If you love catching an open-air play during the summer, we have some fantastic news. After six years of planning and construction, Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS) has officially completed its brand-new permanent home.
The Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center is finally ready to welcome audiences in Garrison, NY.
Located just 60 miles north of the city, this theater is a major upgrade for the beloved company. For nearly four decades, HVS operated out of seasonal tents and temporary structures. Now, they have a spectacular, purpose-built venue to call their own.
An eco-friendly architectural marvel
This isn’t just any regular performance space. The 14,850-square-foot venue sits on a massive 98-acre campus that overlooks the stunning Hudson Highlands.
Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm Studio Gang, the building features a curved mass-timber grid shell. It seamlessly blends into the rolling hills and natural landscape, creating a dramatic sense of discovery as you walk up the accessible paths.
Even better, the theater is highly sustainable. It is officially the first public purpose-built LEED Platinum theater in the United States.
The surrounding grounds, designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz, transformed a water-heavy former golf course into restored native meadows and wetlands to support local biodiversity.
What to expect for the 2026 season
The theater boasts 451 seats, and the stage’s proscenium arch opens directly onto the landscape. This means you get the classic HVS open-air experience, complete with incredible natural backdrops of Storm King, Snake Hill, and Breakneck Ridge.
The inaugural summer season kicks off on June 10 and runs through September 27. The lineup features:
- As You Like It: A music-filled romp directed by Miriam Laube, featuring original music by Amanda Dehnert.
- King Lear: The classic tragedy starring Kurt Rhoads and directed by Davis McCallum.
- Les Misérables: A fresh open-air production of the beloved musical, directed by Jenn Thompson.
And don’t worry, the beloved HVS tradition of pre-show picnicking on the lawns is here to stay.
Looking ahead to the future
HVS is already laying the groundwork for the future. By the summer of 2027, they will finish constructing artist lodging on the campus. This will allow the cast and crew of 32 to live on-site, cutting down on transit times and reducing fuel emissions.
If you are planning to drive up, getting there is now a bit easier and safer. A new traffic signal is officially operational at the intersection of Route 9, Travis Corners Road, and Snake Hill Road to help manage the flow of visitors.
Between the top-tier performances and the breathtaking nature, this is bound to be a major summer hotspot.
