Drama classes London: Acting course London: City Lit

Speaking Shakespeare

Work with Shakespearean text for sense, rhythm, imagery and emotional truth, and prepare scenes to performance level from one of the comedies. Ideal if you are a more advanced acting student with a passion for the Bard.

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Key course information

Dates
27/04/12 - 29/06/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:15 - 21:15

Fees
Full fee: £167
Senior fee: £167
Concession: £81

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DP009*

Availability
Contact department

Interview required before you can enrol

Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

Call 020 7492 2542 or drama@citylit.ac.uk

Course outline

What is the course about?

To familiarise you with the difficulties of speaking a Shakespearean text, and how to overcome them. To break down the misconception that Shakespeare is inaccessible and has no modern reference.

What topics will we cover?

Brief vocal warm-ups geared to the needs of speaking a classical text.
Working specific Shakespearean texts for sense, rhythm, imagery, emotion and character.
We will study one comedy in detail.

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

Deduce the 'sense' of what is being said in a piece of Shakespeare text.
Recognise certain rhetorical and poetic devices Shakespeare uses to underline and heighten his meaning.
Learn and deliver a sonnet by memory and make the sense clear.
Know a Shakespearean soliloquy by heart and speak it with understanding and passion.
Perform scene work from a Shakespeare play with confidence.

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

This course is aimed at advanced acting students only. The ability to listen, to learn from other students, to work on one's own and to prepare work in advance is essential.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen actively and communicate clearly.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and analyse scripts to find meaning and clarity.
• Take notes.
• Use numbers to recognise rhythm.

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

Group work in the vocal warm-up and scene presentation. Pair and individual work in which different pieces are examined and worked on. You will need to do homework and preparation in advance.

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

It is recommended but not obligatory that you buy a copy or borrow from the library the Complete Works of Shakespeare. An individual copy of the play chosen for scene presentation is also valuable, this will be The Comedy of Errors. The tutor will provide some photocopies of relevant text.

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

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

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?

Audition Success, Performing Studio and many others.

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.