"Hamlet" Comes to Campus Thursday, Feb. 19

February 17, 2026

Free, public performance is part of Shakespeare & Company’s annual residency

The renowned Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, Mass. brings “Hamlet” to Hudson Valley Community College on Thursday, Feb. 19, for a noon performance in the Maureen Stapleton Theatre. The free event is open to the public and is presented by the college’s Cultural Affairs Program. Online reservations are requested.

One of Shakespeare’s most widely recognized works, “Hamlet” unleashes the dark and powerful tale of mystery, revenge and tough choices about truth and loyalty. The performance follows its titular character as he learns that his uncle killed his father, the king, and now wears the crown.

The performance is a highlight of the company’s week-long residency – now in its 15th year – with Hudson Valley’s Theatre Arts degree program. It includes a variety of acting and theatre workshops with students guided by company members.

“Hamlet” is part of the troupe’s Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare that brings rotating plays to middle and high schools, colleges and other community venues. Started in 1982, the touring production now reaches more than 20,000 audience members each year to share the company’s educational mission to “immerse students in the world of Shakespeare and classical theatre in the most active and engaging ways.”

Hudson Valley Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media Department Chairperson Scott Hathaway described the continued partnership between the college and Shakespeare & Company as valuable for everyone involved.

“This residency gives our students an incredible opportunity to learn directly from professionals who live and breathe Shakespeare,” Hathaway said. “At the same time, we’re able to invite the community to enjoy one of the greatest plays ever written.”

This free, 90-minute program is recommended for ages 13 and older and coincides with the winter vacation week observed by most public schools. A brief audience question and answer period will follow the performance. For additional information, please contact Cultural Affairs Coordinator Tom Torrisi at t.torrisi@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-8071.