Celebrating Shakespeare
To mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, universities, high schools, and professional Shakespeare theaters across Virginia have launched a yearlong celebration of the Bard’s life and works called the Virginia Shakespeare Initiative -- and Foxcroft is definitely in the spirit!
First and foremost, the Performing Arts Department will present Twelfth Night as its spring production, the first time in more than 20 years that Shakespeare has been featured in a major Foxcroft production. (Continue reading for details).
The celebration, however, began this fall when the English Department offered an elective called "Shakespeare and Performance," and continues during Wintermission when three students will have internships with "Shakespeare in the 'Burg," an annual Middleburg festival scheduled for April 1-3.
The internships are part of a new partnership, managed by English Department Chair Anne Burridge, between Foxcroft and the festival, which features local performances by the American Shakespeare Center (ASC), workshops in stagecraft and acting, and a playwriting competition. Other apects of the partnership include:
Back
- Foxcroft will host the entire ASC cast in Spur and Spoon.
- Several of the ASC actors will present a workshop on "Staging High Comedy" especially for British Literature students and the Twelfth Night cast, in FoxHound on Friday, April 1.
- Ms. Burridge is serving on the committee charged with reading and selecting an original one-act play to be performed during the festival from over 100 submissions. (Former English teacher/past parent/alumna Stewart Chapman Herbert ’77 is also a judge.)
- Students will have opportunities to be involved as volunteers and by attending performances of Henry V or The Importance of Being Earnest at the festival. Wherever possible, Foxcroft faculty are making specific connections; for example, British Literature students will study The Importance of Being Earnest and then attend the performance.
"Foxcroft’s innovative partnership with Shakespeare in the 'Burg reflects our deep commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary learning for our students," says Burridge. "The English and Fine Arts departments have collaborated closely to provide these opportunities for our students."
Fine Arts Department Chair and play director Karin Thorndike is excited for the challenge and fun of presenting Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Auditions were completed recently and the all-female cast (an interesting twist on the all-male casts that were used in Shakespeare’s day) stars Carli M. '16 in the lead role of Viola, Patia F. ’16 as Olivia and a delightful combination of experienced and first-time actors. For the complete cast list, click here. Performances are April 22 and 23, which coincides with Junior Parents’ College Weekend.
This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience for visitors to our website.
By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.
See our Privacy Policy for additional information.
By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.
See our Privacy Policy for additional information.
An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
