Shakespeare in the Park enters its sixth season in 2015, building on five seasons of critical, popular and creative success. The "To Be!" outreach program, touring primarily to schools and libraries, has reached more than 80,000 audience members. Optimist Theatre began as Midwest Children’s Theatre (MCT). MCT has been providing arts and education programming as a 501(c)3 corporation since 1993. Optimist Theatre, through its presentation of free Shakespeare in the Park and its educational outreach program, To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now, offers both artists and audience live engagement with the language, emotions and timeless stories of the most-produced playwright of all time. What better catalyst to fire the imagination and stimulate people to interact with each other and the artistic world that is theater? In addition to exposing the community to the talent in its own midst (most of the cast of Shakespeare in the Park productions are based locally), Optimist Theatre is also dedicated to developing the talents of budding artists. Mission Statement... We believe that the theatrical arts broaden and enrich those parts of our minds and spirits that are most essentially human. Optimist Theatre is driven to reach artists and audiences across the economic, ethnic, and experiential landscape. We educate, entertain, and inspire through creative works of artistic integrity.