Woodstock Shakespeare Players

06/18/2026

Director Jason Ryan Lovett is one of our three amazing directors for Woodstock Shakespeare Players A Bit O' The Bard: Fair And Foul, coming FREE to the Woodstock Square this July 18, 25 and August 1. Action packed with sword fighting, comedy, drama and bits from the Bard's greatest hits! You won't want to miss it!

06/11/2026

FREE Family Event: Woodstock Shakespeare Players in the Woodstock Square! 🎭

Looking for a fun, free weekend activity for the whole family this summer?

A Bit O' The Bard: Fair And Foul is a hilarious mix of Shakespeare’s greatest hits and modern sketch comedy—perfect for any age, those new to Shakespeare and longtime theater lovers alike. Expect plenty of laughs, sword fights, and action.

When: Saturdays (July 18, July 25, and August 1) at 5:00 PM in the Woodstock Square.
Note: August 8 is held as a weather makeup date.

Bonus: Bring the kids early for pre-show face-painting! 🎨

The show runs about 90 minutes. Just grab a blanket or some lawn chairs, pack some snacks, and come enjoy a great evening in the Square. We hope to see you there!

06/05/2026

Rehearsals are well under way for our fun summer show in the Woodstock Square! Think you don't like Shakespeare? You've never seen WSP's A Bit O' The Bard Shows then! Part modern sketch comedy, part Shakespeare's classics, it's a fun family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in the beautiful Woodstock Square. Shows start at 5:00pm on July 19, 25 & August 1. Visit www.realwoodstock.com for more information on this and other great Woodstock events and attractions! (Real Woodstock )

05/28/2026

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN! Our cast is working hard and having a blast learning from the amazing Sam Babick, the Fight Director for Bit O' The Bard: Fair And Foul. FREE performances in the Woodstock Square are July 18, July 25 and August 1 (with a rain date of August 8). With our largest fight team to date and more swords than ever before, you won't want to miss it!

05/22/2026

Congratulations to the cast of Woodstock Shakespeare Players Bit O' The Bard: Fair And Foul! And mark your calendars for July 18, 25 or August 1 to come to the Woodstock Square for our FREE SHOW! And stay tuned for more information about the show and our family fun activities before the show!

05/18/2026

Auditions for Woodstock Shakespeare Players A Bit O' The Bard: Fair and Foul are almost full but we still have some openings for Tuesday, May 19. A mix of Shakespeare and sketch comedy, we perform on Saturdays in the Woodstock Square this summer. See information and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAAAD2BA4F9C52-63625402-auditions? #/

05/14/2026

We are so proud to be a small part of the wonderful arts scene that Woodstock, IL has to offer. And we are extremely grateful for this support, which keeps our performances free to the public and accessible to ALL! You too - can be a part of the arts scene in Woodstock, by AUDITIONING FOR WOODSTOCK SHAKESPEARE PLAYERS!! More information here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAAAD2BA4F9C52-63625402-auditions #/

The City of Woodstock is proud to announce the recipients of the FY26-27 Hotel/Motel Tax Tourism Grant Program!

Approved by the Woodstock City Council on May 5, 2026, a total of $70,000 in grant funding will support local nonprofit organizations whose events and programs help attract visitors to Woodstock and contribute to our vibrant tourism economy.

From festivals and performances to arts, culture, and community events, these organizations help make Woodstock a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
• Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Hispanic Connections Woodstock
• Naturally McHenry County, Illinois
• OffSquare Music
• Theatre 121
• Clayworkers’ Guild of Illinois
• Woodstock Folk Festival
• Woodstock Groundhog Days
• Woodstock Pride
• American Veterans Alliance of McHenry County
• Woodstock Shakespeare Players
• Warp Corps
• Woodstock High School Backers Club

Thank you for helping showcase everything that makes Woodstock such a special place to visit, stay, and explore.

Learn More at www.woodstockil.gov/297

05/11/2026

Auditions for Woodstock Shakespeare Players A Bit O' The Bard: Fair and Foul are next week! Monday 5/18 - 5/19. Whether you are new to Shakespeare or a celebrated veteran, we welcome you to audition for what will be a very fun summer! See information and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAAAD2BA4F9C52-63625402-auditions? #/

05/05/2026

Here is your perfect chance to perform a variety of Shakespeare's characters in a historic outdoor venue while also getting the chance to perform modern comedic skits. Audition for Woodstock Shakespeare Players Bit O' The Bard: Fair and Foul! See further information and sign up to audition at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAAAD2BA4F9C52-63625402-auditions? #/

04/26/2026

This year we focus on the WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE! with great roles for all genders! Get a chance to perform scenes from both lesser performed Shakespearean plays as well as the greatest hits, all mashed together with a LOT of modern humor and stage combat. See further information and sign up to audition at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAAAD2BA4F9C52-63625402-auditions? #/