On this page you can follow the professional activities of alumni who are actively supporting or have supported Young Shakespeare Workshop.
Lexi Babayan (YSW First Year 1998)
In Memorium Misty Upham 1982-2014
It is with deep sadness that we note the loss of Misty Upham (YSW First Year, 1998). We last saw her in 2014 when she helped with the Sonnet lecture/workshop at Franklin H.S. and with the Not As You Like It project at Cleveland H.S. May her spirit rest in peace, and her courage, passion, and accomplishments continue to inspire. In 2021 Yale honored Misty’s memory naming for her the Misty Upham Yale Young Native Actors Award.
On the set of “August: Osage County” with Meryl Streep in 2012.
Misty, age fifteen, on the day of her YSW audition at the Broadway Performance Hall in spring 1998.
Misty, finger on text, in January 2014, assisting a sonnet group at Franklin High School during the YSW Senior Humanities Sonnet lecture/workshop.
YSW Celebrating 30 plus years!
2023 marked both the passing of YSW’s founder, Ed Call at the age of 91 in January, and over three decades of work and production by Young Shakespeare Workshop. To honor and celebrate Ed and YSW’s mad endeavor, a Revolving Company cast made up of current participants, alumni and YSW teaching artists spanning three decades, came together to perform King Lear at the Erickson Theatre in August 2023.
In rehearsal
In performance
In Memorium Vonn Safford 2001-2024
Our friend, companion, and excellent fencer, Vonn Safford (YSW First Year, 2017) was lost to us in September 2024. Vonn last shared his passion and skill for both words and swords with Denny International MS students during midwinter break in February of 2024. His helping hand, spirit and laughter is terribly missed.
In Taming of the Shrew 2021
Vonn at right, sharing his fencing skills at Denny International MS in 2024.