Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Receives Major NYS Grant

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) has been awarded $71,600 by the New York State Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) to support HVSF's innovative, hands-on arts education and outreach initiatives in 2015. Programs supported by the REDC award include: performances, workshops and residencies in area middle and high schools; training and work experience for early-career theater artists through HVSF's Conservatory Company; professional development for educators at the Shakespeare Institute & Teacher Resource Workshop; and Shakespeare Summer Camp for ages 8-16. HVSF's grant is part of $709.2 million in economic and community development grants awarded by the REDC.

"We are deeply grateful to the REDC for this award," said HVSF Artistic Director Davis McCallum. "Central to our mission is the idea that Shakespeare belongs to everyone. This award will allow HVSF to continue to widen the circle of people we can reach, helping youth and adults to develop crucial life skills like imagination, collaboration and communication. "

Each academic year, HVSF's Shakespeare performances and arts-education programs serve more than 40,000 students in more than 40 middle and high schools in the Hudson Valley. The Shakespeare Summer Camp serves area youth ages 8-16. The Shakespeare Institute & Teacher Resource Workshops offer professional development to scores of teachers and arts educators in the Hudson Valley each year. The HVSF Conservatory Company provides 21 weeks of professional training and work experience for up to 20 early-career theater artists and technicians annually. HVSF's outreach programs in summer 2015 will include free and affordable touring outreach performances of The Tempest and An Iliad. For more information about HVSF Education and Outreach Programs call Sean McNall, Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education at (845) 809 5750 x18 or at smcnall@hvshakespeare.org.