Hotfoot appointed to design new website for New York’s Hudson Valley Shakespeare

Hotfoot Design in Lancaster has been appointed to design and develop the new website for Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS), the acclaimed professional theatre company based in New York’s Hudson Valley.

The new website will launch in 2026 to coincide with the opening of HVS’s first-ever permanent home, the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center.

Designed by Studio Gang, the internationally renowned architecture practice, the new venue will be the first purpose-built theatre targeting LEED Platinum-certification in the United States, a landmark for environmentally sustainable performance spaces.

Founded in 1987, Hudson Valley Shakespeare has built a national reputation for its fresh and accessible productions of Shakespeare, contemporary works, and musicals. The company’s 98-acre campus, overlooking the Hudson River, has become a cultural anchor for the region and a gathering place for both local communities and visitors from across the U.S.

Hotfoot will be responsible for creating a digital experience that reflects the bold new chapter for HVS, bringing to life the organisation’s commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The website will support ticketing through a seamless Spektrix integration, fundraising, hospitality, and the company’s expanding year-round programming, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and storytelling.

Kirsty Gaukel, director of marketing and communications at Hudson Valley Shakespeare, said, "As we prepare to open the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center in 2026, we’re excited to collaborate with Hotfoot to align our digital presence with our mission as Hudson Valley Shakespeare continues to grow.

"This is an important moment for Hudson Valley Shakespeare, and we want our digital home to feel as welcoming and accessible as the experience we offer in person. Hotfoot’s creative approach and technical expertise will help us build an engaging website that truly reflects who we are and makes it easy for our community to explore our programs, connect with our work, and purchase tickets with confidence and ease."

"This is a pivotal moment for Hudson Valley Shakespeare, and we are thrilled to be working together," said Fiona Lambert, Creative Lead at Hotfoot. "The new theatre will redefine what a contemporary cultural venue can be, not just in design and sustainability, but in how it serves audiences and communities. Our aim is to create a website experience that is equally ambitious, intuitive, and welcoming."

Hotfoot Design has extensive expertise in the arts, culture, and third sectors. The studio has previously designed and developed websites for organisations including Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Victoria Wood Theatre, The Dukes, Lancaster Arts and The World of Beatrix Potter.