Speak Shakespeare monologues and scenes: tragedies
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now finished
Course Code: DVP030
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Whether you are preparing a Shakespearean monologue for audition or simply have an interest in their structure, rhythm and poetry, this course enables you to work on and speak monologues and scenes from Hamlet with confidence.This 5 week course will be delivered online.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Working Shakespearean monologues for sense, rhythm, imagery, emotion and character.
We will study Hamlet specifically and there is a chance to prepare scenework from the play.
What will I achieve?
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 devices Shakespeare uses to underline and heighten his meaning.
Explain the plot, themes and characters of one specific Tragedy.
Perform monologues and scene work from a Shakespeare play with confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
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; pair and individual work in which different scenes are examined and worked on. Ideally you will have read the selected play in advance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
It is ideal to have bought or borrowed individual copies of the plays under consideration.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The next instalment of this course will address working on monolgues and scenes from another genre of Shakespearean texts (Histories or Comedies); also Acting for Radio.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
Vernon has been full-time academic staff in the City Lit DRADAS department since September 2005 .He is Programme Manager for the year-long OCN accredited Foundation in Drama course. He is also Tutor-Co-ordinator responsible for overseeing all Voice Speech and Communication courses the department runs, including interview-based courses such as the Radio Rep Company. He has responsibility for the City Lit Theatre Company, for whom he has also directed ten productions.He is a major presence in teaching on the accredited courses as well as on the open program.Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama, a PGCE from City University and BA (Hons) from Loughborough University. Previous posts include Head of Voice at the Academy Drama School and teaching at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art; ALRA; London Centre for Theatre Studies and The Courtyard Training School.He works for Channel 4 News in London and TRT World in Istanbul as a voice consultant to their broadcasters and journalists, as well as accepting private clients www.vernonthompson.co.uk Vernon produces and directs his own professional summer repertory company:www.londonrepertoryplayers.co.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.