Education Fun Facts

At HVSF, Shakespeare is not merely a static text from long ago and far away, but a dynamic and present-tense experience of shared discovery and active play. We firmly believe that Shakespeare’s plays continue to resonate with our world today, and our programs empower students to discover elements of their own lived experiences reflected in Shakespeare’s language, stories, and characters.

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In-School

Performances of ROMEO & JULIET.

15,000 85% of students show more confidence speaking in front of peers after participating in our programs.

Youth served through in-school education and summer outreach programs through the tri-state region.

73% of students had never performed a Shakespeare play before participating in our residencies.

25% 300 of our summer audience use our youth, senior, military, and veteran ticket discounts.

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In-School Workshops conducted with students from K–College.

Major support for Education Programs at HVSF provided by THE LOUISE

Educators engaged in regional programming.

Teaching Artists illuminated text for student audiences.

We use a whopping 1,575 cubic feet, equaling 157,500 pounds of sand to cover our stage, creating a unique and immersive performance space.

Out of our 16-member acting troupe, 10 talented actors are returning to the tent this year, bringing their experience and expertise to our productions.

We have a dedicated team of 10 full-time staff members who work tirelessly yearround to ensure our performances are seamless and unforgettable. As we gear up for the season, our team grows to over 125 members, including actors, crew, and frontof-house staff, who bring their talents and passion to create exceptional outdoor theater experiences for our audience.

Our talented actors come from all over the country to join us for the season, with the furthest actor hailing from Hawaii and the closest actor from Cold Spring. Our diverse cast represents different regions of the United States, bringing a rich tapestry of experiences and talents to our productions.

This season marks our 36th year of bringing outstanding outdoor theater performances to our community, a testament to our enduring commitment to the arts.

Our actors memorize over 20,000 lines of Shakespearean dialogue each season, showcasing their dedication and expertise in bringing our resident playwright’s words to life on stage.

Between LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST and PENELOPE, our 2023 performances feature an impressive array of 12 different musical instruments, adding a captivating live musical element to our productions.

Support for Education programs at HVSF are provided by The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation, Crosswicks Foundation Ltd., Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, The Marshall Frankel Foundation, Peckham Family Foundation, Putnam Arts Council.

In a single season we utilize approximately 500 props, including weapons, tennis balls, crowns & kegs; 15 speakers; and 150 lights to create immersive theatrical productions. Many props are sustainably sourced from past seasons or local resources, reflecting our commitment to responsible production practices. We have a goal of using 45% stock or used items.

Founded in 1987, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) is a critically acclaimed, professional, non-profit theater company.

The Festival has established a reputation for lucid, engaging, and highly inventive productions staged in rotating repertory under an iconic, open-air theater tent.

Core Values

Excellence Inclusion Generosity Playfulness Sustainability

Mission

Rooted in the landscape of the Hudson Valley, with the plays of William Shakespeare as our touchstone, HVSF engages the widest possible audience in a theatrical celebration of our shared humanity.

We are a classical repertory theater that embraces the present moment, and our work springs from the most essential of elements — actor, audience, language, and landscape. As both a local community hub and a national arts destination, we foster meaningful human connections at the convergence of nature and culture.

As a 501(c)3 not for profit organization and a public trust, our theater belongs to you.