In the first week of classes the students in the Summer Shakespeare program received an actor-training crash course! The bar was set high and the actors rose to the occasion: Carlos demanded professional behavior and an atmosphere of openness, acceptance, and experimentation; Mike launched into voice and speech exercises and assigned the memorization of the Romeo and Juliet prologue to be ready by the fifth day of class. On Friday, July 9th the two groups met each other for the first time and had class together.
In the second week of class Tom, who is directing the play, began to work with the actors. They read the play several times for understanding, meaning and clarity. Student-actors were assigned roles to read and half way through they were asked to switch and read another role. Many students were surprised with the forcefulness and strength of the language, having anticipated only beautiful, flowery poetry. They were particularly amazed at the bawdiness of Shakespeare’s language. ‘Zounds! Later in the week Tom began to block the play, working with the actors to determine their entrances and exits and other movements on stage.
This week we want to know what the student-actors are learning about Shakespeare? What is being revealed to them about his plays and his language? At the beginning of the program what did they expect to learn about Shakespeare and how has that changed after the second week? Do they think Shakespeare is relevant to their lives? Any other thoughts about the Bard? Or on what they are learning in general? We want to know! Please comment below.
Its already the seccond week!..This week was interesting, we've learn the begining processes of rehearsing a play and boy is that a long process. But each day I come to the program, I learn something new which makes me hunger for more learning and growing as an actor. I feel that Shakespeare can teach us how to show emotions deeply through words. Nowadays people are so afraid to speak truely what they feel because their afraid of what others think of you. But in Shakespeare lingo, the literature lets you speak your emotions in a discrpitive way.
ReplyDeleteThe day I stepped into the Stella Adler studio chills had been going down my spine. No I wasn’t scared I was terrified of meeting new people. I thought I would be surrounded by bossy-mean-lazy adults who soon I would get used to. Little did I know that it was just my brain messing with me. All I had imagined was the opposite of it. The mean bossy and lazy adults in my mind were actually hyper active regular yet amazing people who just seek the best in you and want to see you make it in this world who also push you pass your standards. Not only that but the actors (I refuse to call them students or my classmates) young teens my age that have the same interest and goals like me. And which I know would make it to Hollywood as will I with all of them at my side.
ReplyDeleteThe weeks have passed by us and most of us don’t notice (in that list do include me) we have gained many things from this program and I hope that next year’s class sees the things we saw this past 3 weeks.(only 2 more weeks till the show! )
PS: I feel as if I’m slowly making a new family or if not as if I already have a family.
Deciding to go to the Stella Adler Studio of Acting was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Before coming to Stella Adler, I've been to other acting programs. These programs cared mostly for your money and did not offer the type of professional acting given at Stella Adler. I feel like I've become a better person by coming here in only 2 weeks. The teachers are friendly and very advanced at what they do. We are given a professional director, acting teacher and voice and speech teacher. I cant wait to see what the next 3 weeks have to offer.
ReplyDeleteOk so I have to admit Shakespeare knows how to write! I didnt expect to understand much but I did because I was reading with wonderful people. Blocking is awesome Iwent through this process before but never this quickly . . . can't wait for the final outcome!
ReplyDeletewow already into the second week man. Shakespeare for one thing can talk his but off. but he certainly knows how to make a story for people who like soppy love stories. but so far i havent really learned anything from Shakespeare. blocking is amazing i cant wait to start fighting because that should be fun
ReplyDeleteThe second week was fun we got down to buisness, Tom showed us block and how he wants the play to go. Can't wait till the actual show to see how it all plays out
ReplyDeleteIam actually having alot of fun learning about shakespeare and im into it now
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