Keegan Theatre has begun selling tickets for its annual Ireland trip.  The $20 raffle tickets offer a chance to win a trip to Ireland for two.  The trip is timed to coincide with Keegan's 2009 Ireland Tour, which is happening in the fall.  The winning ticket will receive round-trip airfare for two to Ireland, one week accommodations for two, dinner with the Keegan 2009 Ireland Tour cast and the crew and a pair of tickets to attend the 2009 Touring production (in the touring city of your choice).  You can purchase your raffle tickets at the Keegan box office before or after any performance, by calling the box office at 703-892-0202 (ext. 2) or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The drawing will be held in July during the run of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Church Street Theater.  By the way, you don't have to be present to win.

The global economic meltdown and the global flu pandemic did not curtail Washington Shakespeare Company from raising $253,000 with its annual Will on the Hill event.  The funds raised will go towards the company's education and outreach initiatives.  The yearly event held on May 4th brings national politicians and media stars together to perform an original work that borrows liberally from the Bard's canon.  This year's play was titled A Midsession Night's Dream and was written by Peter Byrne and directed by David Muse. The play follows a young Senate page as he falls asleep during a filibuster and dreams of meeting William Shakespeare.  Together, the two travel through Washington using Shakespearean verse to resolve partisan conflicts.