Speak Shakespeare monologues and scenes: comedies
Time: 11:00 - 13:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: DVP032
- Dates: 05/06/24 - 10/07/24
- Time: 11:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Wed, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Vernon Thompson
Course Code: DVP032
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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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 from the Comedies with confidence. There is also an opportunity to rehearse duologues/ scenework from Comedy of Errors and As You Like It specifically.
Each class begins with a warm -up geared towards the vocal demands of speaking heightened text.
What will we cover?
Working Shakespearean monologues and scenes for sense, rhythm, imagery, emotion and character.
We will study two of the Comedies specifically- Comedy of Errors and As You Like It - and there is a chance to prepare duologues from these plays.
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 two specific plays.
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 pieces are examined and worked on. Ideally you will have read the selected plays in advance. The classes will be held at the college.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The tutor will provide some photocopies of some relevant text but it is ideal to provide 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.
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 DRADAS department since September 2005 and prior to this a part-time tutor at the college from October 2003. His responsibilities include being 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 and also City Lit Theatre Company, for whom he has also directed ten productions. He has a major presence in teaching on the accredited courses. Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama, and a PGCE from City University. Previous posts include Head of Voice at the Academy Drama School and teaching at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. 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. Vernon produces and directs his own professional London Repertory Company. Recent directing credits are "Dial M For Murder" (Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2024) and "An Intervention" (Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington, 2024).
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.