STC’s Will on the Hill reminds us that whatever our politics, Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Other, Shakespeare can bring us together. This year’s celebration of the Bard was especially welcome in our divided time.
Members of Congress, VIPs, professional actors, and students from STC’s programs participate in the event. Their purpose: to celebrate (and fundraise) for STC education. Will on the Hill, a beloved tradition, has continued for more than two decades.
STC reaches nearly 20,000 students, teachers, and community members every year. STC Learning provides intensive school services to public, private, and home schools across the DMV. In these free, semester-long classes, an STC Teaching Artist conducts an exploration of a classic play.
This year’s Special Guests were two of DC’s most talented actors: Holly Twyford and STC Academy graduate and 2025 Helen Hayes recipient Renea Brown. Together with members of Congress, VIPs, and students, they performed some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes with energy, enthusiasm, and boundless good cheer.
We were welcomed by STC Executive Director Angela Lee Gieras. The opening remarks were delivered by WOTH Steering Committee Chair Carol Danko. Our ebullient emcee, Mike Evans (partner at K&L Gates and author of the article “Shakespeare’s Guide to Tax Policy”) gave a nod to DC as a vibrant political community, rich in theater both on and off the stage. He reminded us that, above all, “It’s about the students.”
The stage combat scene featuring Alex Ross and Sadie O’Conor (STC Academy for Classical Acting MFA candidates) was a highlight of the evening. Imagine two fearless actors with swords, fighting to the death while declaiming lines from plays by our Will:
“Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk?” (Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio, Act III, Sc. 1).
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!” (Richard III, Richard, Act V, Sc . 4).
“Sell when you can; you are not for all markets.” (As You Like It, Rosalind, Act III, Sc. 5).
“To a nunnery, go!” (Hamlet, Hamlet, Act. III, Sc.1).
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends!” (Henry V, Henry, Act III, Sc.1).
During a scene from Julius Caesar, Sen. Chris Coons (Brutus) managed to convince the other conspirators that killing Mark Antony might be, well — too much — by telling them that Antony “can do no more than Caesar’s arm.” Artistic Director Simon Godwin (Banquo) and Aaron Myers (Macbeth) were informed (some would say warned) by oracular Witches of their respective fates. Renea Brown (Helena) and Holly Twyford (Hermia), traumatized by various plot twists in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, argued fiercely about who was in love with whom.
Students Sebastian Cummisky, Ayotomi Akeju, and Ava Dolven-Miller clearly captivated the audience in their scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and All’s Well That Ends Well.
There was a moving tribute to two accomplished and much-loved Congress members, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Charles Rangel (D-NY), who recently passed away.
Kudos to Director Samantha Wyer Bello, who infused the entire evening with wit, physical hijinks, and hilarity. Special praise is due to the deliciously zany costumes. And many thanks to everyone who gave so generously of their time, talent, and resources.
What a pleasure to see people uniting to benefit our youth. That is a performance we can all applaud.
Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes.
Will on the Hill was presented June 10, 2025, by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC.
The program for Will on the Hill 2025 is online here.
Will on the Hill
Presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company
Artistic Director: Simon Godwin
Executive Director: Angela Lee Gieras
Directed by Samantha Wyer Bello
Special Guests: Renea Brown, Holly Twyford
Emcee: Mike Evans
Stage Manager: Maria Mills
Production Manager: Megan Hanna
Government Affairs & Sponsorships Lead: Shelagh Grimshaw
Event Logistics: April Powell Harris
Will on the Hill Steering Committee Chair: Carol Danko
FEATURING (subject to change)
Ayotomi Akeju
Maria Allard
Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI)
Olivia Beavers
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
Renea Brown
Steven Clemons
Sen. Chris Coons (D- DE)
Murphy Coons
Sebastian Cummiskey
Simon Godwin
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA)
Rich Edson
James Hohmann
Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL)
Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA)
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson
Ava Dolven-Miller
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Aaron Myers
Grover Norquist
Sadie O’Conor
DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto
Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI)
Alex Ross
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV)
Holly Twyford
STUDENT CAST – SCHOOLS
Sebastian Cummisky, Brent Elementary School
Ayotomi Akeju, Charles. H. Flowers High School
Ava Dolven-Miller, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Fight choreography scene: Alex Ross and Sadie O’Conor (STC Academy for Classical Acting MFA candidates)
THEATRICAL PROGRAM
Welcome: Angela Lee Giaras, STC Executive Director
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Renea Brown and Holly Twyford
Romeo and Juliet: Renea Brown, Holly Twyford, Members of Congress and VIPs
Opening Remarks: Carol Danko, WOTH Chair
Stage Combat Demonstration: Sadie O’Conor and Alex Ross
Julius Caesar: Renea Brown, Holly Twyford, Members of Congress and VIPs
Oberon Monologue: Sebastian Cummiskey
Macbeth: Renea Brown, Simon Godwin, VIPs
All’s Well That Ends Well: Ava Dolven-Miller and Ayotomi Akeju
The Tempest: Holly Twyford, Members of Congress, VIPs
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Maria Allard, Renea Brown, Holly Twyford, Members of Congress
Closing Remarks
SEE ALSO:
STC’s annual ‘Will on the Hill’ benefit to feature Holly Twyford and Renea Brown (news story, June 3, 2025)