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Beware the ides of March...

Calling teen actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts! Let’s read Julius Caesar together and immerse ourselves in Shakespeare's language. This famous tragedy explores assassination, politics, and ethics, focusing on the big question: are the conspirators heroes or villains? 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 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. 

We use immersive learning in this class which involves diving into 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 wading into the deep with curiosity. 

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

Class 1 - Act 1
Class 2 - Act 2
Class 3 - Act 3 through Act 4, Scene 2
Class 4 - Act 4, Scene 3 through Act 5

If time permits we will watch clips from a professional production (Royal Shakespeare, National Theatre, The Globe and/or Stratford). 

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 an acting-style class, requiring students to keep their cameras and mics on. Students 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 students 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.