SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
FREE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
July 24
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Enos Park 1000 N 7th St
ABOUT
Bring your lawn chairs and picnics! Shakespeare in the Park is a free, family-friendly event that brings beloved Shakespeare classics and inspired plays to life in Enos Park. A suggested donation of $25 helps support future Shakespeare in the Park performances and other free arts programs offered by the Arts Council.
2026 SEASON
Now in its third year, Shakespeare in the Park will take a different approach than previous seasons. This year’s event will showcase Illinois playwright Kevin Purcell’s one-act play, Lincoln and Shakespeare, featuring acclaimed Carbondale actor Kim Curlee.
In honor of the nation’s upcoming America 250 commemorations, Lincoln and Shakespeare showcases one of the nation’s most influential presidents who called Springfield Illinois his home.
Rain location: Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N 7th St, Springfield, IL.
LINCOLN AND SHAKESPEARE
The focus of Lincoln and Shakespeare explores the big question: Did Lincoln’s love of Shakespeare influence his writing and actions? Through a compelling blend of history, literature, and performance, the play examines how Shakespeare may have shaped Lincoln’s character, thinking, and leadership during one of the most consequential periods in American history.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
BECOME A SPONSOR
Get involved with your community!
$500
Your name acknowledged in the pre-show remarks
$1,000
Logo or name listed in the event program among supporters
Recognition in a group social media post thanking sponsors
Reserved seating for 2 guests at the event
$2,500
Prominent logo placement on all promotional materials
Recognition on social media with two dedicated sponsor posts highlighting your contribution
Reserved seating for 5 guests at the event
Verbal acknowledgement during the event to showcase your support
$3,500
Exclusive “Presented By” recognition on all event materials
Premier logo placement on all promotional materials
Recognition on social media with three dedicated sponsor posts and inclusion in event promotional videos
Reserved seating for 10 guests at the event
Verbal acknowledgement at the start and conclusion of the event
Opportunity to include promotional materials or branded giveaways at the event
PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE
The Springfield Area Arts Council occasionally takes photographs or video of participants for promoting and advertising our programs, services, events, and activities in our digital and printed promotional materials. By registering for, participating in, or attending SAAC’s programs, events, or other activities, the participant (or parent / guardian of a minor participant) irrevocably agrees to the use and distribution by SAAC of their image (or of their minor child / ward) in photographs, video recordings, and any other electronic reproductions of such programs, events, and activities for any purpose without inspection or approval and without compensation, rights to royalties, or any other consideration now and in the future.