Our mission and history: Since 2001!
The Chelsea Get Thee to the Funnery Shakespeare Program is a community arts enrichment program serving youth in Chelsea, VT and surrounding towns.
We offer a two week summer Shakespeare intensive for ages 13-18, and we also offer several workshops in Theatre Improv throughout the year. At the Funnery students read, rehearse, memorize and perform a work of Shakespeare while also training in voice, movement, clowning, and improvisation.
Our two-part mission is:
- *to offer high-quality arts enrichment programs that encourage positive use of time, energy, creativity, and support healthy community engagement
- *to make these programs affordable and accessible to students in the Chelsea-Tunbridge area.
Our program emphasizes team building, creativity, and taking personal and creative risks while working with each student to develop their personal style and skill set at their own pace and level. Students from any background are encouraged to apply, regardless of theatre experience.
This project is a labor of love for us as directors and artists to give back opportunities that we were given as students growing up in Vermont. It is a joy to see these students risk and blossom over such a short period of time, as well as seeing them grow more powerful, dynamic and compassionate as they work with us over many years. Students form friendships with students from other schools and towns and a strong community forms as many students return year after year.
Originally founded by Peter Gould in partnership with parents from the community, it was directed from 2005-2018 by Kailie Larkin and Sophie Wood who now continue to support the program as "The Bard of Directors." Tess Holbrook, Funnery alum and long-time director, now heads the program with a fantastic staff of alumni.
There are additional Get Thee To The Funnery programs directed by Peter Gould.
For more information click www.gettheetothefunnery.com
