Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Secrets of acting Shakespeare

In Shakespeare’s day, actors presented a different play daily, with no director and no group rehearsal. How did they do it? This practical course teaches you how, using the ‘acting clues’ in First Folio texts.

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Key course information

Dates
09/01/12 - 13/02/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
6 weeks

Time
09:50 - 11:50

Fees
Full fee: £65
Senior fee: £37
Concession: £26

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DF041

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course offers a practical and dynamic introduction to methods of performing from First Folio texts (the 1623 published collection of Shakespeare's plays) and ‘cue scripts’ in a fun, hard-working and supportive environment. By using the ‘acting clues’ contained within the First Folio texts, let Shakespeare be your director.

What topics will we cover?

The circumstances under which professional actors worked in Shakespeare’s day.
The characteristics and ‘acting clues’ contained within the First Folio texts.
The creative enactment of Shakepeare’s First Folio cue-scripts.
Playing the ‘Capulets v. Montagues’ game.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Identify acting clues to be found in the First Folio text.
Act out these clues clearly and confidently.
Describe evidence that, in Shakespeare's day, professional actors put on a different play every day without a director or group rehearsal.
Perform a short ‘cue script’ scene with fellow actors with no previous group rehearsal, acting only on directions given by the author within the First Folio text.
Play the ‘Montagues v. Capulets' game.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is aimed at students who already have at least one year’s acting / drama training experience including 'Voice, Speech and Improvisation'. You should be keen to bring Shakespeare’s text to life with sensitivity and boldness, truth, wit and passion.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen and respond to instructions and feedback.
• Communicate clearly in discussion and drama practice.
• Read and respond to a variety of text.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Take notes.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Practical work in group, pairs and solo; discussion and Q&A; physical and vocal exercises to support the interpretation of the text; home study from hand-outs given in class. Significant home preparation and line-learning will be required between sessions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Comfortable loose clothing should be worn to allow maximum freedom of movement, gesture and expression.
Notebook, pencil & highlighter pen needed in every session.
The tutor will provide relevant hand-outs.
Access to the internet useful (but not essential) to source additional First Folio texts.
The tutor will refer to the following publications by Patrick Tucker: ‘First Folio Speeches for Women’ (LAMDA Oberon Books), ‘First Folio Speeches for Men’ (LAMDA Oberon Books), ‘Secrets of Acting Shakespeare – The Original Approach’ (Routledge Theatre Arts Books).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Acting in Shakespeare, Voicing Shakespeare, In-depth Scene Rehearsal from a Canon of Shakespeare’s Play
and other Shakespeare courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.