-1977
The role of Dogberry, played by Gregory Maupin, is sponsored by Don Stevens and Libby Marbury
The role of Verges, played by Abigail Bailey Maupin, is sponsored by Kerry and Kathleen Wang
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
The
Story
There’s been a bit of a war: Leonato, Duke of Messina, has just received word that it’s all over now and Pedro, Prince of Aragon, has defeated his illegitimate brother Don John, who led an uprising against him. And now Pedro (with John) is coming to visit Leonato’s huge household, accompanied by fellow soldiers Count Claudio (in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero) and Benedick (who once had...something with Leonato’s niece, Beatrice, and it’s left them both pretty snarky).
Claudio is a bit shy, so the Prince says he’ll woo Hero for him at a masked ball. Thanks to poor listening skills (and the machinations of Don John) there’s a bit of confusion as to whether the Prince is wooing her for himself, but it’s all much ado about nothing and the date for the marriage of Hero and Claudio is set for next week. But what to do until then?
Why not trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling in love? Even more ado with even less nothing! And it works! Sort of.
But Don John contrives still yet more ado that’s decidedly not nothing: his follower Borachio will make his own late night meeting with Hero’s maid, Margaret, look like a compromising situation with Hero on the night before the wedding...and John will make sure Claudio and the Prince see it happen and think the worst.
Borachio is caught boasting about this later, but fortunately (for him) he’s caught by the barely trained night watch, who report it to barely intelligible constable Dogberry and his barely speaking assistant Verges, who take their time about unmuching the ado.
Stop reading now if you don’t want to know the ending!
Claudio denounces Hero during the marriage ceremony. She faints, he leaves, and on the advice of the Friar, they announce her “death” as part of a plot to prove her innocence. Beatrice demands that Benedick kill Claudio for revenge. Don John sneaks away.
Leonato gets Claudio to promise to make amends by marrying a previously unmentioned cousin of Hero’s in her place. When unmasked, she is revealed as... Hero! Beatrice and Benedick are together at last, which surprises no one but them. Don John is captured. There is dancing. Turns out it was all...oh, you know the title.
Emily Bingham & Stephen Reily
Frances N. Alden Charitable Trust
Written by
William Shakespeare
Edited by Gregory Maupin
Directed by
Amy Attaway
Donna Lawrence-Downs
Eric Frantz
Hannah Pruitt
Eric Allgeier
Casey Clark
Laura Ellis
CAST
(in order of appearance)
Bernardo Logan Lee Edwards
Marcellus................................................................................................................................... Kate Drury
Horatio ................................................................................................................................ Tai Rosenblatt
Hamlet Mollie Murk
Claudius .................................................................................................................................Jon Huffman
Guildenstern ......................................................................................................................... Mylon Joseph
Player King Gregory Maupin
Player Queen .................................................................................................................... Neill Robertson
Player Ensemble ................................ Mary Baunjoko, Kate Drury, Logan Lee Edwards, Justin Jackson
Royal Attendant Neill Robertson
Gravediggers ........................................................................................ Gregory Maupin, Mary Baunjoko
Priest ........................................................................................................................................... Tom Luce
Osric Justin Jackson
Setting: Denmark, 1964
Director Amy Attaway is sponsored by Don Stevens and Libby Marbury
Sound Designer Laura Ellis is sponsored by Charlie and Jenny Marsh
Costume Designer Donna Lawrence-Downs is sponsored by Kerry and Kathleen Wang
The role of Hamlet, played by Mollie Murk, is sponsored by Kerry and Kathleen Wang
The role of Claudius, played by Jon Huffman, is sponsored by Tim and Dair Mathistad
The role of Gertrude, played by Jennifer Pennington, is sponsored Phillip and Teri Allen
The role of Polonius, played by Kyle Ware, is sponsored by Tom Gerstle
The role of Ophelia, played by Sasha Cifuentes, is sponsored by Mac and Jessica Thompson
The role of Laertes, played by Crystian Wiltshire, is sponsored by Vivian Ruth Sawyer
The role of Rosencrantz, played by Abigail Bailey Maupin, is sponsored by Drs. Gordon Strauss and Catherine Newton
The role of Guildenstern, played by Mylon Joseph, is sponsored by an anonymous donor
HAMLET The Story
(Nerd Alert: We’ve used as our basis what’s called the Second Quarto version of Hamlet, so if you think a line or scene seems just slightly different than usual, that may be why! Exciting experiments are still possible in the simplest ways ...)
Young Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to Elsinore from the University of Wittenberg to attend the funeral of Old Hamlet (the late king, and Hamlet’s father) and the wedding of Gertrude (young Hamlet’s mother) to Old Hamlet’s brother, Claudius (who is now king).
Hamlet’s loyal friend Horatio is also in Elsinore and reports a sighting of Old Hamlet’s ghost, which appears to Hamlet, says he was murdered by Claudius, and urges Hamlet to revenge. To test the truth of this, Hamlet fakes madness, but this proves difficult for everyone else. It also tests the loyalty of old friends Rosencrantz and Guildernstern and even the affections of Hamlet’s young love, Ophelia.
Hamlet persuades a traveling band of actors to re-enact the story of Old Hamlet’s murder in front of Claudius and Gertrude, hoping to stir Claudius’s guilt and spur his confession.
During an intense post-show meeting with Gertrude, Hamlet hears a noise, realizes they are being spied upon, and in a rage stabs the hidden eavesdropper to death believing it is Claudius...but it is the King’s adviser, Polonius, father of Ophelia and Laertes.
Claudius has Hamlet arrested and sent to England under guard, where he has secretly arranged to have Hamlet executed. Hamlet escapes, and returns home...
Stop reading now if you don’t want to know the ending!
Ophelia, violently rejected by Hamlet, hears that Polonius has been murdered, which has profound effects on her sanity; She drowns but whether it was intentional remains a question.
Laertes, returns to court at the head of an angry mob, determined to know the truth about his father. Claudius offers to help Laertes take revenge on Hamlet; On learning of Hamlet’s return, Claudius convinces Laertes to challenge Hamlet to a fencing match with a poisoned foil. As a back-up plan, Claudius also poisons some wine he intends to offer to Hamlet.
Hamlet tells Horatio before the duel that the orders of execution for England were swapped (by Hamlet, who felt betrayed) and now Rosencrantz and Guildernstern will be the ones killed.
During the duel, the poison-tipped sword changes hands and both Hamlet and Laertes are wounded with it. Realizing that he is about to die and that Claudius has manipulated him, Laertes confesses all, forgives Hamlet and dies. Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine intended for Hamlet and dies.
As the poison takes hold, Hamlet finally carries out Old Hamlet’s wish and kills Claudius. With a dying breath, Hamlet asks Horatio to ensure that this story is told accurately.
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Gregory Maupin
Directed by
Matt Wallace
Wayne Krigger
Hannah Pruitt
Eric Allgeier
CAST
(in order of appearance)
Cellist Wayne Krigger
The Storyteller/Frenchman/Lord/Captain........................................................................Mary Baunjoko
King Cymbeline .......................................................................................................................... Tom Luce
Pisanio ................................................................................................................................... Brian Hinds
Guiderius............................................................................................................................... Mylon Joseph
Arviragus Tai Rosenblatt
Setting: Once upon a time, ancient Britain
Director Matt Wallace is sponsored by Scott and JoAnn Haner
Composer/Cellist Wayne Krigger is sponsored by Don Stevens and Libby Marbury
The role of Cymbeline, played by Tom Luce, is sponsored by Vivian Ruth Sawyer
The role of Imogen, played by Sasha Cifuentes, is sponsored by Scott and JoAnn Haner
The role of the Storyteller, played by Mary Baunjoko, is sponsored by Scott and JoAnn Haner
The role of the Queen, played by Abigail Bailey Maupin, is sponsored by Rick and Becky Reed
The role of Posthumus Leonatus, played by Zachary Burrell, is sponsored by Charlie and Jenny Marsh
The role of Cloten, played by Neill Robertson, is sponsored by Mac and Jessica Thompson
CYMBELINE
The Story
Cymbeline, Actual Historical King of Britain, has a daughter, Imogen, and two sons who were stolen in infancy (remember that for later). Cymbeline’s second wife, The Queen (that’s her name, apparently) has a son, Cloten, and they want Imogen to marry him. Luckily for her, she has already secretly married a commoner, Posthumus Leonatus (and yes, that is his name). Cymbeline finds out and banishes Posthumus to Rome, though Posthumus leaves his servant Pisanio behind as go-between.
In Italy, Posthumus meets the cocky Iachimo, who wagers that he can seduce Imogen. Iachimo realizes immediately after meeting her that she is incorruptible, so he hides in her bedroom to obtain false evidence that convinces Posthumus that he (Iachimo, that is: try to keep up—things get twisty) has won the wager.
Cymbeline and The Queen refuse to pay their usual financial tribute to Rome, which will be important later when you notice a Roman army has shown up. The Queen, it’s worth noting, would also like Pisanio to kill Imogen so she gives him what she thinks is poison and what she tells him is a handy general tonic.
Posthumus, distraught and gullible at Imogen’s (not real) betrayal, also wants Pisanio to kill her by convincing her to meet him at the sea port of Milford Haven but Pisanio instead advises her to disguise herself as Fidele, a page, and run for it. But he also gives her the Queen’s “medicine.” Oops.
Stop reading now if you don’t want to know the ending!
