The Story
The Power of Place
With a focus on ecological restoration and climate-smart investment in green design, Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s new 98-acre campus will serve as vibrant cultural and educational resource for our local community, a must-visit destination for theater lovers from near and far, and a national model of environmental sustainability in the performing arts.
In addition to rehearsal studios, a costume shop, teaching and education spaces, overnight accommodation for artists and guests, administrative offices, and a restaurant and events space, the centerpiece of the campus is the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, a permanent open-air theater with dazzling views of the Hudson River. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Studio Gang, and scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, this timber-frame theater will be the first purpose-built LEED Platinum theater in the United States.
With two picnic lawns, a restaurant with stunning Hudson River views, enchanting wildflower gardens and native meadows, paths and trails to explore, and an expanded repertoire of evening, matinee and off-season performances, HVS will offer a new and unique experience to its audience of Shakespeare fans, lovers of live theater of all kinds, as well as families, students and other visitors to the Hudson Valley.
Our Vision for the Future
“This Green plot shall be our Stage.”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act 3, Sc. 1)
HVS’s mission is to engage the widest possible audience in a theatrical celebration of our shared humanity, and our new home will be a place of gathering and belonging, with the theater at its center. Improved facilities will support our commitment to artistic excellence, with a permanent open-air theater and backstage spaces to support it, as well as on-site artist housing to ensure HVS is a place where the country’s best talent continually wants to work.
A Permanent Home for HVS
Our new campus in Garrison, NY will feature:
- Permanent Open-Air Theater: A LEED Platinum-certified venue.
- Artist Lodging: On-site accommodations for our artists, and guests.
- Accessibility Upgrades: Fully ADA-compliant buildings and grounds.
A Cultural Hub for the Hudson Valley
This campus will serve as a vibrant community resource, offering:
- Educational Programs: Year-round student programming, including matinee performances and workshops with HVS teaching artists.
- Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations, and opportunities to connect with others in free workshops and participatory art-making.
- Publicly Accessible Parkland and Trails: Sustainable and healthy open spaces for community enjoyment.
