Calling all teen actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts! Let’s read Shakespeare with theatrical flair and bring it to life. This live read-through of the comedy Two Gentlemen of Verona will help you get familiar with the Bard’s work and grow your cold reading skills. 

Important: Learners are required to keep cameras on for the duration of this class, unless learners are experiencing technical issues or are pre-verified. 

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 must 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 theatre class after all!
+ 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 class session. 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. 

Week 1: Introductions and Act 1
Week 2: Act 2 through Act 3
Week 3: Act 3 through Act 4
Week 4: Act 4 through Act 5

Experience Level: Learners 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. Non-actors interested in Shakespeare are welcome. 

Expectations: This is a play reading class, and as such, requires students to keep their camera and mics on. 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 summary of the play and familiarizing yourself with the main characters. 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 learners and non-actors are welcome to join if they have a strong interest. This class requires the ability to be flexible, concentrate, and use active listening.