ONLINE ACTING WORKSHOP
THE CLASSICAL MONOLOGUE
Saturday, October 3, 2020
11:00 PM - 6:00 PM
ZOOM ONLY
Instructors: KATE MURRAY and PETER FRANCIS JAMES
Testing out a new piece? Have an old favorite that you need to adjust for the Zoom or taped format? Have an old favorite that could use a fresh perspective? This class is perfect for audition prep or simply as a reinvigoration of your classical chops! Top classical theater teacher and two-time Obie award winner PETER FRANCIS JAMES will work with you on your pieces from an actor's perspective. Then class progresses to a mock audition and a valuable opportunity to meet and work with Public Theater casting director KATE MURRAY.
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Essential Question:
How do you prepare monologues, both in person and on Tape, in a way that shows yourself in the best light to a casting director. What aspects of an actor’s preparation are most essential when preparing for an audition. How do you vocally prepare yourself for a classical audition in this format. How do you engage honestly with a stage monologue in a high-stress online environment.
Course Objectives:
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Develop a technique for preparing for auditions both live and online
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Explore how Shakespeare’s verse, text and rhetoric provide clues to how to deliver a monologue
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Learn how to create the true life of your character and their surroundings in an audition setting
Enduring Understandings:
Shakespeare’s verse provides clues for how to develop a truthful character efficiently. Like any tool, it requires training to use it effectively. A flexible, confident voice and body are essential for effective presentation of a character in an audition. Auditions are, by their nature, artificial environments, creating a technique allows you to be committed, brave and truthful under these trying circumstances.
Instructors:
PETER FRANCIS JAMES – Broadway: Present Laughter, The Merchant of Venice, On Golden Pond, Drowning Crow, Judgment at Nuremberg. The Public: Stuff Happens (OBIE & Lucille Lortel Awards), Much Ado, Venus, Horatio in Kevin Kline’s Hamlet, Long Day’s Journey... CSC: The Maids (OBIE Award). Signature Theater: The Lady From Dubuque, (Lortel Nomination). U.K: The Lady From Dubuque (w/Maggie Smith), Cymbeline (RSC /TFANA). Film/TV: The Humbling, Song One, The Losers, The Rebound, The Messenger / “Bull” "Boardwalk Empire", “The Mysteries of Laura”, “Oz”, “Royal Pains”, “Gossip Girl”, “Kings”, "The Rosa Parks Story", “Simple Justice”, ”The Ruby Bridges Story”, all three “Law & Order” series. Narration: over 60 books. He has taught Shakespeare at Yale School of Drama since 2000, & BADA at Oxford since 2006. Training: RADA.
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KATE MURRAY is a Casting Director at The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. Additional New York and regional credits include work with Arena Stage, Bedlam, Center Theatre Group, The Cherry Lane, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, LAByrinth, New Georges, Studio Theatre, and Two River Theater. Broadway credits include (as Casting Associate): The Crucible, A View From The Bridge, A Raisin In The Sun, A Delicate Balance.
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Schedule:
Saturday
11:00 - 2:00: Audition work with Peter Francis James
2:00 - 3:00: Meal Break
3:00 - 6:00: Audition work Kate Murray
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Preparation:
You should have a classical monologue prepared and fully memorized.
Materials:
A journal is recommended to record notes and observations. Comfortable clothing that you can move and breathe freely in and a water bottle is strongly encouraged.
Concerns? Questions?
Contact Nathan Winkelstein.
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