Shakespeare troupe toasts bard's birthday with online events

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park’s sixth annual “Week of Will” is going online this year with a series of events to celebrate the 456th anniversary of the revered playwright’s birth.

“It’s wonderfully comforting that Shakespeare’s timeless words can bring us together and speak to our pain, our isolation, our fear during this incredibly difficult time — bring us together via Zoom, of all platforms,” says Jennifer Tober, PSIP founder and artistic director.

Registration for Zoom events should be made by email at info@pittsburghshakespeare.com. PSIP also can be reached at 412-404-8531. Details will be provided to attendees for login and posted on the day of the event.

The birthday week schedule includes:

• Bard’s Birthday Bash, 7-8 p.m. April 20 via Zoom: Actors including guests from other Pittsburgh theater companies will present their favorite monologues, scenes and sonnets.

• Toast Together Apart – Zoom Happy Hour, 7-8 p.m. April 21: Raise a glass to PSIP’s upcoming 16th season. Create your own Bard-themed cocktails to share with everyone. Franktuary is PSIP’s restaurant delivery partner for this evening.

• Britsburgh Presents The New Renaissance Theatre Company, 7 p.m. April 22: Andy Kirtland will share a chat on cue-script productions. Register at britsburgh.com.

• Mrs. Shakespeare’s Annual Tribute, begins at 10 a.m. April 23 on Facebook Live, with actor and writer Yvonne Hudson.

• Shakespeare Trivia Contest, all day April 24 on Facebook, with Alan Irvine.

• Steel City Shakespeare Center’s “As You Like It,” streaming live on Facebook at 7 p.m. April 25: Jeff Chips will lead the performance, featuring actors from across the country. Performance benefits West View Hub Food Pantry.

Further details and links appear on the PSIP website and Facebook. Event updates and some surprises will be added throughout the “Week of Will.”

Details: pittsburghshakespeare.com