Hudson Shakespeare Company facts for kids
The Hudson Shakespeare Company is a theater group based in Jersey City. They put on plays by William Shakespeare and other modern shows. They are known for performing in parks and other unique places, not just regular theaters. The company also has special programs to teach students about Shakespeare and acting.
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History of the Company
In 1992, a man named L. Robert "Luther" Johnson from Jersey City had an idea. He wanted to put on a play called "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Hamilton Park. He had worked with theater groups in New York and noticed there weren't many Shakespeare plays in Jersey City.
So, he teamed up with some friends who also loved theater. They started the "Hudson Shakespeare Company." It was named after Hudson County. Their first show had only 5 people in the audience, but Luther didn't give up! He kept producing Shakespeare plays. He also put on modern plays under a different name, "Patchwork Theater Company."
In 1996, Luther met another actor and director, Jon Ciccarelli. They decided to combine all the plays under the "Hudson Shakespeare Company" name. For the next few years, they performed in Jersey City and Hoboken. In 1998, they were the first theater group to perform at Hoboken's Frank Sinatra Park.
The company started touring in 2002. They went to places like Hackensack and South Orange. Later, they added more regular places like Kenilworth (in 2004) and Fort Lee (in 2007).
Rare Shakespeare Plays
The Hudson Shakespeare Company is famous for performing plays by Shakespeare that most people haven't heard of. They also put a new spin on well-known plays. Jon Ciccarelli, the artistic director, said they try to do at least one play each season that is very rare.
Some of the lesser-known plays they have performed include:
- Edward III (2016)
- Arden of Faversham (2015)
- Henry VIII (2013)
- Cardenio (2012)
- Timon of Athens (2011)
- Troilus and Cressida (2009)
- King John (2008)
- The Two Noble Kinsmen (2007)
- Coriolanus (2004)
- Cymbeline (2004 & 2014)
- Pericles (2006 & 2014)
- Titus Andronicus (2003 & 2013)
Where They Perform
The Hudson Shakespeare Company performs in many different places. Here are some of their regular spots for summer shows:
In Jersey City
- Hamilton Park: This is where the company first started performing. They often play in front of the park's gazebo. If it rains, they move under the gazebo.
- Van Vorst Park: This park is in downtown Jersey City, next to the main library.
- Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery: This is the oldest cemetery in the city. The company performs here to help raise money for its upkeep.
In Hoboken
- Frank Sinatra Park: This is a big outdoor venue in Hoboken. The company works with the Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs for their shows here.
In Hackensack, New Jersey
- Staib Park: This park is in Hackensack.
- Hackensack Cultural Arts Center: This used to be a church. It's used as a backup location if it rains and for other theater groups.
In Stratford, Connecticut
- Stratford Library: This library hosts the company. It also has talks about Shakespeare.
In Kenilworth, New Jersey
- Kenilworth Library: The company performs a program here called "Bard on the Boulevard."
In Westfield, New Jersey
- Westfield Memorial Library: This library is another performance spot.
In Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Monument Park: This park is next to the Fort Lee Museum. The company works with the Fort Lee Film Commission for their shows here.
In West Milford, New Jersey
- Long Pond Iron Works State Park: The company performs in this historic village.
Educational Programs
The Hudson Shakespeare Company offers many educational programs each year. These programs help students learn about Shakespeare and theater. They include:
- Full Shakespeare Shows: Students can watch complete plays.
- Scene Showcases: Students perform selected scenes from plays.
- Shakespeare Workshops: These teach students how to understand and perform Shakespeare's text.
- Stage Combat Workshops: Students learn how to safely act out fights on stage. This includes unarmed combat (like punches and falls) and armed combat (using fake swords).
The company has worked with many schools and universities. Some of these include St. Mary's High School and Kenmare High School in Jersey City, Fort Lee High School, and Misericordia University.
Special Achievements
The Hudson Shakespeare Company has achieved some special things:
- In 1998, they were the first theater group to perform live at the new Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, New Jersey. The play was A Midsummer Night's Dream.
- In 2005, the company's founder, L. Robert Johnson, received the "Everyday Hero Award" from The Jersey Journal newspaper. He was honored for starting the company and helping students learn about Shakespeare.
- In 2009, the company was nominated for awards at the New York Midtown International Theatre Festival. This was for their stage fight choreography and costumes in a play called The Sword Politik.
- In 2012, a new edition of Shakespeare's The Two Noble Kinsmen mentioned the Hudson Shakespeare Company. They were noted as one of the few groups worldwide that had performed this rare play.
- In 2014, a book called Greatness Thrust Upon Them featured several actors from the company. The book talked about their first experiences with Shakespeare and how it helped their acting careers.
- In 2015, the company performed Arden of Faversham. This was the first live show at the new Atlantic Street Park in Hackensack, New Jersey.
