June 12–September 4
Thursdays, 6:15 pm
Picnic? Check. Wine? Check. Behind-the-scenes commentary from directors, actors, designers and industry experts? Absolutely! Grab a picnic or a glass of wine, and find your way to the patio for a lively conversation and some behind-the-scenes insight into with HVS artists, scholars, and industry experts on this year’s creative process and more!
These pre-show talks take place every Thursday night during the summer season and are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Topics:
Prologue with Sean McNall and Christine Scarfuto
Thursday, August 21st at 6:15 PM
Join Associate Artistic Director Sean McNall and Dramaturg, Educator, and Producer Christine Scarfuto for a lively pre-show conversation launching the 10th annual Hudson Valley Shakespeare Bake-Off. This year’s theme riffs on the idea that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”—inspired by Dave Malloy’s Octet. Hear how the “ingredients” are chosen, get a peek behind the curtain at the writing process, and help us celebrate a decade of inventive, community-driven theater.
Prologue with Andy Nagraj
Thursday, August 28th at 6:15 PM
Andy Nagraj, a Chicago-based actor, singer, guitarist, and playwright/composer—bringing both musical creativity and acting finesse to HVS this summer. We’ll discuss his dual roles as the fortunate Antipholus of Ephesus in Comedy of Errors and the forthcoming Marvin in Octet, exploring how both Shakespearean farce and ensemble choral theater demand rhythmic precision, deep presence, and a balance between chaos and control. Drawing on his experience touring as Jafar in Aladdin, Andy will reflect on how sustained character work and vocal versatility feed into his dynamic performances on the HVS stage.
Past Speakers
2024 Guest Speakers
A conversation with Ryan Quinn (Director) & Heidi Armbruster (Playwright) of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
A conversation with Nathan Winkelstein (Director) of Medea: Re-Versed
A conversation with Storyteller Ron Sopyla about the Greek myth in Medea: Re-Versed followed by a performance of Medea: Re-Versed
A conversation with Mystery Writer and former HVSF Director John C Plummer followed by a performance of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
A conversation with Dramaturg Kate Farrington followed by a performance of By the Queen
A conversation with Storyteller Ron Sopyla (Medea and Greek Myth background)
A conversation with Sandra Goldmark (Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Engagement, Columbia Climate School and Professor of Professional Practice, Barnard College), Karen Ertl (Philipstown Climate Smart Task Force), Eric Van Deusen (Atelier Ten), and Nick Skeadas (CEO of Curbside Compost) about sustainability at HVS
2022 Guest Speakers
Music & Movement at HVS: A conversation with Musical Director Saul Nache and Choreographer Kimiye Corwin.
ROMEO & JULIET: Dr. Seth Herbst, West Point Assistant Professor of English, discusses the Shakespearean classic.
Climate Conversations: Sandra Goldmark, Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Theatre, Director of Campus Sustainability and Climate Action at Barnard College in conversation with HVSF Artistic Director Davis McCallum, and Dr. Radley Horton, Lamont Research Professor, Ocean and Climate Physics, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), Columbia Climate School.
Yellow Finch Project: A conversation about enhancing the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other social-communication issues through the art of theater.
Where We Belong: In Conversation with Curtis Zunigha, an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma and an acknowledged expert on Delaware/Lenape culture, language, and traditional practices. Mr. Zunigha is Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Lenape Center, based in New York City.
Romeos and Juliets: Generations of star-crossed lovers, Carl Howell and Angela Janas (2012), Kurt Rhoads and Nance Williamson (2022), discuss these roles.
Our Future: Davis McCallum shares the vision for the site and future of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare.
Mr. Burns: A Conversation with The Civilians Artistic Director, Steven Cosson: Hear from Steven Cosson on why MR. BURNS was originally chosen for commission by The Civilians, New York, NY.
2019 Guest Speakers
HVSF Artistic Director and CYMBELINE Director Davis McCallum with May Adrales, Director of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
CYRANO Playwright and Company Member Jason O’Connell
CYRANO Director Meredith McDonough
Cast and Creative of HVSF’s Touring JULIUS CAESAR
Split Rock Books presents Benjamin Dreyer, Author of Dreyer’s English
HVSF Education Intern Caitlyn Halvorsen with Martine Green-Rogers, President of LMDA and SUNY New Paltz Associate Professor of Theatre Arts
Dr. Seth Herbst, West Point Assistant Professor of English
INTO THE WOODS Director Jenn Thompson
HVSF2 Playwright John Leonard Pielmeier, Author of Hook’s Tale
Katharine Goodland, CUNY Professor of Literature and Drama
HVSF Education Programs Manager Marie D’Apice with Cyrus Mulready, SUNY New Paltz Associate Professor of English
Company Members José Gamo and Luis Quintero
HVSF Education Intern, Caitlyn Halvorsen in conversation with dramaturg, producer, and teacher, Christine Scarfuto
2018 Guest Speakers
- Alithea Phillips, HVSF Voice and Speech Coach
- Shana Cooper, Director of HVSF’s THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
- Davis McCallum, HVSF Artistic Director
- Wesley Mann, longtime HVSF Company member
- The Funny School of Good Acting Commedia Company
- Liz Wisan, Kate in HVSF’s THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
- Jarrod Bates, Hamlet in HVSF’s Touring Production of HAMLET
- Kate Farrington, Writer and Dramaturg
- Dr. Cordelia Zukerman, West Point Assistant Professor of English
- Jennifer Carlquist, Executive Director of Boscobel House and Gardens
- Seth Herbst, West Point Assistant Professor of English
- Christopher Bayes, Clown and Playwright
- Liam Craig, Rip in HVSF’s RIP VAN WINKLE
- Suzanne Agins, Director of HVSF’s THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD
- Marie D’Apice, HVSF Education Associate and Teaching Artist
- Julia Coffey, Richard in HVSF’s RICHARD II
- Nance Williamson, longtime HVSF Company member
- Seth Bockley, Playwright and Director of HVSF’S RIP VAN WINKLE
2017 Guest Speakers
- Davis McCallum, HVSF Artistic Director
- Amanda Dehnert, Director of HVSF’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
- Luke Pontifell, Newburgh-based publisher and founder of Thornwillow Press
- Jennifer Carlquist, Executive Director of Boscobel
- Dr. Cordelia Zukerman, West Point Assistant Professor of English
- Daniel Wechsler, Author of Shakespeare’s Beehive: An Annotated Elizabethan Dictionary Comes to Light
- Penny Metropulos, Director of HVSF’s THE GENERAL FROM AMERICA
- Seth Bockley, Playwright and Director of HVSF’s RIP VAN WINKLE
- Ian Belknap, Artistic Director of The Acting Company
- Kate Hamill, Playwright, HVSF’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
- Kate Farrington, Director of Dramaturgy at The Pearl Theatre Company
- Richard Nelson, Palywright, HVSF’s THE GENERAL FROM AMERICA