In Wales, she meets her brothers, who were stolen twenty years before by the banished nobleman Belarius. Cloten, in Posthumus’s clothes, pursues Imogen, determined to take her and kill Posthumus, but... Cloten is instead quickly killed and decapitated by one of Imogen’s brothers, and (most of) his body is laid beside Imogen, who has taken a potion that makes her appear dead. She revives and, well, misunderstands.
When she revives, Imogen/Fidele joins the Romans as a page boy. Posthumus and the stolen princes are instrumental in defeating the Roman army. A final scene of impressive explanations, offstage death, and heartfelt reconciliations leaves us in what we hope is a peaceful Britain.
BIOGRAPHIES
ACTORS
MARY BAUNJOKO
(Antonia/Watch-ADO; Player/Gravedigger #2-HAMLET; StorytellerCYMBELINE) is excited to return to Kentucky Shakespeare after playing the Duke in Comedy of Errors last year. Recent performance credits: three witches Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (Leonato) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Duke of Athens). Mary has over 30 years experience as a performer, director and teacher, and is currently the Art and Music teacher at Byck Elementary. She has an M.F.A. in theatre performance (UofL), as well as a M.Ed. in gifted and talented education (Georgetown College). Some notable roles: Helen of Troy in The Trojan Women, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale and Tonya in King Hedley II. She also appeared in Looking for Lillith’s Suffrage Walking Tour as the historical Mary V Parish. This past spring she directed Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Kentucky Center’s Bomhard Theatre, in collaboration with Global Game Changers Student Empowerment Program. Other directing credits include work with Sacred Heart Academy, Smoked Apple Productions, and StageOne Family Theatre’s Disney Musicals in Schools program. Mary is the proud mommy to two beautiful children, Aya and Micah Baunjoko, who are also talented performers in their own right!
ZACHARY BURRELL (Posthumus LeonatusCYMBELINE) has appeared in many of Kentucky Shakespeare’s summer festival shows: roles including Henry V
(Henry V), Henry IV Parts One and Two (Prince Hal), Shakespeare in Love (Lord Wessex), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), Romeo and Juliet (Paris), and Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine). He has also appeared in numerous Ky Shakes indoor productions such The Importance of Being Earnest, Sense and Sensibility, The Woman in Black, Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare’s R&J, Enter Ghost, Turn of the Screw, and Titus Andronicus. He has worked locally with Pandora Productions, StageOne, Derby Dinner Playhouse, and Theatre [502], and toured internationally with Artspot, a Buenos Aires based theatre company. Zach is also a local photographer, and thanks everyone for supporting local theatre.
SASHA CIFUENTES
(Ursula-ADO; OpheliaHAMLET; ImogenCYMBELINE) is ecstatic to be making her Central Park stage debut this summer! She originally hails from Miami, FL, where her love for the arts and theatre was cultivated from a young age in a culturally rich environment. She sharpened her craft at the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre-Performance. Sasha is an advocate for language access, acting as the Spanish Language Café facilitator for Louisville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs in partnership with Actors Theatre of Louisville. Her recent acting credits include: Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters (Pandora Productions), Ursula in Untimely Ripp’d (Kentucky Shakespeare), and Puck, Egeus, and Philostrate in the Spring Tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Kentucky
BIOGRAPHIES
Shakespeare). She would like to thank her family for their unconditional love and support; “Though miles may lie between us, we are never far apart.”
HALLIE DIZDAREVIC
(Beatrice-ADO) is thrilled to be back on stage with her artistic family this summer! Trained at the University of the Arts and the Walden Theatre Conservatory, Hallie has been an active participant in Louisville’s arts community for the past 17 years. Hallie is passionate about harnessing the power of the arts to promote healing and connection and is currently working towards her goal of becoming a certified creative arts therapist. Favorite roles with Kentucky Shakes include Rosalind from As You Like It, Desdemona from Othello, Reagan in King Lear, the Chorus in Henry V — and of course — good ol’ Doll Tearsheet!
KATE DRURY (HeroADO; Marcellus/Player/ Ensemble-HAMLET; Lady/British Captain/ Imogen US-CYMBELINE) is honored and elated to be making her Kentucky Shakespeare debut! A Nashville native, she is a graduate of both the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, and of Northern Illinois University (BFA Acting ‘23). Previous credits include As You Like It (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), Dames at Sea (Citadel Theatre), Spirit (The Bell Witch Festival), The World Goes ‘Round (Canterbury Summer Theatre), and Much Ado About Nothing (NIU). She is both a proud Shakespeare geek and an 80’s mega-musical enthusiast. She gives all love and thanks to God, her friends,
family, and mentors, and hopes you enjoy the show!
LOGAN LEE EDWARDS (Claudio-ADO; Bernardo/ Player/Horatio USHAMLET; Messenger/ British CaptainCYMBELINE) was born and raised in Louisville, and is so excited to be making his Kentucky Shakespeare Festival debut. Logan Lee is a rising junior at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he is receiving his Bachelor of Music in Music Theater. Logan Lee attended Governor’s School for The Arts in Musical Theatre. Logan Lee has also taken to the stage as Lead Drifter in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Pompey in Measure for Measure, Javert in Les Misérables, Oliver in As You Like It (The Musical) and most recently Alec in Speed Dating Tonight (an original work). Logan Lee is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Kentucky Shakespeare’s 65th anniversary season and extends his utmost gratitude to the entire creative team for granting him this opportunity. He additionally thanks the crew, his castmates, friends, and family for their endless love and support of him pursuing his passion. INSTAGRAM: logan.lee.edwards WEBSITE: loganlee.info
BRIAN HINDS (PisanioCYMBELINE) is a theater teacher at the Youth Performing Arts School, where he has directed productions of Our Town, The Crucible, Hamlet, and (Anon)ymous. Originally from Maine, Brian spent ten years with The Children’s Theatre of Maine as an
BIOGRAPHIES
actor, instructor, and director. Since moving to Louisville in 2008, Brian has acted with Kentucky Shakespeare (Twelfth Night, Richard III, Julius Caesar, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Macbeth, Merry Wives of Windsor, Love’s Labors Lost), StageOne Family Theatre (The Odyssey, Tuck Everlasting), Savage Rose Classical Theatre (The Tempest, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Liminal Playhouse (The Fastest Clock in the Universe, Punts), Bunbury Theatre (Visiting Edna, The Weir), Chicken Coop Theater (Misery), Time Slip Theater (Coherence), and Drag Daddy Productions/ CenterStage (Bent). Brian is a member of Louisville Improvisors.
JON HUFFMAN (Friar Frances/Watch-ADO; Claudius-HAMLET; Belarius-CYMBELINE) could tell you great stories about the hundreds of plays across the country he’s acted in and directed and even written. Or he could tell you stories about his years in Hollywood, acting in dozens of major feature films and network television shows, and also stories about becoming a screenwriter in the process. Tonight, though, the only story that matters is that Jon’s lucky enough to be here, under the stars, on his favorite stage in his favorite park in his favorite town – in the company of Kentucky Shakespeare’s truly brilliant artists – sharing with you a 400-year-old story wrapped in the greatest poetry of the greatest writer in the history of the English language. Sharing this, tonight, is the best story of all.
JUSTIN JACKSON (Benedick-ADO; Player/ Osric-HAMLET; Philario/ Lucius-CYMBELINE) grew up yearning for superpowers and watching never-ending marathons of Men in Black. He honed his craft at Savannah College of Art and Design. Back in Louisville, his participation in BLM marches evolved into playing Romeo in Actors Theatre of Louisville’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet: Louisville 2020. Justin studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Escrima, and Krav Maga. His acting roles in Louisville have included Rev. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest, Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, Antipholus of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors, Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility, Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Macduff in Macbeth (Kentucky Shakespeare); Jonathan Harker in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy (Actors Theatre); the Penguin in Jack Frost Saves Christmas (Derby Dinner), and Blitz the premiere of To Battle with LouHive. Sending his immense gratitude and love to his grandmother, for instilling a love for Shakespeare in his heart. “I love you, so. I miss you, so.”
MYLON JOSEPH
(Balthasar/Watch-ADO; Guildenstern/Laertes US-HAMLET; GuideriusCYMBELINE) is a Louisville native, excited to be returning home and making his KY Shakespeare debut this season! He thanks Matt & Amy for this opportunity. Selected past credits include Hamlet (Hamlet), A Doll’s House (Torvald), Romeo & Juliet (Romeo, Lord
BIOGRAPHIES
Capulet), The Merchant of Venice (Antonio, Bassanio), The Colored Museum (Junie), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Pontius.) Training: NYU Tisch (BFA), British American Drama Academy’s Midsummer in Oxford.
WAYNE KRIGGER
(Cellist, ADO) is a faculty member in the Suzuki String Institute at the University of Louisville. He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in cello performance from UofL and, in 1983, joined the university as a teacher in the Preparatory Department. He began traveling as a guest clinician to other preparatory programs in the country to teach cello, and to coach and conduct ensembles. Locally, Wayne has conducted the Governor’s Scholar Orchestra and the All County Orchestra for Middle Schools in Kentucky. Wayne is a past member of the Louisville Orchestra and a founding member of the Highland Chamber Players. He teaches, conducts, and performs for groups of all ages throughout Louisville and beyond, and he’s glad to join Kentucky Shakespeare for the first time.
