In the midst of a snowy winter in Michigan, even the heartiest of theater lovers isn't likely to be thinking about outdoor theater festivals. Yet the Blackbird Theatre has nonetheless just released its first season line-up for Shakespeare West, a new outdoor series that will feature several works of the Bard in West Park during the summer of 2011.

Shakespeare West runs June 2-October 1 and will feature five productions. Tickets to each performance cost $15-$25, and performance times are Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. Patrons may buy tickets now at www.blackbirdtheatre.org.

Here's the festival's schedule:

"The Tempest," June 2-25 Summer begins with Shakespeare’s final masterpiece, focusing on romance and adventure on a magical isle. Director Barton Bund ("A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "Women in Love," "Patty Hearst") uses a cast of five actors to play all roles in this innovative new production. With Oliver Darrow, Jamie Weeder, and Gayle Martin. (June 2 is a “Pay What Thou Wilt” preview performance. Any size donation will get you in.)

"Much Ado About Nothing," July 7-30 The battle of the sexes is on! Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy comes to life in a raucous, lively production directed by Brian Carbine (choreographer, "Patty Hearst," "Women in Love"). (July 7 is a “Pay What Thou Wilt" preview.)

The Blackbird Theatre Academy (for students and young people) will present: "Pericles, Prince of Tyre," August 4-13 A journey across time and across the generations, Pericles roars into the festival with a clash of swords and a war of words. A hip new production featuring an all-teen cast. Directed by visionary young director Brooklyn Alistair Dimitrie. (August 4 is a “Pay What Thou Wilt" preview.)

"Twelfth Night," August 18-September 3 Take a trip back to 1965. Illyria is reimagined as a folk festival. When Viola arrives in search of her brother, everyone goes hogwild. Dressed as a Bob-Dylan-esque young man, she infiltrates the festival and turns it all upside down. With Victoria Walters and Dana Sutton. (August 18 is a "Pay What Thou Wilt" preview.)

"Othello," September 8-October 1 A Moorish military General is caught in a web of lust and violence. When the fiendish Iago seeks power and revenge, he drives Othello to madness and murder. A fiery, spellbinding new production by award-winning director Lynch Travis ("A View from the Bridge," "Orpheus Descending," "Topdog/Underdog"), featuring Steven O’Brien. (September 8 is a “Pay What Thou Wilt" preview.)

For more information about Shakespeare West, call 734-332 3848, or visit the Blackbird's new website at http://www.wix.com/blackbirdtheatre/blackbirdtheatreorg2.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.