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$13

weekly
or $65 for 5 classes
Class

Play Readings: Shakespeare's King Lear

Completed by 5 learners
Ages 13-18
Live Group Class
Read the tragedy of King Lear from start to finish with a group of other teens in this reader's theatre style Shakespeare class.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(144 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 5 weeks
4-8 learners per class
60 min

What's included

5 live meetings
5 in-class hours
Homework
No work is required outside of class.
Assessment
This class requires active participation. Students will be assessed on their willingness to explore the language and discuss the theatrical possibilities of the play.

Class Experience

"Who is it that can tell me who I am?" -- King Lear

Calling all actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts! Let’s read the tragedy King Lear together and immerse ourselves in Shakespeare’s language. This dark play features themes of nihilism and despair and is considered one of Shakespeare's bleakest plays. But can redemption be found in the midst of so much human suffering? Come read with us to find out what you think about it.  This class is perfect for teens with an interest in theatre and/or Shakespeare. Inexperienced learners and non-actors are always welcome.

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

What we will do:
+ This class will approach readings like a theatre 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. 
+ We will have a brief check-in at the beginning of class, assign roles, and then dive right in. 

Weekly Breakdown: 
Below is an estimate of what parts of the play we will read each week. 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 each week as we go along. 

Week 1 - Introductions and Act 1
Week 2 - Act 2
Week 3 - Act 3
Week 4 - Act 4
Week 5 - Act 5

If time permits we will watch clips from a Royal Shakespeare, Globe, or Stratford Festival production. 

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 cameras 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 some experience and/or a love of Shakespeare. Inexperienced students and non-actors are welcome to join. This class requires the ability to be flexible, concentrate, and use active listening.

Learning Goals

My hope is that every student that takes this class will leave more comfortable with Shakespeare’s language, with better cold reading skills, and with a desire to experience more of Shakespeare’s work.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Some of Shakespeare's plays deal with mature and problematic themes. King Lear features some violent imagery and mild language. When dealing with problematic aspects of Shakespeare’s plays, I like to discuss the historical context as well as talk about ways modern performers and acting companies are grappling with and challenging these concepts in contemporary productions. We will discuss how we can approach the texts as actors of our time, how to make choices that reflect our values, and discuss ways a contemporary company might adapt the play for a modern audience.
Supply List
I highly recommend headphones or earbuds with a mic for this class. A link to the script will be available in the classroom before our first read-through. If students would prefer a hard copy we will be reading from the Folger version.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Joined June, 2018
5.0
144reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University
Bachelor's Degree in English from California State University San Marcos
I have extensive experience performing and directing Shakespeare plays. I have directed productions with mixed groups of middle school and high school students ages 12 and up and it is always great fun. I think that theatrical readings are a great way for students to explore a variety of roles in a pressure-free environment. 

Reviews

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