TOM LUCE (LeonatoADO; Ghost/PriestHAMLET; King Cymbeline-CYMBELINE) has been an active part of the Louisville theatre scene since 1984 when he arrived to play Ferdinand in Shakespeare in Central Park’s production of The Tempest. His more recent roles with them, now the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, include the title roles in Julius Caesar and Henry IV, Parts One and Two,
Tom Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and last year’s Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet. In the decades that followed, he has worked for over a dozen local theatre companies as an actor, director and designer. Tom was the technical director for several years at Presentation Academy, building sets for his life partner, Charlie Douglas, Pres’s drama director for whom the theatre is now dedicated and named. He has also had an active film and television career with roles on Nashville and Chicago Fire as well as over 20 feature films, including the role of Mr. Reynolds opposite Rain Pryor in the Holiday Feature Brewster’s Millions—Christmas.
ABIGAIL BAILEY
MAUPIN (Verges-ADO; Rosencrantz-HAMLET; Queen-CYMBELINE) is delighted to return to Kentucky Shakespeare, where she has been overjoyed (and terrified) to tackle some of the Bard’s more challenging roles, including Beatrice, Lady Macbeth, Kate, Mercutio, Queen Margaret, Titania, Jaques, and the Nurse. Abigail and her husband Greg have created and performed two-actor adaptations of classics such as A Christmas Carol and Jekyll & Hyde in living rooms around Louisville, with Macbeth in the works for the fall; in 2004, they co-founded Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble, and they also comprise Prohibition-era musical duo Rannygazoo. Regional and New York credits include Dracula, 43 Plays for 43 Presidents, My Fair Lady (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Sweeney Todd (Goodspeed Opera House); Babes & Dudes, Die Like a Lady (NY International Fringe Festival);
BIOGRAPHIES
Iolanthe (Village Light Opera Group, NYC); Gift of the Magi (Vermont Stage Company), Hansel and Gretel (Theatreworks/USA).
GREGORY MAUPIN
(Dogberry-ADO; Player King/Gravedigger
#1-HAMLET; IachimoCYMBELINE) is thrilled to return to Kentucky
Shakespeare as actor and dramaturg. He and his wife Abigail bring theater into people’s homes as Wingback Productions (at Gmail dot com), tour as Prohibition ukulele duo Rannygazoo, and in 2004 co-founded Louisville’s Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble. He is a charter member of
and co-founder of the Church of Grover’s Corners, which should be self-explanatory. Kentucky Shakespeare appearances include: Much Ado (Benedick), Twelfth Night (Feste 2022; Malvolio 2016), Tempest (Caliban), Midsummer (Bottom), Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio), As You Like It (Touchstone), Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Guildenstern), Pride & Prejudice (Mr. Bennet, Charlotte). With Actors Theatre: A Christmas Carol: Ghost Story (solo) Luna Gale (Cliff), At the Vanishing Point (Martin), Our Town (Simon Stimson), Midsummer (Flute), Macbeth, 43 Plays for 43 Presidents. Gregory graduated from Dell’Arte International
BIOGRAPHIES
BRADEN McCAMPBELL
(Don Pedro-ADO) spent two years as an artist educator with Kentucky Shakespeare several years ago. He has appeared onstage with the company in Untimely Ripp’d, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Twelfth Night, Richard III, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare in Love, Henry V, King Lear, Henry IV Part II, As You Like It, Romeo & Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, Macbeth, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. He regularly performs with the Va Va Vixens.
-CYMBELINE) is a proud Louisville transplant from Illinois, and is grateful to spend another summer under the stars at Kentucky Shakespeare. Recent acting credits include Shakespeare & Company’s Macbeth (Macbeth); Actors Theatre of Louisville’s King John, The Wolves, Dracula, Dracula: the Radio Play, and Are You There? in the Humana Festival of New American Plays; Kentucky Shakespeare’s The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolen Fairfax), Comedy of Errors (Adriana), and Romeo & Juliet (Mercutio), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Pride & Prejudice (Lizzy Bennet), and Twelfth Night (Viola); and various productions at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Hope Repertory Theatre, and others. Directing credits include She Kills Monsters with Pandora Productions, and As You Like It with three witches
shakespeare. Mollie is an alum of Hope College and Shakespeare & Company’s Center for Actor Training, a proud member of the Ring of Keys Network.
JENNIFER PENNINGTON
(Gertrude-HAMLET) has loved spending her summers with you and these wonderful artists! KY Shakespeare roles include: Prospera in The Tempest, Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest, Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Missus Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Duchess of York in Richard III, Tamora in Titus Andronicus, Mistress Quickly in Henry IV Parts I & II, Emilia in Othello, Duchess of York in Richard II, and Portia in Julius Caesar. Other local credits: understudy for Van Helsing in Dracula (Actors Theatre of Louisville); A Streetcar Named Desire, Cabaret and The Trojan Women (Commonwealth Theatre Center); Qualities of Starlight and Rich Girl (Theatre [502]); and King Lear and Twelfth Night (Savage Rose Classical Theatre). Regional credits include: The Hoboken Chicken Emergency (SouthCoast Repertory Theatre, CA); Medea (Boston Court Theatre, CA); and The Hostage (Theatre Banshee, CA). She is currently Professor of Acting at the University of Louisville - home of the African American Theatre Program.
NEILL ROBERTSON
(Conrade-ADO; Player Queen/EnsembleHAMLET; ClotenCYMBELINE) has been acting with Kentucky Shakespeare since 2015!
BIOGRAPHIES
Previous shows with the company include: The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane/ Merriman), Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence), The Comedy of Errors (Courtesan), The Tempest (Ariel), Sense and Sensibility (Fanny/Sir Jon Middleton), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Flute), Macbeth (Hecate), Love’s Labor’s Lost (Moth), Pride and Prejudice (Wickham, Collins, Caroline), Twelfth Night (Toby), Richard III (Richard), Henry VI (Richard), King Lear (Edgar), The Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Syracuse), Richard II (King Richard), Titus Andronicus in Butchertown (Saturninus), The Winter’s Tale (Autolycus), Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt), and The Taming of the Shrew (Tranio), as well as the spring tours of Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Julius Caesar. Neill was most recently seen in the title role of Macbeth with three witches shakespeare, and has also worked with Actors Theatre of Louisville, StageOne Family Theatre, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Commonwealth Theatre Center, Pandora Productions, Theatre [502], and Savage Rose Classical Theatre Co. For Alfie!
TAI
ROSENBLATT
(Don John-ADO; HoratioHAMLET; ArviragusCYMBELINE) is making his summer debut with Kentucky Shakespeare! KY Shakespeare spring tour credits: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon/Theseus), Julius Caesar (Marc Antony/Decius), and Hamlet (Guildenstern/ Marcellus). Louisville credits include StageOne Family Theatre (Number The Stars, Last Stop on Market Street), Actors Theatre of Louisville (New Works Festival). Selected regional credits: Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park (Rutka: A New
Musical, The Velveteen Rabbit), Human Race Theatre Company (Camelot), Oregon Cabaret Theatre (Legally Blonde), Cincinnati Landmark Productions (Meet Me In St. Louis, The Addams Family, Bye Bye Birdie), and Kincaid Regional Theatre (She Loves Me). He has a BFA in musical theatre from Northern Kentucky University. He is a member of the Asian American Theatre Artists Collective. Tai thanks his friends, family, and KY Shakespeare for their continued support.
KYLE WARE (PoloniusHAMLET) is an actor, educator, artist, and writer. Acting credits with the company include Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Titus Andronicus, Henry IV Parts 1 & II, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare in Love, Henry V, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Kyle is now in his tenth year as the director of the Globe Players professional training program, directing their productions of Julius Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, Romeo & Juliet, and The Comedy of Errors. He has served as the Director of Education at Kentucky Shakespeare since 2014 and received the 2023 Barbara Cullen Theatre Educator Award. He is Co-Artistic Director of Think Tank Theatre, a collaborative theatre ensemble, and was a Producing Founding Artistic Director of Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville.
CRYSTIAN WILTSHIRE
(Borachio-ADO; LaertesHAMLET) is a kid from
KY Lottery has funded over $5 BILLION for scholarships and grants.
KY Lottery has funded over $5 BILLION for scholarships and grants.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream this year with Kentucky Shakespeare!
MADISON HARMON (Beatrice US-ADO) is an actor, artist, and storyteller with a passion for sharing stories that resonate with audiences and inspire them to think, feel, and believe. She has spent the last year falling in love with William’s Shakespeare plays and poems, working as an Artist Educator with Kentucky Shakespeare, getting to tour the Commonwealth performing in different productions like Shakespeare Alive! and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Two Actor. Madison graduated from Western Kentucky University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Charlotte in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief, and Yenchna in Fools. Madison is so excited to be working with Kentucky Shakespeare to bring theatre to the youth within our community and region. She is very passionate about making the arts accessible to everyone, so working with Kentucky Shakespeare is a dream come true!
ROBERT ERDMAN (Posthumus Leonatus US-CYMBELINE) is originally from Melbourne, Florida, but has come to love the cities and mountains here in Louisville! He has spent the past year here as a new artist educator with Kentucky Shakespeare’s Education Team. He’s ecstatic to be a part of the summer tour team, as well as a part of the summer company! You may have seen him in our spring library tours of A Midsummer Night’s Dream or guiding guests as one of our docents in Untimely Ripp’d. He’s also worked with The Lost Colony playing Father Martin and as Puppet Captain, and with ValleyFair a part of their Tricks & Treats event!
He hopes you all enjoy the summer season, and continue to support the arts in both education, and on the stage!
