Workshops individually are $500. Discounted rates are available for classes ordered in bulk (ex. 3 workshops - $1200)
Shakespeare 101 (Beginner) – This class covers the basics to ‘speak the speech’ in breaking down Shakespearean verse and prose and giving it life on stage. Students are taken through line examinations, acting exercises stressing character building and line delivery and then are broken up into various groups to present 2-4 person scenes which are presented and critiqued by the group. Plays often covered: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Comedy of Errors”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet”.
Shakespeare 101 (Advanced) - Advanced classes build upon the beginner curriculum with exercises in improvization and rhetoric and then examines monologues and sonnets, breaking down of large group scenes. All of which are then presented and critiqued within the group.
Swordplay on Stage - The class covers a breakdown of the fundamentals of stage swordplay and “selling it” in performance. A background in sword history and types of swords is given along with demonstration on the types of moves needed for each type of weapon. Students are drilled as a group with the medieval broadsword, the most common type of stage weapon. Students are then broken up into pairs or groups of 4 in which they are choreographed into fight scenes. Students finally incorporate some basic dialogue with their scenes to complete their “story”.
Note: This program can also be broken down into advanced sword play where students drilled in other types of weapons and incorporate those weapons into longer scenes. Weapon types available: Roman short sword and shield, Rapier and Dagger, Fencing Foils, quarter staff. Axe, sword and shield. 12 students max for any advanced class.
Unarmed Stage Combat - This program teaches students the basics of “selling” punches, kicks, falls, slaps, hair pulling and a full range of hand to hand stage combat. Students are drilled as a group and then broken up into groups of 2-4 students to prepare their new skills into scenes.
Shakespearean Acting for the Camera - Students learn the difference in presenting Shakespeare for the screen as opposed for the stage. Students are given a breakdown of acting for the camera in both stationary cameras and hand held equipment. Students are the broken down into groups as with stage classes to be filmed in their own scenes. Students will then get a copy of their scenes at the conclusion of the class.
Directing Shakespeare for the Stage - Students are taken through the basics and challenges of directing Shakespeare. Students are drilled in industry terminology and practice for the stage. Background of the medium is given through samples of other directors’ work. Students are then divided up into group exercises where they are given brief scenes to direct to convey specific themes. Normally 10-12 per class.
Directing Shakespeare for the Screen - This is an advanced class for those who have taken the Directing for the Stage workshop. Students are freed from the constrictions of the stage and approach Shakespeare with a much broader palette. As with the previous directing workshop a background of techniques citing other directors work is reviewed. Breaking up into smaller groups each student is given their own short scene and intention to “storyboard” and film. Max 8 Students per workshop.
Shakespearean Dance - This program give students a breakdown in the various types of dance used most Shakespearean performances. Historical background and music types are explored with this class ranging from box step waltz from “Romeo and Juliet” to masquerade type festival dancing from “The Tempest”. After demonstrations of the types of dance, students are broken up into groups of 2 to 10 to break down and perform.
