Improv| Shakespeare in Performance

Improv (grades 6-9)
Improvisation is an actor’s life-long tool, and the best part is, you’re only doing it right if you’re having fun!  Students will create characters, environments, and scenes, and learn to apply their knowledge to playing improv games as well as developing a character for a play.  A thorough introduction for the beginner and a deeper exploration for the more experienced, this class will focus on listening, practicing to be a leader and a follower, liberating the imagination and committing to choices.

Shakespeare in Performance! (grades 8-12)

Perform Shakespeare!  No audition to enroll.  In this class we’ll rehearse an abridged Shakespearean play and perform it to the local community.  Last year we were able to perform at the Folger Shakespeare Library and Shakespeare on the Potomac Festivals.  We’ll apply to perform in both festivals again (no guarantees) and we’ll set up performances for the local community, too.  The festivals are wonderful events for students to perform, watch their peers perform, learn more about Shakespeare and sword-play, and get their performances critiqued by theatre professionals.  

About the play: The Tempest was Shakespeare's last play, and perhaps his best.  Ship wrecks, mighty magicians, innocent lovers, monsters, spirits, drunken jesters and murderers inhabit this enchanted, tropical island.  We see characters battling the elements and their emotions, but the calm after this storm bestows love, forgiveness and peace.  Our rehearsals will prepare us well, covering Shakespeare's language as well as acting exercises, movement workshops, plus improvisational games that explore the world of the play.  Appropriate for experienced actors as well as those just being introduced to Shakespeare.

Performance Details:   

Festivals: The Folger Shakespeare Library’s Secondary School Festival is from March 4-7, 11 and 13, 2008. The Shakespeare on the Potomac Festival is also in March, dates TBA.  We will not know if we are accepted into either festival until late January, at the earliest.  If accepted, our cast will need to MISS SCHOOL on the days of the festivals.  (For more information on the Folger Festival, click here.) 

Community Performances: We are arranging public performances with libraries and retirement centers to supplement the festival performance schedule.  Likely performance dates: 3/9 and 3/15.