ARGYLE — Wisconsin-based traveling theatre company Summit Players Theatre will be performing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing live, outdoors in 23 different Wisconsin State Parks. All performances will be free and preceded by a 45-minute educational workshop. State Park vehicle sticker/pass required for park entry.

“We’re thrilled to be entering our seventh year of performing in the parks,” said Executive Director A.J. Magoon, a founding member of the organization. “There’s a reason Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. It’s hilarious and heartfelt, and this version is perfect for audiences of all kinds.”

Each Much Ado About Nothing show will be 75 minutes long and completely free, in accordance with the company’s mission of creating Shakespeare anyone can afford, attend, and understand. Through a collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Summit Players are also able to introduce audiences around the state to their local parks.

The group’s educational workshop, “Inside Shakespeare’s Story: Much Ado About Nothing” is new this year and led by the actors before every show. It serves as a way for kids and “fun adults” to get comfortable with the play, Shakespeare’s language and the way nature played into his works. Participants take part in Shakespeare games and exercises culminating in performing a short scene.

Summit Players Theatre’s 2022 season is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.

For the full calendar and maps of performance sites, visit summitplayerstheater.com.