The Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT) is proud to announce its 2026 Schmeeckle Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy As You Like It, performed in the natural beauty at Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point, Wisconsin! This production is also a collaboration with Traditions of Jazz, who will be premiering their Joyful Little Brass Band to open each performance! The Joyful Little Band will also be playing at each performance! Travel down the bayou in NOLA Jazz Style and come be part of Central Wisconsin’s new theatrical tradition: Schmeeckle Shakes!

Special Feature – Opening Banquet

Come to the Opening Banquet on Friday, August 14th at 5pm! Catered by UWSP and entertainment by The Joyful Little Band! Enjoy a NOLA style BBQ dinner before the performance! Cash Bar. $40 tickets. Dinner tickets must be purchased by August 5th!

Synopsis

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy in which Rosalind, banished from court by her usurping uncle, flees to the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man named Ganymede, accompanied by her cousin Celia and the fool Touchstone. There she encounters Orlando, the man she loves, who is also a fugitive and who fills the forest trees with love poems in her name — unaware that the witty “Ganymede” coaching him through his feelings is Rosalind herself.

Collaboration

Music has always been a feature of our productions, and this year cwACT is collaborating with “Traditions of Jazz” to feature the joyous sounds of New Orleans Style Jazz! We are looking to feature a new project, the “Joyful Little Brass Band.” At each of our productions to kick off the show! We are also happy to welcome the wonderful “Joyful Little Band” entertain our audiences during the pre-show and intermission!

Venue Info and Weather Policy

Guests are encouraged to bring seat cushions or reasonably sized chairs for sitting. Guests are allowed to bring non-alcoholic beverages & food for performances. All carry-ins must be properly disposed of.

Weather Policy

Cast

• Duke Frederick/Senor – Pat Hogan
• Rosalind – Caitlyn Yarbrough
• Ceilia – Sophie McPherson
• Orlando – Cole Walli
• Charles – Soap Donnermeyer
• LeBeau – Christie Zeszutek
• Touchstone – Ryan Pence
• Jaques – Christopher Sands
• Adam – Maxine Hogan
• Corin – Monica Davisson
• Silvius – Brett Miller
• Phoebe – Lee Bavers
• Audrey – Amber Fait
• Lord/Sir Martext – Jacob Mathias
• Musician – Bailey Seefeldt
• Musician – Mary Nowinski
• Musician – Liliana Nowinsky
• Lord Amiens – Joe Nowinski