ASHLEY WINGO (Hamlet US-HAMLET) is an Artist Educator who relocated from Jackson, Tennessee, and was born and raised in the south of Mississippi. After achieving her associate’s degree (Hinds Community College) and her BFA in Stage and Screen Acting (The University of Mississippi), Ashley worked professionally in Jackson for a year. She found herself moving to the city of Louisville soon after to begin her new position with Kentucky Shakespeare as a touring artist and actor. Ashley will reprise her position with Kentucky Shakespeare as part of the Summer Education Touring group. Outside of her college and professional career, Ashley achieved the title of Actor Combatant through the Society of American Fight Directors and plans to continue learning as she is a student at heart. In her free time, you can find Ashley with an iced latte, watching her favorite film, or playing her favorite role-playing game. She is grateful for the constant support she receives from her partner, friends, and family.
DIRECTORS
AMY ATTAWAY (Director – HAMLET) proudly serves as the Associate Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare and the facilitator of Shakespeare with Veterans. For Kentucky Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter’s Tale, Richard II, Henry IV Parts I & II, Henry V (twice), Richard III, Macbeth, and The Comedy of Errors in Central Park; The Importance of Being Earnest in Actors Theatre’s Pamela Brown Auditorium; Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,
BIOGRAPHIES
Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility at the Bomhard Theater; The War of the Worlds and Night of the Living Dead at Louisville Public Media; Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses at Ky Shakes HQ; and the spring tours of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet (twice), and Julius Caesar. Amy sometimes sneaks away to direct at her alma mater, the University of Evansville (Twelfth Night, The Royal Society of Antarctica). She is co-founded the local company Theatre [502], where she directed the regional premieres of The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls, River City, Red Speedo, Auctioning the Ainsleys, Broadsword: a heavy metal play and Futura, as well as the world premiere commissions The Two Lobbyists of Verona and The Stranger and
Ludlow Quinn. Amy spent five seasons as Associate Director of the Professional Training Company at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where she directed several commissioned works in the Humana Festival of New American Plays, including Sleep Rock Thy Brain, Oh, Gastronomy! and The End. Amy is a Louisville native and is glad to make her home here with her fantastic husband and daughter.
MATT WALLACE (Director – ADO, CYMBELINE) is in his twelfth season as Producing Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare, where he has directed productions including Romeo & Juliet, The Tempest, Untimely Ripp’d: an immersive macabre Macbeth experience, The Woman in Black, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Enter
BIOGRAPHIES
Ghost: an immersive haunted Hamlet experience, Twelfth Night, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare in Love, The Turn of the Screw, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Macbeth, Celebrate 60: the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Anniversary Production, As You Like It, King Lear, The Comedy of Errors, Othello, Titus Andronicus, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Macbeth, Hamlet, and Richard III. Favorite acting credits with the company since 2001 include the Player and Guildenstern in productions of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Orlando in As You Like It, and his first shows with the company in 2001 - Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Dumaine in Love’s Labor’s Lost. He has also been Director of Shakespeare Behind Bars at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex since 2009. Previously, he served as an Artistic Associate with Kentucky Shakespeare from 2001-2010, was Director of Children’s Theatre at Derby Dinner Playhouse, and directed and performed at Chicago theatres and theatres across the Midwest. Matt met his wife Tina Jo at Kentucky Shakespeare 24 summers ago, proposed to her on this Central Park stage, and they are the proud parents of two inspiring teenagers.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION TEAM
ERIC ALLGEIER (Scenic Designer) is a Louisville native and has been a freelance scenic designer for over 25 years. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Scenic Design from Boston University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Spalding
University. Eric was the scenic design faculty member at The Youth Performing Arts School from 2006-2019. Some theatres Eric has worked for include: San Francisco Opera, Opera East Texas, Florida State University, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Kentucky Opera, The Louisville Ballet, Wolftrap Opera, Boston Playwright’s Theatre, Pandora Productions, and The Liminal Playhouse. For Kentucky Shakespeare, he has designed Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, The Importance of Being Earnest and is excited to be back for his second summer season.
CHRISTINA BOOKER (Music DirectorADO). Founder of CLB Voice Studio, Christina Booker is a performer, Music Director, and Music Educator who resides in Louisville, Kentucky. She holds a Master of Education (Kodály) from Loyola University Maryland, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Louisville. She enjoys working with students and artists of all walks of life and serves on faculty for Bellarmine University and Indiana University Southeast. She has performed in various states, and internationally and often collaborates and Music Directs with local organizations such as Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kentucky Opera, Pandora Productions, Faith Works Studios, and Redline Performing Arts. She is thrilled to be back at Kentucky Shakespeare for Much Ado About Nothing this summer.
EMILY BURNS (Production Stage Manager) is excited for another great summer season! She is a Louisville transplant from Texas and is so thankful to the arts community for welcoming her in and making Kentucky feel like home. Emily has stage managed the Kentucky
BIOGRAPHIES
Shakespeare Festival the last 4 years, as well as their winter productions of The Importance of Being Ernest, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Other local credits include work with StageOne Family Theatre, Kentucky Opera, the Louisville Ballet, Pandora Productions, and Infinity Productions. Emily thanks her family for their love and support, and a special thank you to her fiancé, Nash, for always rolling with the crazy.
STEPHAN CARPENTER (Sound Engineer) is a filmmaker and theatre artist based in Louisville. This is his third season with Kentucky Shakespeare, and he is so excited to be back in the park with this amazing and talented group of people! Outside of here, Stephan is the Program
Coordinator and Box-Office Manager for the University of Louisville’s Department of Theatre Arts as well as the resident sound engineer for Pandora Productions. When he’s not backstage making theatre, he’s making films with his new production company, Cinema Family Productions.
CASEY CLARK (Lighting Design). M.F.A. I’m glad to revisit Hamlet and Much Ado, and to dive into the world of Cymbeline. I hope you all enjoy these productions as much as we enjoy bringing them to the stage.
MAVRICK COOK (Lead Carpenter) is a senior at the University of Louisville, majoring in Theatre Arts with a Minor in Film. Throughout his career at the University of Louisville, Mavrick has made it his goal to learn all theatre
BIOGRAPHIES
departments to gain more of an understanding of their roles as he seeks to become a technical director. On his journey in the world of theatre, Mavrick has developed many technical skills in AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Twinmotion and many other programs outside of the typical drafting sites. His mission is to bring people’s visions to fruition as he dedicates his time to creating immersive worlds on stage.
JESSE CRULL (Wardrobe Supervisor).
Born and raised in Jeffersonville, Jesse Crull is a Southern Indiana native and recent graduate from Indiana University
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 1-26, 2025
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by David Catlin at Kentucky Shakespeare’s Headquarters TICKETS: kyshakespeare.com/season/ frankenstein
January 9-18, 2026
Jane Austen’s Emma by Kate Hamill
at Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Pamela Brown Auditorium presented in partnership with Actors Theatre of Louisville TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 1 at kyshakespeare.com and actorstheatre.org
February 7, 2026
Kentucky Shakespeare’s Shakespeare in Love Gala at 21c Museum Hotel
March 2026
Shakespeare in the Libraries
Two-Actor The Tempest Tour
April – May 2026
Shakespeare in the Parks
The Tempest Tour
May 27 – August 9, 2026
66th Season of Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park
Follow us!
Southeast. Before transferring to IUS in 2022, Jesse discovered their love for costumes while attending the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, where they worked as a costume technician. During their time at IUS, they primarily studied costume technology with a special interest in costume design. Jesse was a part of various shows while at IUS, working as wardrobe head for Spitfire Grill, Bright Star, Twelfth Night, the world premiere of Thereafter (directed by IU alumni Daniel J. Barrett), and Sweat. Jesse hopes to someday continue their education in costume design and technologies and is very excited to be a part of the crew at Kentucky Shakespeare this summer season.
LAURA ELLIS (Sound Designer) is celebrating the Big 1-0, baby! This is her tenth season designing sound for Kentucky Shakespeare. But she’s felt like she belonged here for much longer, because she was in the audience, and that makes you a part of this community. Laura is a Peabody Award-winning producer and sound designer who’s worked in audio since 2004. Laura also does sound design for Pandora Productions and Looking for Lilith, and produces audio journalism with Louisville Public Media. She lives with her wife Jonese in South Louisville, where they’re outnumbered by four perfect dogs named Barkley, Radar, Lamar and Wendell.
IAN FITZGERALD (House Manager) is a recent graduate of the University of Louisville with a B.S. in Theater Arts, and he is delighted to return to the team this summer! He has worked locally with Kentucky Shakespeare, Kentucky Opera, Pandora Productions, and the University of Louisville as an actor, stage manager,
BIOGRAPHIES
and backstage crew. Recent work includes Fairview (UofL, SM), She Kills Monsters (UofL, SM), Sense & Sensibility (Kentucky Shakespeare, ASM), the 2024 Kentucky Shakespeare Festival (ASM), and Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick, UofL).
ERIC FRANTZ (Fight ChoreographerHAMLET, CYMBELINE) is excited to work with Kentucky Shakespeare again this summer! He has been a stage combatant and choreographer in Louisville for over 20 years. Eric has choreographed Hamlet several times and it remains one of his favorite Shakespearean plays. This will be his first time choreographing Cymbeline. When he’s not fighting, Eric is the programs manager for the historic steamer Belle of Louisville. Eric would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Kentucky Shakespeare for making Central Park such a wonderful place for theatre!
