SUMMER INTENSIVE SHAKESPEARE SEMINAR
in Topanga
July 20-August 20 10 am-5 pm
Tues., Thurs., Fri. FEE: $800
Final Performance Aug. 21

 

 

 

WINTER INTENSIVE SHAKESPEARE SEMINAR

at Los Angeles Valley College
Jan. 29- Feb. 28 Fridays, 6-10 pm
Fri., Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun., 10 am- 4:30 pm
FEE: $750

　

Twelve dedicated individuals, varying in age and experience, will be selected to participate in our inspiring 5-week Intensive Shakespeare Seminar.

Students are exposed to techniques in voice, movement and text specifically focused on the exploration and performance of Shakespeare scenes and monologues (see next panel for class descriptions).

Performing Shakespeare is a lifetime challenge. While you will not master all of the techniques in just five weeks, you will leave with a strong sense of your strengths, an awareness of what areas of discipline need focus, and tangible tools to begin using immediately.

Our seminar demands commitment, curiosity, stamina and courage. In return, the world of Shakespeare’s language, passion and humanity will open up to you and begin (or re-kindle) the greatest love affair of your life. Both sessions culminate in a performance of scenes and monologues before an invited audience.

LIMITED ENROLLMENT by interview

Six (6) LAUSD Salary Points available

College credit may apply

LINKLATER VOICE TRAINING: Designed by Kristin Linklater (Freeing the Natural Voice), this approach integrates relaxation, deepening of breath and development of resonators with imagery and text.

SPEECH: Standard American Speech is taught to make full use of Shakespeare’s text. Students are made aware of any problems with diction or regionalisms they might have.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: In F. Matthias Alexander’s technique, students learn to inhibit patterns of interference with their movement and to direct their energy efficiently as applied to voice, movement and performance.

MOVEMENT: Each seminar incorporates a different style of movement to help the actor blend Shakespeare’s elevated style with action, thought, emotion and external circumstances. Topics include mime, period dance and physical characterization.

FENCING/STAGE COMBAT: Participants learn techniques of weaponry and combat for safe presentation, including taking hits and falls. Emphasis is placed on form and theatricality and may include rapier, epee, and rapier & dagger.

RHETORIC: Students explore the structure of Elizabethan writing and play vocally with its devices of ornamentation, pattern and balance. They discover behavior and character through language rather than through psychology.

SCANSION: A tool to become alert to Shakespeare’s verse (iambic pentameter) and to help students gain insight into characterization, staging, emotions and rhythms. It also explores his use of prose and introduces Shakespeare’s First Folio.

TEXT ANALYSIS: Students examine Shakespeare’s text, line by line, for proper Elizabethan meaning and context, based upon thought structure and rhetorical patterns of language.

REHEARSAL: Each participant is cast and directed in a Shakespeare Scene, which incorporates all techniques learned throughout the seminar. Each actor is also cast in a "job-getting" Shakespeare Monologue, which is directed specifically for audition purposes. By applying all techniques learned, the seminar prepares the actor to work in the professional theatre.

For interview:
Contact D.J. Harner at
310-455-2322, ext. 222