In a city where the theater is often synonymous with the bright lights of Broadway, Rodney Hakim is carving out a vital, digital niche for the classics. As the owner, writer, and host of New York Shakespeare, Hakim has transformed his lifelong expertise into a premier multimedia platform. Through his popular IGTV series and a sprawling social media presence, he has created a central nervous system for the Shakespearean community in the New York metro area and beyond.
A Renaissance Man for the Modern Era
Rodney Hakim is not just a commentator; he is a veteran of the very boards he discusses. His background is a tapestry of performance and production, spanning:
- Acting & Comedy: A freelance actor and stand-up comic, Hakim’s experience ranges from stage plays and musicals to independent films, voice-overs, and TV industrials.
- Directing & Producing: His creative vision has graced venues like the Queens Theater in the Park and various Off-Off-Broadway stages. Notably, he founded and directed a monthly Shakespeare reading group in partnership with Barnes & Noble, bringing the Bard to the public in accessible, communal spaces.
- Education & Writing: As an acting coach and freelance writer for theater review sites, Hakim bridges the gap between the “how-to” of performance and the critical analysis of the art form. He is currently developing new concepts for screenplays and books.
“New York Shakespeare” on IGTV: The Digital Front Row
At the heart of Hakim’s work is the New York Shakespeare brand. Designed to be a “central resource for all things Shakespeare in New York,” the program serves as a bridge between the stage and the audience, documenting current productions and providing deep-dive intellectual access.
Upcoming Special Event: “Speak the Speech” Winners
Highlighting the program’s commitment to excellence in classical performance, Hakim’s next episode features a powerhouse lineup. The broadcast will showcase the winning Shakespeareans of Channel Indie’s inaugural “SPEAK THE SPEECH” competition.
This exclusive session brings together a unique blend of rising stars and established masters, including:
- Joe Staton
- Sean Gregory Tansey
- Sam Hardy
- Michael Hagins (Classical theater luminary)
This episode promises an insightful look into the mechanics of Shakespearean delivery and the future of classical performance in the digital age.
A Global Community with Local Roots
While the focus is firmly on the “happenings taking place in and around New York City,” the reach of New York Shakespeare is global. By leveraging Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and WordPress, Hakim has built a digital archive of the city’s classical heartbeat.
Perhaps most impressively, these resources—including live interviews and online discussion groups—are offered free of charge. This mission of accessibility ensures that “supporting your local Shakespeare” is an invitation open to everyone, regardless of their proximity to a physical theater.
Connect with New York Shakespeare
Whether you are a seasoned actor looking for coaching, a scholar seeking fresh discussion, or a fan wanting to know what’s playing in the park this weekend, Rodney Hakim’s platform is the definitive guide.
- Website: www.nyshakespeare.com
- Email: info@nyshakespeare.com
- Watch: Follow @NewYorkShakespeare on Instagram to catch the latest IGTV broadcasts and live interviews.
Arts Independent 