SAMANTHA HACKER (Assistant Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be working with Kentucky Shakespeare again! She served as stage management intern last summer, with credits including the Globe Players’ Julius Caesar (ASM) and the Louisville Ballet’s King Lear (ASM). She holds a B.A. from Bellarmine University and is working towards her M.A. at the University of Kentucky. Her most recent credit is stage managing Woodford Theatre’s repertory productions of The Odd Couple and The Odd Couple: Female Version. Acting credits include Unicorn in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Woodford Theatre), #00 in The Wolves (Bellarmine University), and Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (Bellarmine University).
ZANE HALL (Assistant Lighting Supervisor) is happy to come back to Kentucky Shakespeare for another
summer. This is his second summer here and he is excited to put on more Shakespeare. Zane got his BA in theater from Bellarmine University and has been involved in the local theater scene ever since, freelancing around Louisville. He’s been a part of many productions with Bluegrass Production Studio, the Jewish Community Center, and StageOne as both carpenter and electrician.
CHARLES HEIGHTCHEW (Costume Shop Draper) is happy to be with Kentucky Shakespeare again. He started his costume career at The Louisville Ballet and StageOne Children’s Theatre. After working for OTSL, Santa Fe Opera and Virginia Opera he was head of costumes for Boston Ballet for two decades. He has designed for many theaters including Vienna State Ballet and Scottish Ballet. He has worked in theatre, opera, film, and ballet, and has his own men’s accessories company OneMagnificentBeast.
BRENDA JOHNSON (Gift Shop Manager) has been volunteering and working with the Festival for over forty-five years. She enjoys spending time with her family which also includes her daughter, Holly and son-in-law Pete. She cherishes time with her wonderful friends, Connie, Jeanine, Linda, and Marty and has adopted two very energetic kittens Buddy and Sally! She hopes that you will all come back again and again and volunteer! Help us to keep Douglas Ramey’s vision alive by making your own history under the stars in Central Park!
WAYNE KRIGGER (Composer, CYMBELINE). See bio under Actors.
LINDSAY KRUPSKI (Lighting Supervisor) is a freelance lighting designer/
BIOGRAPHIES
electrician, and she is delighted to be with Kentucky Shakespeare for another season! This is her 6th summer season and she also worked on Untimely Ripp’d, The Woman in Black, Enter Ghost., Shakespeare’s R&J, Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, The Turn of the Screw, and Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Macbeth Since moving to Louisville, she has designed with many local theatre and dance companies. Lindsay grew up in Wisconsin and holds a B.F.A. from UW-Milwaukee. In her free time, Lindsay loves crocheting and listening to Taylor Swift.
DONNA LAWRENCE-DOWNS (Costume Designer) has designed the costumes for Kentucky Shakespeare for the last twelve seasons, including all the summer festival productions as well as all spring tours and indoor productions, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Woman in Black, Enter Ghost, Turn of the Screw, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot: Macbeth, Titus Andronicus, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, Twelfth Night, The War of the Worlds, and Night of the Living Dead. Donna has designed over 400 shows for more than 31 theatres in her 35-year career, including a stint at KSF in the 1990’s, 17 seasons with StageOne Family Theatre, 14 seasons with Music Theatre Louisville, CenterStage, Bellarmine University, Louisville Ballet, Kentucky Opera, and Pandora Productions. One of Donna’s favorite projects is designing costumes for Shakespeare Behind Bars, which she has done for the last 15 years. Donna and her husband also own Life is Sweet Small Batch Treats Bakery.
GREGORY MAUPIN (Dramaturg/Editor). See bio under Actors.
RACHEL MEADORS (Festival Manager) is a local stage manager, actor, and teaching artist. She is delighted to be returning to work with Kentucky Shakespeare for a fifth year, but in a new role! Most recently she stage managed Kentucky Shakespeare’s fall show, Untimely Ripp’d, and spring tour, Macbeth. Other local credits include Much Ado About Nothing (three witches shakespeare, ASM), Over My Dead Body (This Bridge Theatre, SM), Defining Infinity (Looking for Lilith, SM), and As You Like It (three witches shakespeare, Denis/Corin). Rachel would like to thank Kentucky Shakespeare for all the opportunities and her partner Max for being along for the ride.
SAM POWERS (Properties Manager) is excited to be returning to Kentucky Shakespeare! He is a Kentucky native who grew up just outside of Louisville. Sam managed props for the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival last year as well as for their indoor shows Untimely Ripp’d, and The Importance of Being Earnest. He has also worked locally as a prop artisan at Actors Theatre of Louisville on Party People, Loving and Loving, Dracula, and Flex.
HANNAH PRUITT (Intimacy Director) has been a part of the Kentucky Shakespeare team since 2012 and currently serves as the Director of Creative Engagement where she trains our Artist Educators, creates curriculum for workshops and residencies, cultivates relationships with arts education advocates, and leads her favorite KS program - Camp Shakespeare! Hannah has completed her training to become a certified Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, Inc. and is in her working mentorship
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program with them. As the Resident Intimacy Director with the company, some of her work has been seen in Shakespeare’s R&J, Sense & Sensibility, Romeo & Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and the Macbeth Spring Tour - among others. In the community, she has recently worked as the Intimacy Director with the University of Louisville’s Theatre Department (The Love of Three Oranges), three witches shakespeare (Much Ado), Looking for Lilith (Just Cause), and Derby Dinner Playhouse (Singin’ in the Rain). Hannah hails from the lovely city of Henderson, KY and she graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.S. in Theatre Arts. To connect with her, visit hannaheileenpruitt.weebly.com.
TYLER TATE (Choreographer-ADO)
Thrilled to return and contribute to the summer season at KY Shakespeare, Tyler holds a degree from Alabama State University’s Theater Arts Department and a Master’s from the University of Louisville. His previous shows at Kentucky Shakespeare include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Shakespeare in Love, Henry V, and Richard III. Based in Louisville and Southern Indiana, Tyler’s work spans roles as an artist, educator, writer, actor, choreographer, and director.
PEYTON ROBBINS (Stitcher) is thrilled to be returning to Kentucky Shakespeare as a stitcher after working as the costume and wardrobe intern last summer following their graduation from the University of Northern Iowa. In between seasons they have worked in technical theatre as a carpenter at Stage One Family Theatre, as a stitcher at Kentucky Opera, and both of Kentucky Shakespeare’s indoor productions. They
have also worked as a teaching artist with Drama by George in local schools. You may have seen them performing in three witches shakespeare’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, Pandora Productions’ Yeti For Love, or Looking for Lilith’s Just Cause. They are so grateful to be returning to the company that brought them to Louisville and are excited for another amazing summer in the park!
WILLIAM YOUNG (Assistant Sound Engineer) is happy to join Kentucky Shakespeare for a third year! He’s from North Carolina and graduated from Brevard College with a B.A. in theatre. His sound design credits include The World Over, Next to Normal, and A Christmas Carol Show.
BEKKI JO SCHNEIDER INTERN COMPANY
KATE DRURY (Acting intern)
See bio under Actors.
LOGAN LEE EDWARDS (Acting intern)
See bio under Actors.
ISABELLA SCHOTT (Arts Administration intern) is a recent graduate of Ball State University’s theatre directing program where she was able to gain new theatrical skills while working in educational and community theatre. She is excited to be working at her first professional theatre
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company and continuing her journey at Kentucky Shakespeare!
GIA GURALNIK (Costumes intern) was drawn to the artistry of clothing at a young age, hand-sewing at the kitchen table as early as 4 years old. She honed her craft and developed a keen eye for storytelling through fabric at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, KY. Driven by her immense passion, she continues her journey at Webster University, pursuing a degree in Costume Design to transform her dream into a professional career.
SIERRA CONNER (Education/Kids’ Globe intern) is a rising junior at Northern Kentucky University, and was a Globe Player with Kentucky Shakespeare
in 2023. They are excited to return to Louisville and work with young people in the park!
SIERRA SHEARD (Education/Camp Shakespeare intern) is a current graduate student at the University of Louisville, where she studies the philosophy of art. She first fell in love with Shakespeare when she read Romeo and Juliet in high school, and this love intensified after completing a study abroad program in Shakespearean production. While she loves all of the Bard’s work, her favorite is Hamlet.
LACHLAN APPLE (Education/Globe Players intern) is a rising sophomore at Elon University, double majoring in Acting and Arts Administration. Lachlan
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was born and raised in Louisville and has acted around town since they were eight. As an alumnus of the Globe Players, Lachlan is delighted to be helping out again this year.
GIANNA ALCALA (Lighting intern) is an undergraduate Theatre Arts major at the University of Louisville with a focus in lighting design. She has served as Front of House Manager for She Kills Monsters, Gem of the Ocean, Miss Holmes, and The Love of Three Oranges. Gianna was the Assistant Sound Designer for The Love of Three Oranges (Spring 2025) and is currently Assistant Lighting Designer for Blues for an Alabama Sky. Outside of technical theatre, Gianna loves singing and musical theatre. She is thrilled to be a part of the Kentucky Shakespeare Intern Company this season!
NATHANIEL BRANTLEY (Front of House intern) is a rising sophomore at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Nate has a lot of experience with the Bard, playing roles such as Don Adriano De Armado, Sir Toby Belch, Theseus, and Hamlet. He is super excited to be working with the Bekki Jo Schneider Intern Company as a part of the front of house team!
