The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Will on the Hill benefit will celebrate its10th anniversary this spring, welcoming Members of Congress, Senators, and distinguished Washington insiders onto the Company’s stage to perform scenes from Shakespeare—infused with comedic references to contemporary politics. 

Will on the Hill pays tribute to the unique dynamic of our city and provides a wonderful way to engage new audiences and support the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s artistic, education and community outreach programs.

“Each spring, members of Congress and the media are invited to show off their acting skills (or lack thereof). To play or not to play, that is the question.” – NBC Washington

“I would suggest putting “Will on The Hill” on your calendar for next May if you want to enjoy a fun night in the theater, see members of Congress act silly intentionally, and help bring Shakespeare to the young people of greater Washington.” – Washington Blade

Check back often to find out who will be appearing in this year’s Will on the Hill!

Steering Committee Bernie McKay, Co-Chair Intuit Steve Ryan, Co-Chair   McDermott Will & Emery Nick Allard, Past Chairman Patton Boggs LLP Bill Black Fleishman Hillard Dr. Paul Carter Global Wireless Solutions Jennifer Cetta Patton Boggs LLP Mike Evans K&L Gates David Frulla Kelley Drye & Warren Mike House, Past Chairman   Hogan Lovells Louisa Imperiale The L.I. Group Heidi Margulis Humana Inc. Kate McAuliffe Hogan Lovells Francine McMahon The Hill Dan Murphy The BGR Foundation Jim Portnoy, Past Chairman   Kraft Foods Global June Silverberg Silverberg Associates Rich Whiting The Financial Services Roundtable

2011 Cast
The 2011 Will on the Hill featured Private Practice actor Tim Daly, Tony-nominated actor Euan Morton and more than 15 members of Congress—including Donna Edwards, Bob Goodlatte, Patrick Leahy, Sue Myrick and Roger Wicker—in “The World’s a Stage,” written by Peter Byrne.  The 2011 event also marked the first time that a member of British Parliament, The Honourable Ian Liddell-Grainger, participated in the event.

2010 Cast
Senator Roger Wicker took on the role of the President in Will on the Hill 2010, titled “The Play’s the Thing!,” again written by Peter Byrne and directed by David Muse. Special guest stars included Peter Jacobson, from the hit TV drama “House” and well-known DC actress Holly Twyford. The cast also included Senator Richard Lugar and 13 Representatives including Mike McIntyre, Donna Edwards, Jesse Jackson Jr, and Chellie Pingree.

2009 Cast
Featuring media notables Jessica Yellin (CNN), Chuck Todd (NBC), Gordon Peterson (WJLA), and Hugo Gurdon (The Hill Newspaper), Will on the Hill 2009, titled “A Midsession Night’s Dream,” was written by Peter Byrne and directed by David Muse. The cast also starred Senator Roger Wicker and 14 Representatives including Wm. Lacy Clay, Jared Polis, Luis Gutierrez, Ed Perlmutter and more!

2008 Cast
“A Comedy of Capitol Errors” written by Peter Byrne and directed by Ethan McSweeny in 2008 featured Senator Patrick Leahy and 10 representatives, including Linda and Loretta Sanchez who starred as long-lost twins, in this adaptation of the Bard’s The Comedy of Errors.

2007 Cast
2007 brought “What’s in a Name” written by Norman Allen for Will on the Hill. The evening hosted 26 cast members including Senator Robert Bennett, 12 Representatives and members of the Washington media.

2006 Cast
In 2006 Will on the Hill featured eight Members of Congress including Edward Markey, Jane Harman, and Eleanor Holmes Norton, in an original script entitled “Much Ado about Washington,” written by Ken Ludwig.



2005 Cast
Will on the Hill debuted in its current format in 2005 with the original skit “Lessons from Shakespeare on How to Make it in Washington” written by Ken and Carol Adelman. It starred Congressmen Ken Calvert, Cliff Stearns, Robert Livingston and Theodore Olson as well as Sam Donalson, Kathleen & Chris Matthews, George Stephanopoulos, and Steve & Cokie Roberts, to name a few.

2004 Cast
Congressional Night 2004 centered on STC’s production of Henry IV, Part 1 and featured nearly 200 Members of Congress as members of the Honorary Committee. The evening also recognized Senator Robert Byrd for his contribution in promoting an appreciation for classical literature through his distinctive use of Shakespeare when addressing the public. Although they weren’t yet appearing on stage, the evening was hosted by eight Senators and eight Representatives, including Edward Kennedy, Ted Stevens, Nancy Pelosi, and Jerry Lewis.


2003 Cast
Similar to 2002, the 2003 Congressional Night at STC invited Members of Congress to attend a special performance of Ben Jonson’s The Silent Woman. The evening was hosted by Senators Paul Sarbanes and Richard Shelby and Representatives Barney Frank and James Walsh. The evening was a complete sell-out, filled with Members of Congress, their staffs and Congressional Night sponsors.


2002 Cast
Originally dubbed “Congressional Night,” the soon-to-be-called Will on the Hill was hosted by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Joe Lieberman as well as Representatives Mike Oxley and Nancy Pelosi. Members of Congress and Washington VIPs attended a dedicated Capitol Hill performance of the Theatre’s mainstage production of Romeo and Juliet. The evening raised funds in support of STC’s education and community outreach programs like the Free For All, ShakesPEERS, and Text Alive!. Will on the Hill continues this mission today!

Will on the Hill 2012 is sponsored by:

                                Executive                                

               

                                Director                                

       

                                Producer                                

The BGR Foundation
Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates
Nissan
Promontory Financial Group
Qualcomm

                                 Patron                                 

Aflac
The Clearing House
H&R Block
Kraft Foods
Oracle
Vulcan Materials Company

                               Benefactor                               

C2 Group, LLC
Alice and John Goodman

For information on sponsorship opportunities, click here.

For those who participate in Will on the Hill by purchasing a VIP ticket or sponsorship package, the evening begins with a cocktail reception on the orchestra terrace of Sidney Harman Hall.   
 
After a pre-performance drink, all guests are invited to take their seats and enjoy a brief performance by students who have participated in our education programs. Then our featured performers will take the stage to show off their acting chops, proving once again that Shakespeare had it right when he wrote:  “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”  
 
Following the performance is a gourmet buffet and cocktail reception for our cast, senior staff from the Hill who participate as members of the Honorary Hill Advisory Committee, and our VIP guests and sponsors to mix and mingle.  
 
Will on the Hill has been featured in Washington Life, Capitol File, U.S. News and World Report, Roll Call, The Hill, Washington City Paper, The Washington Post, The Post Express, Pamela’s Punch and more!

The Evening's Events
6:30 PM Cocktail Reception
7:30 PM Performance
8:30 PM Buffet Dinner

 

To join the festivities by purchasing a VIP ticket or sponsorship package, contact WillontheHill@ShakespeareTheatre.org.

Video from the 2011 Will on the Hill