Taconic Students Save Shakespeare Program

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After 22 years of performances in Shakespeare & Company’s Fall Festival of Shakespeare, Taconic High School's participation was in jeopardy this year after the school’s contribution to the program was raised from $3,000 to $13,000.

The school was able to fund $7,000, but the students had to raise $6,000 in less than eight weeks. They quickly created a fundraising group called "Save Our Shakespeare" and their efforts exceeded their goal. On Nov. 7, students presented a check for $9,550 to John Vosburgh, the principal of Taconic. Shakespeare and Company directors Luke Reed and Josephine Wilson were also on hand to accpet the check.

This year, the students of Taconic are presenting William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on Thursday, Nov. 13, and Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Taconic and then again on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 3:30 p.m. during the festival at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox.

Led by Director of Education Kevin G. Coleman and Associate Director of Education Jenna Ware, the Fall Festival is a celebration, rather than a competition. Students are encouraged to delve into Shakespeare’s works, unpacking the language and savoring the humor, intensity and transcendent beauty of Shakespeare’s plays.

Daily rehearsals focus on students’ personal responses to the text and connection to language. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in stage combat, performance aesthetics, dance, technical theatre, stage management, marketing and publicity, during their Fall Festival experience. Shakespeare & Company’s set, prop, lighting, sound, technical and costume staff collaborate with the directing teams and students to create a unique design for each play.

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