In 2012, Chicago Shakespeare Theater launched Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, which tours a professional production – free for all – to culturally underserved neighborhoods across Chicago.

The program was inspired by a Cultural Mapping Project conducted by the University of Chicago and the City of Chicago's Cultural Plan. Catalyzed by the reality that large portions of greater Chicago showed low participation in the arts, Chicago Shakespeare challenged itself, and its supporters and partners, to engage with these neighborhoods in a bold and creative new way. Brooke discusses the development, launch and success of this important Chicago Shakespeare civic engagement initiative.