An introductory workshop aimed toward a simpler understanding of the worlds most renowned playwright.
The works of William Shakespeare have been boring students to tears, all around the globe, since 1590... or thereabouts!
So then it comes as no surprise, that given the dates of Shakespeare’s existence, the language in which he wrote is somewhat dated and often difficult to comprehend without extensive and painstakingly lengthy research. This does make it indeed quite difficult for many to grasp his poetry and plays’ deeper meanings in regard to the ‘human condition’ of which he was incredibly knowledgeable.
But it needn’t be so!
Works produced by William Shakespeare are often studied and analysed in classrooms, which is a far cry from their intended place of practice. Shakespeare wrote very intuitively and musically with the auditorium and his actors in mind.
The very act of getting one of his plays on its feet and the journey toward investigating all the working parts involved is a lot more achievable than many believe it to be.
Through a deeper understanding of the clues, rules and rhythms left for us within the text; performances, even still in this day and age, continue to leave actors and audiences alike pleasantly surprised at how accessible his work really can be.
“Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you” (Hamlet - Hamlet)
The Workshop
This three hour introductory workshop is aimed at giving students a brief but in-depth look into the very heart of Shakespeare. Providing techniques and insights that will transform and simplify the students approach toward speaking shakespeare, making it fun and exciting rather than difficult and boring. After a thorough vocal and physical warm up, we will dive straight into the work (with discussion and questions left until the end)
Students are encouraged to learn just a couple of lines each from one of his sonnets ahead of the session (chosen and sent out prior to the workshop). We will use these to sharpen the skills of picking up cues through active listening and obeying the rhythm of the Iambic pentameter (the heartbeat that drives throughout Shakespeare's entire canon).
We will also explore a variety of Shakespeare’s 'quirky' phrases to develop the use of actioning text according to their meaning, plus how to decipher difficult words.
Students will then get a chance to perform scenes from a selection of plays and are encouraged to share feedback with each other to better understand how Shakespeare is directing us all along the way.
If there is any more time after this, we’ll look at one or two other scenes that exemplify the core principles of performing Shakespeare.
Anyone can perform Shakespeare and gain enjoyment from his canon of work, but rather than struggling as an academic might, bent over a sterile desk, analyzing each line and syllable, we will free the actors by learning how to unlock the secrets to playing Shakespeare successfully and with ease simply by speaking it aloud!
So then it comes as no surprise, that given the dates of Shakespeare’s existence, the language in which he wrote is somewhat dated and often difficult to comprehend without extensive and painstakingly lengthy research. This does make it indeed quite difficult for many to grasp his poetry and plays’ deeper meanings in regard to the ‘human condition’ of which he was incredibly knowledgeable.
But it needn’t be so!
Works produced by William Shakespeare are often studied and analysed in classrooms, which is a far cry from their intended place of practice. Shakespeare wrote very intuitively and musically with the auditorium and his actors in mind.
The very act of getting one of his plays on its feet and the journey toward investigating all the working parts involved is a lot more achievable than many believe it to be.
Through a deeper understanding of the clues, rules and rhythms left for us within the text; performances, even still in this day and age, continue to leave actors and audiences alike pleasantly surprised at how accessible his work really can be.
“Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you” (Hamlet - Hamlet)
The Workshop
This three hour introductory workshop is aimed at giving students a brief but in-depth look into the very heart of Shakespeare. Providing techniques and insights that will transform and simplify the students approach toward speaking shakespeare, making it fun and exciting rather than difficult and boring. After a thorough vocal and physical warm up, we will dive straight into the work (with discussion and questions left until the end)
Students are encouraged to learn just a couple of lines each from one of his sonnets ahead of the session (chosen and sent out prior to the workshop). We will use these to sharpen the skills of picking up cues through active listening and obeying the rhythm of the Iambic pentameter (the heartbeat that drives throughout Shakespeare's entire canon).
We will also explore a variety of Shakespeare’s 'quirky' phrases to develop the use of actioning text according to their meaning, plus how to decipher difficult words.
Students will then get a chance to perform scenes from a selection of plays and are encouraged to share feedback with each other to better understand how Shakespeare is directing us all along the way.
If there is any more time after this, we’ll look at one or two other scenes that exemplify the core principles of performing Shakespeare.
Anyone can perform Shakespeare and gain enjoyment from his canon of work, but rather than struggling as an academic might, bent over a sterile desk, analyzing each line and syllable, we will free the actors by learning how to unlock the secrets to playing Shakespeare successfully and with ease simply by speaking it aloud!