The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents formally approved Alan Kopischke’s promotion to associate professor with tenure in UW-Green Bay’s Theatre & Dance Department effective in the fall of 2026. Kopischke most recently performed in Heroes by Tom Stoppard at Third Avenue PlayWorks, where he has also recently rejoined the board.
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is proud to announce the upcoming production of Red Herring, by Michael Hollinger. The third show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from July 15 through August 9, 2026, featuring performances by Ellie Duffey, Seth K. Hale, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Alicia Rice, Ethan Serpan, and Noah Simon.
In 1952, the second Red Scare is at its height. Televised Senate hearings fan the flames of suspicion, the hydrogen bomb is under development, and paranoia seeps into every aspect of American life. The fear that a communist might be around every corner—or even sharing your bed—turns neighbors into suspects and private lives into political battlegrounds. Holy Mackerel! Who couldn't use a break from such relentless pressure? Audiences came together at the cinema to see their anxiety and paranoia reflected in Film Noir or they watched screwball comedies to float for a time above those same anxieties while society’s rigid social norms were skewered with fast talking repartee and farcical situations.
As Door County professional theater companies are preparing to leave a memorable mark on the audience, here’s a look in brief at what’s coming and what theater-goers are most excited about this summer.
A Door County acting group is inviting wannabe thespians to a series of workshops. Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, also known as TAP, has summer and fall workshops led by Dan Klarer open to teens and adults interested in theater.
Gone with the Wind is, arguably, the most famous movie ever made in “old” Hollywood. The 1939 MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) production was adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller, and it went on to set records for box office take and Academy Awards. It grossed hundreds of millions of dollars at a time when most films were considered hits if they scored revenues in the seven figures, and it received an unprecedented 10 Oscars (from 13 nominations) – a record haul that has since been eclipsed by Ben-Hur (1959), Titanic (1997) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) with 11 each.
The Community Partner for Red Herring at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is The Friends of Door County Libraries (Friends). A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on July 15th will go towards our Community Partner. Those interested in attending the preview to support this organization, may arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the performance for general admission seating. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in advance on the day of the preview (watch your email for link!), or in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks once you arrive. Half of the proceeds will benefit this show’s Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of Red Herring, July 15th through August 9th, 2026.
Door County's busy summer theater season is about to kick into gear for 2026. Yes, the four professional theater companies and one community theater company on the Peninsula have kept busy to varying degrees in the offseason, with a few shows, play readings and other outreach programs over the winter. But now that the middle of June is approaching, it's almost time for regular offerings for theater buffs. Here's what's coming to stages in Door County this summer and fall.
