Dear Friends & Neighbors,

It is my immense pleasure to officially announce our fifth anniversary season this summer, of Richard II and Love’s Labour’s Lost!

It’s been quite a journey for SitW, with our first season occurring in 2019 to then hitting an immediate pause due to Covid-19 and then essentially starting from square one when we resumed live performances in 2022. I’m very proud of how we’ve managed to grow and adapt through it all while maintaining the heart of what makes our work special. We haven’t been shy about our unconventionality as a company or approach to Shakespeare, and it’s been invigorating to be met with such a willingness from audiences to really lean in and take the ride with us. Thank you!

While these two titles may be lesser known, we see the awesome opportunity to be someone’s first experience with them or to see them in a whole new light. Richard II and Love’s Labour’s Lost have so much to offer that speaks to the world we live in today, and Roberto and Michael's adaptations are going to dive headfirst into all of it this summer. I invite you to come discover these two sensational plays that are filled with intensity, hilarity, heart, and so much more. 

Finally, I want to offer a moment of reflection on the timely importance of producing urgent, thought-provoking art and building a creative space in Southern VT for artists primarily of marginalized identities. SitW produces explicitly queer, socially conscious, and innovative work in a small, rural state - we know firsthand the profound and beautiful impact art can have on people. Our work is grounded in humanity because we believe that art can foster empathy and understanding of ourselves and each other. Shakespeare has endured for centuries because of its endless accessibility to the human condition; our productions are an opportunity to engage with realities and perspectives beyond our own, and really see one another as fully dimensional people. We desperately need that, both artist and audience, now more than ever.

I look forward to welcoming audiences back to our grassy stage at The Equinox Resort in Manchester this summer for rich and immersive dialogue with Richard II and Love’s Labour’s Lost, and to celebrate five magical years of Shakespeare in the Woods! 

- KATHARINE MANESS (THEY/THEM) FOUNDER, PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

AUGUST 13 - 31, 2025

THE 2025 SEASON AT A GLANCE 

Dubbed the Season of Power and Influence - the plays will build upon themes of loyalty, language, masculinity, divine right, and love.

SitW newcomer Michael Alvarez (he/him) will direct Love’s Labour’s Lost, and returning for a third summer is Roberto Di Donato (he/they/el/elle), to direct Richard II. As has been SitW’s way since inception, in addition to directing, Alvarez and Di Donato are also helming the adaptations of their productions. 

Love's Labour's Lost  teaser from dir. Michael Alvarez: “This reimagining of Love’s Labour’s Lost playfully portrays the transformative power of overcoming toxic masculinity and societal norms to achieve genuine connection and self-awareness. We’re going into the world of social elitism in Ivy League academia, where the “King of Navarre” and his friends have taken a vow of celibacy to focus on their studies. However, their resolve is tested when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive. As the men confront their vulnerabilities, repressions, and the undeniable power of true emotion, their oath begins to crumble.” 

​

Richard II teaser from dir. Roberto Di Donato: “As a play that has been used in actual history to insight insurrection, Richard II is as immortal as the king himself. Richard thinks he is a god. Crowned at nine-years-old and constantly observed by his court, Richard is on display for all to see as he fights for everything that he loves: his kingdom, his beliefs, and most importantly himself. Set in an analog present day/slight future world, my look is at history, attempting to incite a debate that examines absolute power today.”

​

Tickets for Richard II and Love’s Labour’s Lost will be available for advance online purchase starting June 1st, with same day purchase available at the box office day of performances. SitW uses a sliding scale ticket model with multiple price points, including a zero cost option. Performances take place outdoors on the Taconic Lawn at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (3567 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254), and are rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions, SitW will provide time sensitive updates.