Shakespeare Acting I

This 8-week course applies The Barrow Group techniques to Shakespeare. Here you will learn specific tools that lead to greater understanding of the text and much greater clarity in your performances. The goal of this course is to help actors become more comfortable with Shakespearean text while applying The Barrow Group’s acting tools. These tools are designed to foster clear storytelling, spontaneity and real human behavior in imaginary circumstances.

We will begin with a script analysis technique which dives deeply into the meaning of the text, so that actors begin playing from a place of complete understanding, rather than a vague idea or “gist,” of what they are saying. We will then play with the text utilizing tools which aim to increase understanding and comfort with the text, thereby improving the actor’s ability to convey the story well.

Students have the opportunity to select, prepare, memorize and present at least one monologue and one short scene.

Please have a Shakespeare monologue memorized for the first day of class.

Please also bring a copy of Shakespeare’s Complete Works, or the free Shakespeare app that has the text so you can participate fully in the text analysis.