About Us

Scene from Henry IV, Part I performed by Elm Shakespeare Company at Edgerton Park in 1999

Founded in January of 1995, The Elm Shakespeare Company (ESC) has rapidly become one of New Haven's most exciting arts education organizations. In collaboration with the Yale Center for British Art, the Company has forged an alliance with the High School in the Community (HSC) and developed an innovative Artist in Residency Program.

In the summer of 1996, ESC presented its first professional production of William Shakespeare's The Tempest. With a cast composed of professional, pre-professional, and student performers, The Tempest was presented free of charge in New Haven's Edgerton Park to an audience of 3,500. Since 1996, Elm Shakespeare Company's audience has grown to over 30,000 attending performances throughout
the month of August.

The Taming of the Shrew, Edgerton Park, 2000