Talented Hayground Students Present Shakespeare At Guild Hall

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Students from the Hayground School in Bridgehampton took the stage at Guild Hall in East Hampton recently to showcase their acting talent.

Two performances of "The Tempest" took place on Thursday, December 14, the culmination of Shakespeare & Company's residency at the Hayground School.

For 3 weeks, Shakespeare & Company actors and mentors Ellie Bartz,Annie Considine, Lori Evans, and Grace Lazarz led the entire school — 88 students from ages 3 to 13, along with 11 faculty members and staff — "through an in-depth exploration of the story, text, and history of Shakespeare's classic comedy 'The Tempest'", a release said.

"Now in its 20th year of working with Hayground students, the aim of Shakespeare & Company's education program is to make Shakespeare accessible and inclusive. Their residency includes daily theater games, warm-ups, and activities to help students understand the story of the play and the emotion behind Shakespeare's text," the release added. "Immersion and collaboration are pervading themes of each year's Shakespeare & Co. residency."

Directors adapted the play for time while "staying true to the original text," the release said.

"The performances at Hayground are always exciting and delightful, and this was no different. Each of the actors brought themselves completely to the stage and we are very proud of everyone. It's been a fantastic time working with the whole school, and we can't wait to be back again next year," Shakespeare & Company mentors said.

The performances were open to the public and donations benefitted the Visiting Artist Program.

Photo courtesy Steve Muth.