“I do desire we may be better strangers”
For hundreds of years, the great classic writers like Moliere, Shakespeare, and Rostand have had us rolling in the aisles with laughter at jokes and situations we already know but which stand the comedic test of time. But how do we still laugh at these plays? The answer is in the language, the situation, and most importantly the craft of the artist making you laugh seemingly by accident. Come learn from CARSON ELROD, one of the greatest Comedic Practitioners in New York, how to mine a script for comedic choices and how to see all of the comic gifts available to you in your scene partner, the set, and even your props.
Essential Question:
How do you approach Classical text with an eye toward comedic opportunity? How do you stay honest within the given circumstances in a comedic scene?
​
Enduring Understandings:
Actors will learn that Shakespeare’s language is not an archaic fortress that requires a knowledge of the rules to enter but rather an intensely honest heightened text that requires your intelligence, physicality, imagination, and truth. From the novice to the skilled this class will help you dive into the power of Shakespeare’s language making it your own, and discovering the deep emotional truths we share in common with his characters.
Instructor:
CARSON ELROD: Broadway: Peter and The Starcatcher, Reckless, Noises Off. Metropolitan Opera: The Merry Widow. Off-Broadway: Twelfth Night, Seize The King (Classical Theatre of Harlem), The Alchemist (Red Bull Theatre), The Tempest, Measure for Measure, All's Well That Ends Well (The PUBLIC: New York Shakespeare Festival), The Liar, The Heir Apparent (Classic Stage Company). Important Hats of the 20th Century, The Explorer’s Club, Based On A Totally True Story, House, Garden, Comic Potential (Manhattan Theatre Club), Lives of The Saints, All in the Timing (Primary Stages), Cavedweller (New York Theatre Workshop). Regional: Williamstown, Yale Rep, American Repertory Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Shakespeare Theatre DC, Westport Country Playhouse, Denver Center, Shakespeare & Company, Barrington Stage, Tanglewood, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Berkeley Rep. TV: EVIL, The Good Fight, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Medium, 30 Rock. Film: Wedding Crashers, Kissing Jessica Stein. MFA NYU Grad Acting. Co-Founder of Be An #ArtsHero and Arts Workers United (www.artsworkersunited.com).
Schedule:
​
Class 1, April 16th: ‘DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE’
Actors will begin scene work as Carson takes you through script analysis and exploration of given circumstances.
Class 2, April 23rd: ‘IT INFURIATES ME TO BE WRONG WHEN I KNOW I’M RIGHT’
Actors will continue scene work as Carson takes you through script analysis and exploration of given circumstances.
Class 3, April 30th: ‘MY PANACHE!'
The second pass begins! Actors will work with Carson on how their scene partners and the live theater elements of the scene effect and amplify comedy.
Class 4, May 7th: ‘THE PLAY’S THE THING’
The second pass Continues! Actors will work with Carson on how their scene partners and the live theater elements of the scene effect and amplify comedy. The class will end with a brief Q&A.
​
Preparation:
Students should have a fully memorized Classical comedic monologue to work on.
​
Dress and Materials:
You should wear clothes that are easy to move around in. We suggest you bring a water bottle and a notebook.
​
Concerns? Questions?
Contact Nathan Winkelstein.
​
All of our teachers are committed to these classes. As working performers, unexpected conflicts may arise. If this were to happen, Red Bull would strive to provide an equally qualified replacement to ensure the quality of your experience. We thank you in advance for this understanding.