In 2000 the City of Bridgeport funded the first year of Bridgeport Free Shakespeare. Artistic Director, Ellen Lieberman (member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the union of professional stage directors and choreographers) directed "A Midsummer Night’s Dream". Despite the rainiest August in New England history, an average of 400 people from a broad range of backgrounds braved the elements and packed our indoor performance space in the zoo’s Victorian Carousel House. Each of the three performances led to a standing ovation from the audience!