ALLIE RAHMAN (Front of House intern) is a Louisville native and graduate of GSA’s Drama program, Walden Conservatory, and Ballard High School. Currently a student at Catawba College, they are working towards a BFA in Theatre Arts Performance, a BS in Entertainment Industries, and a Musical Theatre minor. A bit of a jack of all trades, Allie is happy to work in the park this summer to bring the magic of Shakespeare to life!
IAN BISCHOFF (Production intern) is an undergraduate Theatre Arts major at the University of Louisville with a focus
in acting and scenic design. He has been the Master Carpenter for all UofL’s productions since spring 2024. Ian is excited to be working with Kentucky Shakespeare and plans on taking his skills into future professions when he graduates in 2027.
AUSTIN HINTON (Production Intern) is honored to be returning for his second season with KY Shakespeare. His passion for the arts started at The Stephen Foster Story in 2015 when he played a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. In 2019
Austin transitioned from the stage to crew and quickly found his true passion. He graduated in 2024 from ECTC and has pursued lighting and technical jobs working with KY Classic Arts, Stephen Foster, Highview Arts, Butler HS, North Oldham HS, Derby Dinner and StageOne since then. He would like to thank all those who have taught him the ropes of backstage life and helped he find his passion.
SYDNEY COLLINS (Properties Intern) is a sophomore theatre major at Bellarmine University. Her most recent productions include Romeo and Juliet (2024), She Kills Monsters (2024), and Dracula: Comedy of Terrors (2025). She is excited to join Kentucky Shakespeare and looks forward to learning, growing, and sharing her passion for theatre this season.
KENNEDY TANDY (Stage Management intern) is a rising senior Theater Major at Bellarmine University and is excited to be working alongside these talented people. They have worked on many productions over the years and hope to continue after graduating. They would like to thank their family for always supporting them and their performances.
LaShondra Hood University of Louisville African American Theatre Program
Stephen Kubiatowski CareATC
Paula O. Lockhart Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts
Javan Reed Simmons College of Kentucky
Craig Schmitt Brown-Forman
Jodi Smiley Environs Inc.
Kerry Wang Aetna
Phillip Allen, Emeritus AJ Capital Partners
Mera Cossey Corlett, Emeritus
Okolona Baptist Church
David James, Emeritus Office of Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg
Jonathan Smith, Ex-Officio Hanover College
KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE STAFF
Matt Wallace Producing Artistic Director
Amy Attaway Associate Artistic Director
Kyle Ware Director of Education
Hannah Pruitt Director of Creative Engagement
Emily Burns Production State Manager
Beth Tantanella Merrick Bookkeeper
2024 - 2025 EDUCATION TEAM
Artist Educators
Eli Borwick, Robert Erdman, Madison Harmon, Ashley Wingo
Associate Teaching Artists and Instructors Gregory Maupin, Keith McGill, Mollie Murk
Spring Tour, Macbeth
Ashley Nicole Cabrera, Henry DelBello, Chase Howard, Leonard Peterson III, Liza Rash; Rachel Meadors, Stage Manager; Melanie Kibbler, understudy
MISSION
Grounded in the works of Shakespeare, we enrich communities through accessible, inclusive, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain diverse audiences.
VISION
To use Shakespeare’s truths and the power of the arts to transform lives. Shakespeare belongs to everyone.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Kentucky Shakespeare acknowledges we are situated on the traditional land of the Adena, Hopewell, Miami, Osage, Shawnee, and ᎠᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East) people. We respect their enduring presence and historical stewardship of these lands.
ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT
As artists and educators, we are committed to holding the “mirror up to nature,” while creating a safe and welcoming space at our performances, in the community, and in the classroom.
We recognize racism and inequality in our community and the country, and we commit ourselves to anti-racism. We believe that Black lives matter.
We commit to outreach and inclusion of people of all abilities, races, creeds, religions, genders, and sexual identities.
We acknowledge that we are a non-profit arts organization grounded in the works of Shakespeare and commit to exploring Shakespeare’s truths while never losing sight of the fact that not all experiences emanate from a white European vantage point.
We commit to deeply listening to our BIPOC community members, within and outside of our organization. We commit to learning, never being satisfied, and creating positive change – proactively committing our efforts and resources to building anti-racist, inclusive, equitable, and empathetic spaces and experiences for all.
ABOUTKentucky Shakespeare serves communities through the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, education programs for schools, public performances, and community outreach programs. Currently in its 65th season, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park is the longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the United States. As the most comprehensive in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth, Kentucky Shakespeare serves schools throughout the region with interactive educational programming directly tied to academic standards, helping impact student achievement. Our many community programs explore conflict resolution, empathy building, and communication, in a range of settings from parks to prisons, from preschools to senior centers.
What we do:
• PERFORMANCES: Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, Shakespeare in the Parks tour, Shakespeare in the Libraries tour, Indoor productions during the year
• EDUCATION PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP TOUR: Two-Actor A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Alive!, Macbeth spring tour, Voice of Social Change: Ira Aldridge, Living History: We the People, Living History: Kentucky History, Bard Buddies, Fairy Tales from Around the World, Hip-Hop Shakespeare, Conflict Resolution and Anti-Bullying, Acting Fundamentals, Stage Combat, Staging Shakespeare, Renaissance Dance, Discovering Shakespeare, Mathematics of Shakespearean Design, and Voices of Young Women
• CAMPS AND CLASSES: Camp Shakespeare, Shakespeare Off the Page
• COMMUNITY PROGRAMS: Shakespeare with Veterans, Juvenile Justice Arts Program, Shakespeare with Immigrants and Refugees, Survivorship Shakespeare, Community Residencies, Hosparus Program
Kentucky Shakespeare has been recognized by the Folger Library and the Kentucky Humanities Council for exemplary programming, is a multiyear recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Shakespeare in American Communities program and is a past recipient of the Kentucky Governor’s Award in the Arts. Kentucky Shakespeare has been awarded multiple LEO Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards, Broadway World Louisville Regional Awards, Arts-Louisville Awards, the 2015 Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Art of Vision Pyramid Award, the 2017 Louisville Awards in the Arts Bobby Petrino Family Foundation Arts Impact Award, and the 2019 Arts for All Kentucky Community Partner Award for arts inclusion work with people with disabilities.
C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | 1340 S. Fourth Street | Central Park, Old Louisville
“If money go before, all ways do lie open.” – The Comedy of Errors
Mail:
Kentucky Shakespeare 616 Myrtle Street Louisville, KY 40208
In Person:
Visit Will’s Gift Shop at the back of the amphitheater tonight to make credit card or cash donations!
Put Will in Your Will!
Did you know August is National Make-A-Will Month? Interested in including Kentucky Shakespeare in your estate plans? Let us know and help Keep Will Free as part of your legacy, for generations to come! Contact Producing Artistic Director Matt Wallace, matt@kyshakespeare.com, 502.574.9900, ext. 12.
THE STRATFORD SOCIETY
The Stratford Society is open to supporters who donate a gift of at least $1,564, in honor of the year Shakespeare was born. Stratford Society members serve as key community ambassadors for Kentucky Shakespeare, keeping Shakespeare in the Park free for everyone. As a member, you will enjoy exclusive previews, premieres, receptions, opportunities for theatre and theatre-themed excursions. For more information or to join the Stratford Society, please call Producing Artistic Director Matt Wallace at 502.574.9900 or email matt@kyshakespeare.com
2024-2025 KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE STRATFORD SOCIETY MEMBERS
STRATFORD LEGACY
The Max Baumgardner Charitable Trust, in support of the Bekki Jo Schneider
Intern Company
STRATFORD ROYALTY
Anonymous
Thomas Gerstle
Scott and JoAnn Haner, in memory of John Gatton, may he rest in peace
Charlie and Jenny Marsh
Don Stevens and Libby Marbury
Vivian Ruth Sawyer
Mac and Jessica Thompson, White Clay
Kerry and Kat Wang
STRATFORD NOBILITY
Anonymous
Phillip and Teri Allen
Tim and Dair Mathistad
Ellen Morrison Kelley, in memory of William “Tex” Wells, company member 1976-1977
Rick and Becky Reed
Steve & Lynne Rodeheffer
Drs. Catherine Newton and Gordon Strauss
Margaret Tanguay, Gretchen Brown, and Heather Tanguay, in memory of Peter Tanguay
STRATFORD SOCIETY
Anonymous
The 1300 Association
Charles & Sheelah Anderson
Alan and Kathy Attaway
Richard & Karen Berglund
Turney P. Berry and Kendra D. Foster
Anya Bond-Beckley
Sara Smith Bowman
Laura and Michael Bryant
Randall Caldwell
Meghan and Ari Caplan
David and Candy Cherry
Elizabeth A. Cherry
Brad and Michelle Comer
Kevin & Mera Cossey Corlett
Ian and Emilee Crawford
Glenn Crothers and Tracy K’Meyer
Sarah DeGeorge
David and Lucille Fannin
Rosie Felfle
Jeff & Karen Filcik
Lea H. Fischbach
Jonese Franklin & Laura Ellis
McKenzie Gary
John Spalding Gatton
Stephen C. Gault
Robbin and Steve Goodin
Alan and Joan Gould
Alexis Rich & Allen Harris
Shannon Harris and Joe Hufnagle
The Holwerda Family
Tabitha Hernandez
LaShondra Hood
Thaddeus Hoover
The Jarboe Family
Gary and Maureen Kingry
Stephen Kubiatowski and Rebecca Seidel
Paula O. Lockhart
Alan and Joyce MacDonald
Kay Madrick
Charley Nold
Thomas and Beth Ording
Andy Perry & John Sistarenik
Petruska Family
Carol Pye
Javan Reed
Craig Schmitt
Ruth Simons
Jodi Smiley
Kenney and Cathy Snell
Lincoln and Laura Snyder
Robert and Silvana Steen
Jerry and Joanne Wallace
Brooke Zimmerman
Jessica and Ziggy Zubric
2024 - 2025 DONORS
Kentucky Shakespeare, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, relies on the support of our community to provide free Shakespeare and multiple outreach programs. All donations are tax-exempt. We would like to thank the following individuals for their generous support in the 2024-2025 fiscal year!
