Massachusetts-Based Theater Company Begins Residency At East End School

While the start of December kicked holiday happenings into high gear, it also brought the beginning of a very special tradition at Hayground School. On Tuesday, December 1st, four professional actors from the Berkshires’ Shakespeare & Company were welcomed at the Bridgehampton-based school for the Massachusetts-based Company’s 18th annual residency there.

Throughout the next few weeks, the students will be guided by the mentors during a comprehensive examination of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night,” covering everything from the story to the history to the play’s text. All 85 Hayground students, from ages 3 to 13, will participate in the workshop. The team of teaching artists will work with educators at Hayground to familiarize students with Shakespeare in methods that are active, creative, and expressive.

“Making Shakespeare accessible and inclusive,” says actor Caitlin Kraft, is the mission of the Company’s Education Program. Each day, students will partake in theater games, warm-ups, and activities that will help them further comprehend the play’s plot, as well as the emotion behind the character’s lines.

Shakespeare & Company’s residency at Hayground will conclude with two performances of “Twelfth Night” at Guild Hall on Thursday, December 17th at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The shows are open to all, with a suggested donation of $10 per family. All proceeds from the productions will support Hayground School’s Visiting Artist Program, which invites artists, writers, performers, and scientists to lead intensive workshops with Hayground School students.

Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, visit www.hayground.org.