Breakdancing Shakespeare

Breakdancing Shakespeare

A Summer Theater and Breakdancing Program for Teens

Breakdancing Shakespeare is a 6-week summer program for students ages 16-21.
Participants will learn breakdancing and acting techniques, and use these skills to put a modern twist on a classic Shakespearean play. This summer’s cast will also be recording original music.

I think there’s a historical connection too because Shakespeare 400 years ago was this urban, gritty thing. I think we are not precious about it, so we get spoken word and rap into what’s going on with the iambic pentameter.

Nina Pinchin
Director

To me, Breakdancing Shakespeare is a good representation of what life in the entertainment industry is like and how young adults should prepare themselves if they are looking to go down that path. It is an environment where one can really make strong, powerful alliances and friends.

Brandon Couloute
Choreographer

When I first started out, I was almost unrecognizable. My voice was so quiet and my dancing needed serious cleaning up. Now, when I watch last year’s production and compare, I see a much more confident person who isn’t afraid to project their voice and go all out to tell the story as well as she can.

Alana Morgan
Participant

2025 Hamlet

Get ready for high-energy choreography, original music, and a bold new take on the prince of Denmark like you’ve never seen before.

Program Information

The summer program runs for 6 weeks.

This summer, Breakdancing Shakespeare takes on one of the Bard’s most iconic works — Hamlet! All cast members will receive a stipend of $200 per week.

Program Dates:
June 16 – July 27
Monday – Friday
10am – 4pm

Audition Information

Applicants must be between the ages of 16-21.

Where: Hartford Stage Rehearsal Studio
942 Main St. 2nd Floor, Hartford

When: Auditions for this year’s Breakdancing Shakespeare production of Hamlet will be held on Wednesday, May 14, with time slots available between 3:30 and 7:30 PM.

While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage interested participants to schedule an appointment in advance.

For questions and to schedule an audition time please email npinchin@hartfordstage.org

SPECIAL THANKS

Program Sponsors

The BFA Endowed Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

The George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation

Creative Team

Director
Nina Pinchin

Choreographer
Brandon Couloute

Original Music Composer/Sound Designer
Kevin Scott

Stage Manager
Alyssa Edwards

Scenic Designer
Dave Lowe

Lighting Designer
Jackie Costabile

Costume Designer
Nina Pinchin

Past Productions

2024: Much Ado About Nothing
2023: The Tempest
2022: Macbeth
2021: Love’s Labour’s Lost
2019: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2018: Twelfth Night
2017: As You Like It
2016: Romeo & Juliet
2015: Hamlet
2014: Love’s Labour’s Lost
2013: Two Gentlemen of Verona
2012: Much Ado About Nothing
2011: The Tempest
2010: Macbeth
2009: The Comedy of Errors
2008: Antony & Cleopatra
2007: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2006: Romeo & Juliet