MT Shakespeare in the Parks

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) opened its first season in the summer of 1973. The amateur acting company was comprised of a mixture of students and community members and was founded by Dr. Bruce Jacobsen. The company performed Shakespearean scenes only and the season consisted of thirteen performances in seven cities in Montana. The goal was to bring Shakespeare directly to the people of Montana who would not otherwise have the opportunity with an emphasis on underserved rural communities. The following summer, two full productions (The Taming of the Shrew and The Merchant of Venice) were mounted by a paid professional company and staff. The season doubled to include 26 performances in 18 cities and the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Company as we have come to know it was born.

Michael Wainwright serves as Development Director for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. In this role, he oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate partnerships, individual giving, grants and estate gifts. A native of Southern California, Michael moved to Montana in 2010, and previously served as Annual Giving and Foundations Manager for American Prairie Reserve. Michael serves on the Board of Directors of Bozeman’s Intermountain Opera Association, and is an active member of several civic organizations. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, music, photography, and the outdoors.