DUCHESS
Anonymous
Laura Beasley
Belgravia Court Association
Stephen and Sharon Berger
Barbara Berman
Edith S. Bingham
Cecile Blau
Mark Blessinger
Cornelia Bonnie
Meredith Brown
Larry and Chris Church
Jonathan and Rebecca Cohen
Scott and Coleen Costar
Dennis Coyne
The Barbara F. Cullen Fund
Clarice A. Denoux
Carl Friesen
Frost Brown Todd LLP
Mark Gibbs
Sally-Ann Greenfield and Bruce Smith
Greg and Kim Greenwood
Clare Hirn and David Henry
Katherine Dittmeier Holm
Shirley Howard
Thomas & Patrice Huckaby
Breck and Rhonda Jones
Jim and Jeanette Kays
Benjamin King
South Fourth Street Association
Todd Lowe and Frances Ratterman, in honor of Amy’s good work!
Phil and Susan Lynch
Mapother Family Memorial Fund - Katherine, Amy, and William Mapother
Colette and Chris Mattingly
Sharon Mattingly
Cathy and David Mekus
Dan Minton, in honor of Amy and Shakespeare with Veterans
David Moore and Katrina Anderson
Robert C. & Penelope P. Person
Sally Phennicie
Mitch and Cindee Rapp
Austin Readhoff
Karen and John Rippy
The Robertson Family, in honor of Matt, Amy and the entire staff of KY Shakes
Ben and Cathy Robertson, in honor of Donna Lawrence-Downs
Second Street Neighborhood Association
Sean Sinnott
Betty L. Smith
Jonathan Smith
Stephen R. Spanyer
Melody and Bruce Sterling
Christina Stottmann
Terry and Sue Strange
Benjamin Vaughan
Beth and Don Wagner
Jim and Marianne Welch
Skip White
Nick Wilkerson
Louise and Richard Wolford
Stephen and Coretta Wolford
EARL
Anonymous (7)
Dr. Garrett and Lane Adams
Emma Aprile and Andrew Rosenthal
Jim & Beverly Bartlett Turner
The Betsills
Dr. and Mrs. A.T. Blanford
Todd Blankenship
Bill Bolte
Mattie and Bob Brown
John and Kati Brundage
Russell Byrd
Robert and Carol Carnighan
Gilbert D. Cheatham
David R. Clark
Kelly Clark
Andrea Clifford
Terrence Cody
Brian and Allysan Comstock
Clarice Connelly, in memory of Bekki Jo Schneider
Jeff and Marjorie Conner
Agnes Cox
Jim Crosetti & Mary Conner
Irwin and Carol Cutler
Judith Danovitch and Nick Noles
Vincent and Kathleen Decker
Ann and David Derrick
Mike and Heather DiEnno
Angela and Doug Dowell
Melissa and Ken Draut
Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing, Spalding University
John David Dyche and Laura Harbolt
Jordan Dye
Katie Edwards
Kristin Ems
Environs Inc.
Deborah R. Feger
Mary Forsee
Leslie and Gregg Fowler
Heather French
Teresa Fultz
Mr. Greg Fischer and Dr. Alexandra Gerassimides
Larry and Ricky Gettleman
Dr. Greg and Keiren Gillum
Jeffrey Goldberg
Linda and Stuart Goldberg
Lynn and Bob Graham
Diane Haag, in memory of Dr. John Gatton
John Hamilton
Susan Hamilton
E. Lynn Hampton
Leslie Norton Harbold
Charlotte Harmon
Dr. Tom Harper
Paula C. Harshaw
Carol Hartlage
Dawn and Dennis Hershberger
The Holland Family
Rebecca Hollenbach
Tom James
Kerstin Jeffus
Alan and Sally Junkins
Georgette Kleier Hottois
Erin Keane and Drew Zipp
Kim and Ken Kern
Cynthia Kirkland
Cynthia Knopp
Philip and Marilyn Kohl
Mathew and Carrielee Koole
Mary Korfhage
R. Gwyn Lavin
Paul and Geraldine Lenzi
Eve Bohakel Lee
Julie Leskiv
Denise Logsdon
Angela and Ron Long
The Linus and Cossett McClendon Foundation
James and Lauren McDonald
Robert and Grace McKeel
Karrie and Darren McKinnon
Richard and Tanya McKnight
Diana Mitchen
Rev. and Mrs. Timothy Mohon
Laura Morton
Alfred and Lark Mull
Pat and Adele Murphy
Jennifer Niemeyer
Jeff Noble
Andrew and Ashley Noland
Judy Olliges
Hal and Julia Park
Tory Parker
Jennifer Payton
Patrick Peak
Jan Pedowitz
Janet Quirey
George Ramser
Matthew Rasnake
Gil Reyes & Sean Donaldson
Corey Richter
The Rightmyer Family
Jeanne-Marie & Todd Rogers
Brian and Denise Ross
Denis and Cathy Roux
The Ryley family
Paula Sharpenstein
Richard Sands
Jimmy Soto and Lisa Schmid
Curt and Beth Schuman
Amanda Seaton
David Shaw & Michelle Seiffertt
Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Shain
Paula Sharpenstein
Ivan Shepperd
Robb and Anna Shrader
Maureen Slaton
Dr. Thomas J. Spech and David G. Jones
Ruby Star
Rosalie Surtees
Phillip and Esther Tamplin
Beth Boesche-Taylor and David Taylor
David and Kim Taylor
Alfred and Bevery Tilmes
Lawrence Toebbe, in memory of Rose Mary
Finn Turner
Betsy Vick
Susan and David Vislisel
Rob and Michelle Ward
Sam Weissrock
Charles Whaley
Edyth Wheeler
Mary Jo and Mike Whelan
Rory Whitaker
Jim and Claire Williams
Karen Sue Wilson
Elaine Orr Wise
Ann Withers, in memory of Peter Tanguay
Grace Wooding
Sarah Yost and Brian Phillips
Herb Zimmerman
Benjamin Zinninger
KNIGHT
Anonymous (8)
Dr. and Ms. Thomas A. Aberli
Jen Adam
Heather Winters Alford
Ann T Allen
Ron and Svea Allgeier
Pat and Bill Allison
Bridgette Alvarez
Mark and Allie Amick
Heather Anderson
Tara Anderson
Aztec Flooring
Pamela and Timothy Baete
Angela Barger
Nancy D. Beasley
Janice Beatty
Alice Wright Belknap
Rita Bell
Miranda Darlene Bencomo
Sue & Kim Bentley-Jonason
Rebecca Beyerle
Jennifer Blair
Julie Boatright and Todd Turner
Jenny Bodenbender
James Boland
Whitney and Hank Boles
Jack and Brenda Brammer
John and Kati Brundage
Kristy Calman
Zac and Kasey CampbellHoogendyk
Tim and Cindy Carlson
J. Larry Cashen
Judith Champion
Lynn Chapple
Robert Ching
Beth Chottiner
M. Austin Cooper, in memory of John Spalding Gatton
Jill Cooper
Myra Craig
Critt Cunningham
Jennie Currin
Anthony Curtis
Laryssa Cybriwsky
Robert Darst, in memory of Sylvia Darst
Jerad L. Davidson
Easton Depp
Ann and David Derrick
Father Patrick Dolan
Jon A. Doukas
Lynne Dowling
Donna Downs
Melissa and Ken Draut
Kathleen and Terry Driskell
Maria Eckerle
Bev and Woody Edwards
Larry and Angie Edwards, in honor of Ramona
Johnson
Katie Edwards
Uwe and Kathy Eickmann
Casey and Amy Eisenback
Amy Elam-Krizan
Michelle Elisburg
Sam and Jill Ellington
Jane Emke
Jacob and Susan Ems
Chris and Amy Eyers
Elizabeth Fairhead
Liz and Wes Fehler
Sherry M. & Joseph W. Feldpausch
Pam and Tim Hackett
Tom Fenton & Karen Haswell
The Fireels, Rachel Firkins and Alicia Fireel
Joshua Fischer
Terese Fister
Bill and Georgia Flarsheim
Mary Ford, in honor of my nephew Ian Fitzgerald
Amy Fouts
Carroll Fox
David Fox & Susan Bornstein
Fox-Boots Family
Carolyn Frazier
Ashley Freeman
Cheryl Froula
Carmen Fullenlove
Nancy Gall-Clayton
Teresa Gamble
Gordon Garner
Tony and Laura Garrett
Heather Gatnarek
Pooneh Ghiassi
Tina and Lee Gibson
Allen and Brenda Gilbert
Tisha Gilbert
The Gillies Family
Jeffrey Glazer and Karen Abrams
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Goldwin
Kate Grindon
Barbara and Ed Haines
John Hamilton
Joseph and Shannon Hamilton
Lynn Ellen Haner, in honor of JoAnn Haner
Charlotte Harmon
Lori Haycraft
Tommy Heavrin
Eric, Katy Marie, & Heidi Heick
Mary Henry
Jane Hermes
Matthew Hersey
Amy and Dan Hill
Gary and Sharon Hinkle
Cathy Hinko
Anna and Richard Hinton
Jonathan & Janet Hodes
Michael Horton
Linda Hudson
Mark Huffine
Jon Huffman, in memory of Barbara F. Cullen
David Jackman
Cate Gaglio Inge and James Inge III
Lisa Jackson
Dan Johnson & Tom Elkas
Fred and Laura Johnson, in memory of Sergeant Freeman Gardner
Hugh Jones
Elizabeth Kelly
Scott and Ashley HukeKetterer
Martha Kinman
Kevin Vincent Kinsella
Jen Kirkwood
Todd Kleber
Michael and Jeanne Kovatch
Yvonne Knight
Anna Kunzler & Bruce Scott
Jacob and Brittany Lanter
Jeff and Susan Layman
Paul and Geraldine Lenzi
Kathy and Stanley Levinson
Hallie Lyninger
Ellis W. Manning
Donna and Andy Mattingly
Danny and Anita Maupin
Tamara Mazzoccoli
Jim McCabe
Dave McCay
Amy McClain
Erin McCorkle
Kelley McIntyre and David Dillard
Jim and Beth McKenzie
The Linus and Cossett McClendon Foundation
Creighton E. Mershon, Jr.
