"Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue,"
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One of New York Cities most adored Classical Actors, Hamish Linklater is known for his dexterity with verse, complexity of characterization, and playfulness of spirit. Now for the first time in years, students have an opportunity to learn one of the most compelling brands of classical acting from this one of a kind performer
Essential Question:
How can we use Shakespeare’s text to deepen our understanding of character, intention, and human experience through performance?
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Enduring Understandings:
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Shakespeare’s language provides a roadmap for understanding a character’s emotional life, objectives, and relationships.
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Clear textual analysis supports strong, specific performance choices.
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Every performer brings unique insight and interpretation to Shakespeare’s text, making the work both personal and universally resonant.
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The process of exploring and refining a monologue develops both technique and confidence in classical performance.
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Collaborative exploration of text helps actors connect structure (verse, rhythm, rhetoric) to emotional truth and clarity in communication.
Instructor:
HAMISH LINKLATER is an actor, writer, director who’s plays include The Whirligig, produced by The New Group starring Grace Van Patten, Zosia Mamet and Norbert Leo Butz, The Cheats, produced by Steep Theatre in Chicago, and The Vandal, produced by the Flea Theater starring Didi O’Connel, and various other theaters internationally. The Vandal was also filmed for the PBS series Theatre Close-Up, and enjoyed an award winning tv & stage adaptation in Romania. His plays have received development support from MTC, Playwrights’ Horizons, Red Bull, New York Stage & Film, The Public among others. His film and TV credits include the adaptation and co-direction with Lily Rabe of Chuck Klosterman’s “Downtown Owl” (Netflix) starring Ed Harris, Finn Wittrock and Henry Golding, an adaptation of Denise Mina’s “The Less Dead” for MadeUp Stories, and Rachel Aviv’s New Yorker profile of Agnes Callard for Ben Affleck’s Artist Equity.
​Schedule:
Friday, April 17 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM - Class 1: Shakespeare Foundations
We’ll begin with an introduction to Shakespeare’s language and performance methodology using a shared text. The day ends with a Monologue Parade for everyone to share a short piece and connect as an ensemble.
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Saturday, April 18 | 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Class 2: Monologue Coaching
Each participant receives a 30-minute individual coaching session to apply the tools from Day 1. When not in session, students may observe peers and continue refining their work.
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Sunday, April 19 | 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Class 3: Monologue Coaching
Each participant receives a 30-minute individual coaching session to apply the tools from Day 1. When not in session, students may observe peers and continue refining their work.
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Preparation:
You should have a fully memorized classical monologue you wish to work on.
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Dress:
Comfortable clothing that you can move and breathe freely in, sneakers, and a water bottle are strongly encouraged.
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Concerns? Questions?
Contact Dominique Nadeau.
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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.