Register here!

On Friday, July 18th, 2025, our friends with Shake on the Lake, a professional theatre company right here in Western New York, is bringing their touring performance of The Tempest to Memorial Park in the Village of Hamburg. The show is free and family-friendly. You can learn more at shakeonthelake.org

Shakespeare is famous... and famously hard to follow. It's easy to get tripped up on the language even as we can appreciate it for its beauty. In anticipation of the performance in July, Merit Badge Books is hosting a reading and discussion of The Tempest on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

We'll discuss The Tempest together, spending time with the maelstrom and magic of the text, following plot lines, and understanding the characters and their motivations. We will be joined by Pilar McKay, Shake on the Lake co-founder and managing director, and Matt Duncan, veteran Shake on the Lake actor and this summer's Prospero. The discussion is best suited for ages 12 and up.

Your registration covers the cost of a copy of The Tempest* to read and keep, light refreshments, and travel expenses for the company members who join us. Space is limited so grab your spot today!

*Once registered, you can pick up your copy of The Tempest at Merit Badge Books any time leading up to the discussion on June 7th, or on the day of.