As we prepare for our largest scale performance since returning to live theater, Orlando Shakes has now gained approval from the national professional actors and stage managers union, the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), for an enchanting production under the stars filled with laughter and romance. We’re bringing Shakespeare’s favorite romcom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park for a socially distanced, outdoor performance running March 31 – April 17, 2021. In order to protect union performers, AEA has been highly selective about approving contracts for professional theaters since the onset of the pandemic. Our theater is one of the first in the region to earn AEA approval for a production of this size.

Safety First

In order to create the safest possible environment for actors returning to work, we negotiated with AEA to approve a 30 page document outlining a safety plan, developed with the help of our Official Healthcare Partner AdventHealth. The safety plan includes regulations such as masks, social distancing on stage, standards for regular sanitizing of surfaces (including costumes and props), and frequent testing of union actors and the staff with whom they interact.

We are proud to be one of the first theater’s to work with Equity to bring live theater back to the stage, while still protecting the safety of all of our performers. COVID-19 has proved to be a grave obstacle for theater companies in buildings around the world, but we know how to successfully produce outside. Thanks to the support of the City of Orlando, we are able to return to the stage with our large-scale professional productions. We are going back to our roots at Lake Eola where it’s safer for everyone – artists and patrons.

Managing Director Douglas Love-Ramos

After the pandemic shut the theater down in March 2020, we’re returning to their original home at Lake Eola Park for the first time in 15 years. Orlando Shakes got our start as the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, performing an annual season of Shakespeare at Lake Eola in 1989. To accommodate social distancing for all parties, the Walt Disney Amphitheater will be sold at 30% capacity.

We’re kicking off our return to Lake Eola park with a production of the Bard’s beloved romcom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When magical, mischief-maker Puck gets a hold of a love potion, he sets in motion all the comical antics that arise from four young lovers’ adventure through the woods. Audiences will be immersed in a land of fairies featuring glittering lights and gilded foliage. Dazzling and romantic verse defines Shakespeare’s classic comedy that charms everyone who enters its mystical realm. A classical Grecian design sets the stage for a tale of love and laughter in a dreamlike evening under the stars at Lake Eola.

Shakespeare’s comedy of star crossed lovers is sure to bring joy to all those who see it. Over the years, many first dates and romances have sparked at Shakes productions down at the lake. Actually, my wife and I met during a production of As You Like It there. We hope to inspire just as many people to meet old friends and make new romances while they enjoy Shakespeare under the stars.

Artistic Director Jim Helsinger

All events produced by Orlando Shakes will follow health and safety guidelines and policies set by local and national government officials. Safety protocols include social distancing, face coverings, and temperature checks. The most up-to-date safety information for all of Orlando Shakes’ in-person offerings can be found here.

Through collaborating with our Official Healthcare Partner AdventHealth, we have developed a safety plan that will help protect our performers, staff, and patrons. We won’t let the arts in Orlando be a casualty of the pandemic. We are a big part of what makes living in Central Florida so great. We can’t wait for this homecoming to celebrate that.

Managing Director Douglas Love-Ramos