June 11 - June 13
Courtyard Shakespeare presents As You Like It at Heritage Park Shelter 9 in Overland Park. Three nights of free outdoor Shakespeare for all of Kansas City.
This modern adaptation sets the play in a summer camp. The court scenes unfold in the world of Duke Prep, rigid and formal and ruled by fear. Then the characters escape to the Forest of Arden: loose, alive, and free in every sense of the word. A scene transition is timed to actual sunset at Heritage Park.
The production features...
[more+]Courtyard Shakespeare presents As You Like It at Heritage Park Shelter 9 in Overland Park. Three nights of free outdoor Shakespeare for all of Kansas City.
This modern adaptation sets the play in a summer camp. The court scenes unfold in the world of Duke Prep, rigid and formal and ruled by fear. Then the characters escape to the Forest of Arden: loose, alive, and free in every sense of the word. A scene transition is timed to actual sunset at Heritage Park.
The production features original live acoustic music performed throughout, original costume design, and a cast of 25 performers. Courtyard Shakespeare is an educational theatre company, bringing together high school students, college students, and professional Kansas City actors to create work side by side. That collaboration between emerging and experienced artists is central to everything the company does.
Courtyard Shakespeare was founded in 2018 by drama teacher Dan C. Schmidt, who believed theatre should be free and available to everyone. After Dan's passing, his students and colleagues carried his vision forward. This June marks the company's sixth production since then. The show is funded through a suggested donation model and an annual GoFundMe so that admission never has to be charged.
No tickets. No reservations. Bring a lawn chair, low or high, as well as, food and drinks!
[less-]Our show is Free to attend but there is a suggested donation of $20 per person at the door. If you would like to support the show before you attend, you can donate here. As a nonprofit, our work is made possible entirely by your generous donations, which support: Sets, costumes, props, and lighting Rehearsal and performance space Fair pay and travel stipends for Resident Artists Educational workshops and materials This year, we’re working to expand rehearsal time at a designated space, offer more equitable pay for artists, and raise the bar even higher for artistic excellence. Your support helps make Shakespeare accessible, educational, and empowering for young artists across the Kansas City area. Thank you for believing in arts education—and we hope to see you in the audience for As You Like It!
courtyardshakespeare@gmail.com