James Meyers
Mary Ann Miller
Robert H. Miller
Robert Mitchell
Aaron Montgomery, in honor of Stephen Montgomery
Pam Moore
Carla Motes
Dave Murk
William Nalley
R.L. and C.R. Neumayer
Lan and Dustin NguyenColgate
Agnes and Patrick Noonan
Marcia Kirtland Nottke
Frances Oakley
Kirby & Maureen O’Bannon
Corey O’Brien
Marie and Jon O’Neil
Sarah Pennington
Bethany M. Planton
Meg and Louie Prestigiacomo
Lenae Price
Mark and Leigh Ray
Cary Rice
Marilyn Rodman
Michael Rohner
Thomas Roma
The Romig Family
James Rose
Virgil Rosell
Ed Rosenberg
Zaxton Rothberg
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Rounsavall III
Diane Rowley
Matthew Ruben
Sales for Water
Christon and Brian Segal
Gordon and Carolyn Seiffertt
William Sewell
Michael Shell
Brian Smith
Mary Jo and Gray Smith
J. Isaac Spradlin
Sara Stalkus
Vashti Standridge
Jen Starr and David Taylor
JC States
Bob and Mary Ann Stenger
Susan Stoy
Duncan, Colleen, and Mike Strauss
Mo Stucker and Amy Johnston
Monalisa Tailor
Rama Tamimi
Mark Thomas, in memory of John Gatton
Elizabeth Tichenor
Beverly and Alfred Tilmes
Mary Alice and Chris Tolbert
John and Shirley Uhl
Dina Vuturo
Debra Walker
Bill and Alice Walsh
Satchel Walton
Ben & Dawna Webster
Jeremy and Amy Wells
William Wells
Erin White
Jessie Whitish
Claire Wice
Bronwyn Williams and Mary Brydon-Miller
Shawn and Kevin Williams
Nickolas, Deidre, and Pheebs Winslow
Shelah Woodruff
Fawn Wujick
Robin Yacovetta
Tammy Young
Marc and Ann Zakem
THEATRE SERVICES
RAIN & WEATHER POLICY
Performances will not be canceled before 7:30PM. Weather-related announcements will be made in Central Park and on Kentucky Shakespeare’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
In the event of lightning without rain, stage lights may be shut down and work lights turned on until lightning has ceased. In the event of rain, we will hold for a 15-minute rain delay. After the delay, Festival staff will make the decision whether or not to continue the production.
In the event of severe or threatening weather, the audience will be informed of any warnings that exist over the house microphone. In the event of approaching inclement weather, you will be instructed by an announcement from the Production Stage Manager indicating the best method of exit. For your safety, please leave the amphitheater in a calm and orderly manner using the sidewalks.
Performances may be canceled or delayed due to extreme heat as well.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible ramps, parking, restrooms, and wheelchair seating are available for patrons with disabilities.
ASL interpretation will be provided for the following performances: Thursday, June 5 for Much Ado About Nothing, Thursday, June 26 for Hamlet, Thursday, July 10 for Cymbeline, and Thursday, July 31 for the Globe Players Twelfth Night. (If show canceled due to inclement weather, the makeup rain date will be the following evening – Friday.)
Large format programs are available upon request at the Kentucky Shakespeare gift shop.
For those with sensory sensitivities, noise canceling headphones for both youth and adults, and sensory play items are available. Please visit the gift shop or ask a front of house staff member. Sensory guides for each production are available at the gift shop or from a front of house staff member.
Pre-show sensory/tactile tours for the visually impaired are available during the summer.
Kentucky Shakespeare offers Brown-Forman products, Viña Concha y Toro wines, and West Six Brewing for sale at the rear of the amphitheater in Will’s Tavern through the end of intermission. Cash, check, and major credit cards accepted. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought in or taken out of the amphitheater designated perimeter. Please enjoy your beverages responsibly inside the amphitheater perimeter. kyshakespeare.com |
Contact Director of Education Kyle Ware for more information at 502.574.9900 or email kyle@kyshakespeare.com
RESTROOMS
For your convenience, wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at the rear of the amphitheater. Public restroom facilities are maintained by Metro Parks. Women’s restrooms are located on the north side of the building, adjacent to Will’s Tavern. Men’s restrooms are located on the south side of the building, facing the police substation.
GIFT SALES
Please take a moment to visit Will’s Gift Shop at the rear of the amphitheater under the pergola. Cash, check, Apple Pay, and major credit cards accepted.
SHOW CONTENT/SUITABILITY
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park is a family-friendly event for all ages. For specific show content, see below or contact the office at 502.574.9900 or info@kyshakespeare.com. (Our late-night 10:30PM production of the Louisville Improvisors LATE NIGHT SHAKES may include adult language and is intended for mature audiences.)
CONCESSIONS
Please take a moment to visit the Food Trucks at the rear of the amphitheater provided by the Louisville Truck Association. Various food trucks will be in the park nightly from 6:00 p.m. until just after intermission. Cash and credit cards are accepted. The Association generously donates a portion of proceeds to Kentucky Shakespeare. Check our website daily for rotating food truck schedule at kyshakespeare.com/events. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic too (no outside alcohol is permitted.)
BAR
THEATRE SERVICES
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted within the amphitheater and must take place outside of the amphitheater perimeter/audience seating area.
CAMERA & RECORDING DEVICES
During the performance, the taking of video and flash photography are prohibited, however you are welcome to take photos during the first half of this evening’s performance, and if you post them, be sure to tag Kentucky Shakespeare.
GET INVOLVED
Become a volunteer and support Kentucky Shakespeare! Visit our website or contact us today by phone at 502.574.9900 or email info@kyshakespeare.com
PETS
Pets are welcome, we just ask that you clean up after your pet and make sure your pet is on a leash. As a courtesy to audience members, we ask that you sit in the back picnic tables, or side grass area.
For more information and updates throughout the year, please visit kyshakespeare.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok: @KentuckyShakespeare | Instagram and Bluesky: @kyshakespeare
THE 65
SEASON OF KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL IN
CENTRAL PARK
NIGHTLY SCHEDULE
6:00 p.m.
Food Trucks Open
7:00 p.m.
Will’s Tavern, Will’s Gift Shop, & Kids’ Globe open
7:15 p.m. Community Pre-Show Performance
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
8:00 p.m. Production begins
Much Ado About Nothing - May 28 - June 1; June 4-8; June 11-15; July 16, 19, 22, 25
Hamlet - June 19-22; June 25-29; July 15, 18, 23, 26)
Cymbeline - July 3, 5, 6; 8-13; 17, 20, 24, 27
Twelfth Night - July 30 - August 3
Kentucky Shakespeare’s Globe Players professional training program for high school students
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - August 6 - 10
Louisville Ballet’s Shakespeare in Dance
Late Night Shakes - 10:30pm on June 14, June 28, and July 12 Louisville Improvisors
ASL interpretation will be provided for the following performances: Thursday, June 5 for Much Ado About Nothing, Thursday, June 26 for Hamlet, Thursday, July 10 for Cymbeline, and Thursday, July 31 for the Globe Players Twelfth Night.
(If show canceled due to inclement weather, the makeup rain date will be the following evening – Friday.)
For 2025 summer season details, please visit kyshakespeare.com
ART FEEDS THE SOUL.
WE SERVE A FEAST.
Step into a space designed to spark curiosity, restore your spirit, and bring people together. As Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum, the Speed Art Museum takes you on a journey through 6,000 years of imagination and creativity—from ancient artifacts to bold contemporary works. Wander immersive galleries, experience thought-provoking films at Speed Cinema, and rediscover art’s power to inspire, challenge and connect us.
PLAN YOUR VISIT AT speedmuseum.org
Jan Brueghel the Elder (Netherlandish, 1568 ‑ 1625) Hendrik van Balen I (Netherlandish, 1575 ‑ 1632); Detail of A Bacchanal, about 1608 ‑ 1616 Oil on panel, 23 5/16 × 32 1/2 in. (59.2 × 82.6 cm.)
