Shakespeare on Clark, our story....
...began when two people, Dave Stapleton, who worked for a Batavia newspaper, and Julane Sullivan, who owned All Dressed Up Costumes shared a business entry door, met and quickly became friends. Julane told David of her favorite theatre experience, that of classic comedy performed outdoors, and how she would love to bring that experience to Batavia. They approached the newly formed Batavia Mainstreet about using the beautiful, yet underutilized Clark Island park in the heart of downtown, and Shakespeare on Clark was born. The first production was A Midsummer Night's Dream; opening night hosted 150 audience members who sat through a misting rain to engage in the experience of outdoor Shakespeare in Batavia.
For the past 14 summers, Shakespeare's comedies have delighted audience members who cross over the bridges from either side of the river, with lawn chairs and blankets and picnic dinners, to enjoy an early evening amusement.
And let you not think the subject matter is droll and hard to understand. When produced with a light hand; it is funny, fast paced and totally understandable, bringing hearty laughter to everyone in the audience.
We took a hiatus during the summer of 2014, to look for partnerships and sponsors so the program can continue into the future. Each year, the event has worked in the red. Even last year, 2015, with BFAC as our partner, we are operating in the red. We need to raise funding to pay for the costs associated with this program. The funds must be able to cover the rental fees for the sounds and lighting equipment, costs associated with the scenery, props, print materials, stipends for the cast and crew, and other incidental costs. Business partners are welcome to work in-kind trades for any of the materials needed. All Dressed Up Costumes is committed to continue providing the costumes for the production as an in-kind sponsorship. We need to find more partners willing to offer in kind materials. talents, or funding to allow this program to live.
Plan to attend the polo event fund raiser; every little bit added to the Shakespeare on Clark account will help us bring this back to life in 2016.
Please view our Production History.
For the past 14 summers, Shakespeare's comedies have delighted audience members who cross over the bridges from either side of the river, with lawn chairs and blankets and picnic dinners, to enjoy an early evening amusement.
And let you not think the subject matter is droll and hard to understand. When produced with a light hand; it is funny, fast paced and totally understandable, bringing hearty laughter to everyone in the audience.
We took a hiatus during the summer of 2014, to look for partnerships and sponsors so the program can continue into the future. Each year, the event has worked in the red. Even last year, 2015, with BFAC as our partner, we are operating in the red. We need to raise funding to pay for the costs associated with this program. The funds must be able to cover the rental fees for the sounds and lighting equipment, costs associated with the scenery, props, print materials, stipends for the cast and crew, and other incidental costs. Business partners are welcome to work in-kind trades for any of the materials needed. All Dressed Up Costumes is committed to continue providing the costumes for the production as an in-kind sponsorship. We need to find more partners willing to offer in kind materials. talents, or funding to allow this program to live.
Plan to attend the polo event fund raiser; every little bit added to the Shakespeare on Clark account will help us bring this back to life in 2016.
Please view our Production History.
Special Thanks to Nick Freeman for the glorious art work.
His original painting of Shakespeare on Clark will be on exhibit in Batavia City Hall in September, during Art in Your Eye 2013
You may purchase a print of the original to help support Shakespeare on Clark.
His original painting of Shakespeare on Clark will be on exhibit in Batavia City Hall in September, during Art in Your Eye 2013
You may purchase a print of the original to help support Shakespeare on Clark.