Play Reading Camp: Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

Calling all teen actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts! Let’s read Shakespeare with theatrical flair and bring it to life. This live read-through of Much Ado About Nothing will help you get familiar with the Bard’s work and grow your cold reading skills in this one week camp.

Important: This class has a maximum of 6 students per section to ensure each student has ample time to read a variety of roles. Students are required to keep cameras on for the duration of this class. 

Age Requirement: This class is reserved for teens only. Younger students with experience are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please message me if you are under 13 and interested in registering.

What we will do:
+ This class will approach readings like a drama class, focusing on cold reading skills. 
+ We will read the play from start to finish, rotating through various roles in each scene. 
+ All participants should come to class prepared to read a character (or two, or three depending on the assigned scene(s) and size of the class). This is a play reading class after all!
+ We will have a brief check-in at the beginning of class, assign roles, and then dive right in. 

We use immersive learning in this class which involves diving in the script head first. We may pause at critical moments to discuss character or theme, but the goal of the class is more to free learners up to explore the language and try using it. Much like learning a foreign language, acclimating to Shakespeare’s early modern English requires lots and lots of exposure. My goal is for learners to trust their instincts and be comfortable with wading into the deep with curiosity. 

Daily Breakdown: 
Below is an estimate of what parts of the play we will read each day of the camp. Pacing will be based on the actors present and the discussions we have about the play. I will provide an updated reading list in the classroom as we go along. 

Day 1 - Introductions, Act 1, Scene 1 through Act 2, Scene 1
Day 2 - Act 2, Scene 2 through Act 3, Scene 2
Day 3 - Act 3, Scene 3 through Act 4, Scene 2
Day 4 - Act 5, Scene 1 through Act 5, Scene 4

If time allows, we will watch clips from the RSC or Digital Theatre productions. 

Experience Level: Students attending should have a high school reading level and an interest in Shakespeare and/or acting. Since this is focused on cold reading, it is appropriate for all skill levels and experience. Students excited to dive in, read, and listen will enjoy this class the most. 

Expectations: This class has a strict behavior policy. This is a play reading class, and as such, requires students to keep their camera and mics on when reading. Learners should be in a quiet environment during the duration of the class as a courtesy to all performers present. 

Preparation: I recommend reading a synopsis of the play and familiarizing yourself with the main characters before the first class. I will read a summary of each scene before we dive in. Since this is a cold reading class you do not have to read the play beforehand.

Who this class is for: This class is for teens with an interest in theatre and/or Shakespeare. Inexperienced learners and non-actors are welcome to join. This class requires the ability to be flexible, concentrate, and use active listening.