In an age of Covid-19, the question of how theater can continue safely is a hot topic for performers, artists, and audiences alike. Seven recent graduates of the NYU Tisch Drama Department, and two rising seniors, set out this summer to find a responsible answer to the dilemma. Thus, the Hundreth Hill Theatre Residency was born.
The Hundredth Hill is a private, non-profit artist retreat in Bloomington, Indiana on 40 acres of land. Starting on August 1st, the retreat became a devoted space for a closed Theatre Residency, founded by Kyndall Sillanpaa '20 (BFA, Drama). Kyndall is joined by fellow 2020 Tisch Drama gradutes, and two rising seniors. Once tested and medically cleared, the residents quarantined together and began work immediately on two new works directed by Sillanpaa and Scott Huffman '20 (BFA, Drama). These, along with a staged reading generated by the seven other residents, will be performed outdoors at The Hundredth Hill in a safe, socially distant setting beginning in late September.
The Hundredth Hill's Emerging Theater Artist Residency is currently one of the only, if not the only theatre company nationwide actively creating and rehearsing new, traditional live theatre.
We look forward to seeing the work that comes from the alumni and student residents of the program: Kyndall Sillanpaa ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Sam Mchale ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Scott Huffman ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Jessica Kantorowitz ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Nancy Kimball ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Lorenzo Rosado ‘20 (BFA, Drama); César Pinzon ‘20 (BFA, Drama); Char Nakashima-Conway ‘21 (Drama); Brendan Schwartz ‘21 (Drama).
Read more about the program on Broadway World, and see photos and information on the residency on The Hundredth Hill website.