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American Players Theatre's Tim Gittings to Guest Star with Pioneer Players in this Fall's Shakespeare Classic
Posted October 9, 2025
Ann Dillon Farrelly, University of Wisconsin - Platteville
This fall, the UW-Platteville Pioneer Players will welcome guest artist Tim Gittings, Core Company member of the American Players Theatre (APT), to their production of William Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Gittings will take on the role of Nick Bottom. The production opens Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Center for the Arts Theatre.
“We are so excited to have the amazing opportunity to work with an actor of Tim’s caliber,” said Ann Dillon Farrelly, professor of theatre and director of the production. “There is so much our students can learn from him, and they cannot wait to get started.”
Gittings, who has been a Core Company member at APT in Spring Green, Wisconsin, for 18 years, is also looking forward to working with the young cast.
“’Midsummer’ was the first Shakespeare play I ever did, back in junior high, and it will always have a special resonance for me because of that,” said Gittings. “I'm excited to meet this group of young artists and to embark on this unique journey together!”
“Working with a professional actor is an extraordinary opportunity to improve our skills and hone our craft,” exclaimed Nik Swiggum, cast member and second-year English and fine arts-theatre double major. “As someone who has worked at APT as a member of the front of house staff for the last three years, I am stoked to work closely with Tim in the show!”
The idea to invite a guest artist came from Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education Carrie Van Hallgren, who spent eight seasons as the managing director at APT. Gittings will appear on stage with UW-Platteville students because of the generous support of the Bert Glanz Fund for Classical Theatre. Glanz was a faculty member in the English department at UW-Platteville for 25 years. He also served as the department chair and performed with the Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival. He passed away in 1990.