Shakespeare by the Lakes IV: As You Like It [One More Free Show]

'Theater is important to people's lives. If you don't believe this, then you might as well give up.' - Joseph Papp, founder of New York's "Shakespeare in the Park".

Public art is both important and necessary.

That is STILL the reason for ‘Shakespeare by the Lakes' – FREE, public performances of Shakespeare’s plays at Canberra's parks and public spaces during late summer evenings. A blanket, a picnic – a free-for-all community event as the sun goes down behind the trees. BYO Sparkling wine.

Since 2020, we have lost most corporate and government support. At present, we can only afford one large free show and that doesn't sit well with us. We want as many as possible to see the show FREE.

In 2018, Canberrans helped launch Shakespeare by the Lakes I with online crowdfunding donations of more than $7000. Now we are asking Canberrans to help us pay for a second large park show!

Shakespeare by the Lakes makes risk-free, super-fun theatre freely accessible to Canberrans of all walks of life, in the outdoors, in summer, in their parks.

Shakespeare by the Lakes uses, promotes and celebrates the talents of local Canberra artists in all aspects of production and excites contemporary audiences with the timeless themes of great theatre.

Budget Overview
The goal of 'Shakespeare by the Lakes IV: As You Like It' is to present at least two FREE performances to the Canberra community. With this campaign, we know we can produce two.

Expenditure we have to cover:

Creative's fees
Venue hire
Costumes
Sound equipment
Lighting equipment
AV crew
Rehearsal Venue hire
Marketing and Promotion
Insurance
Administration

No earned income is expected or budgeted for the creatives. None. Not a sausage. However, even without paying ourselves, a fully budgeted production at two different venues will cost a bit over $30 000.

There’s a lot we can do without - but a venue, some lights and insurance is kinda essential.

We will work until the final My Cause campaign night and whatever support we have will be the foundation of our budget. So press the button and be the reason that makes Canberra’s first free Shakespeare festival a thing!

Potential Challenges
Reaching a large number of people while doing this well, for free, is the challenge.

We can put this production on with a $1000, but it won't be very good. no one will get their money's worth (even though it will be free), and no one will be bothered to come and see SBTL V: Henry V.

The "brand" of Shakespeare by the Lakes is strong, exciting, memorable, innovative and accessible productions of Shakespeare plays. We need to fund it. We need lighting, costumes and professional assistance.

We need your help.