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1-on-1 Shakespeare Study

Students will delve into (or dabble in) Shakespeare with a passionate and experienced teacher. The pace and format is flexible, determined by the student's needs, and may range from a one-time discussion to a full-on play reading.
Maureen Tobin (BS, MFA)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(182)
Class

What's included

Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed
75 mins
per session
Teacher support

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
This one-on-one Shakespeare study is a great shape-shifter, with a flexible format based on your learner's needs. My main focus is on the plays, but I'm also happy to dive into the sonnets.

There are many reasons you might be looking for a private Shakespeare study. On Outschool, I currently teach Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Richard III, As You Like It, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. The curriculum for these classes can all be adapted to the one-on-one format. We can also read any of the other plays, though a few are excessively violent and would require prior discussion with a parent. 

How do you know if this is right for you?  Here are just a few possible scenarios:
-Your student might be shy or nervous about reading Shakespeare in front of other people. This is a great opportunity to practice in a safe place and learn the basics of Shakespeare before taking it on in a larger class.
-Your student might be such an avid reader of Shakespeare they are looking for someone experienced with whom to read and discuss plays that are not usually taught at the secondary level.
-Your student might want to take the material at a slower—or faster—pace than in a regular class.
-You might be looking for a quick review or a discussion of special topics and only need to meet one or two times.

I usually begin class with some background information. It might be information on deciphering the language, cultural and historical context, original pronunciation, or discussion of literary sources. When time allows, we watch clips of different productions of the plays, both from stage and screen.  Sometimes we watch interviews of directors and actors.

We always read and discuss the entire text of the play out loud together, though the one-on-one Shakespeare study also allows for students who would prefer to read on their own and use class time to discuss what they read. (I only recommend this for the most advanced students, and I recommend it most reluctantly.) Of course, this format also works well for students who have already read the play in another class and want to discuss it with a different teacher.
Learning Goals
Students will work with the teacher to determine learning goals, format, and pace of class.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
This is a safe space for students who learn differently from their peers. We will go at your pace, and the one-on-one format allows for differentiation to suit your needs.
Parental Guidance
Most of Shakespeare's plays contain some sort of adult content, from bawdy humor in the comedies to violent murder in the tragedies and histories. A prior discussion between parent and teacher regarding material is recommended to be sure that it is appropriate for your student.
Pre-Requisites
There are no prerequisites. An open mind and willingness to take on new challenges is helpful.
Joined August, 2017
5.0
182reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Nebraska Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Nebraska
I began my journey with Shakespeare's works over 50 years ago, which will seem implausible considering my tender age. I've been teaching and learning about Shakespeare for decades, and my family has finally accepted that all of my travel is now in service of this still-growing obsession. 
As an example, last fall I saw Macbeth on three different stages. The first was the university theater department in my town, and those students did an amazing job bringing that horrifying story to life. Lady Macbeth even made me cry, which was a revelation. The second production was from a professional theater company here in town, a completely different experience and wonderful in a completely different way. The following week I was in Stratford-upon-Avon, where I experienced a mystical and awe-inspiring production at the Royal Shakespeare Theater. It was a lovely month.

Reviews

Live 1-on-1 Lessons
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$55

per session
Meets on demand
75 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18

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