Shakespeare in New York
Course overview
Join us at Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City for a 3-day advanced Shakespeare short course. Refine your craft, deepen your connection to Shakespeare's text, and elevate your performance skills under the guidance of RADA's Principal, Niamh Dowling, and expert tutors.
This advanced Shakespeare course is a rare opportunity for professional actors to study with one of the world's leading drama schools. Enhance your skills, deepen your understanding, and transform your approach to classical acting.
The course will focus on four cornerstones of RADA’s classical acting training:
Voice
'Hear My Soul Speak' - The Tempest
Connect with your authentic voice and explore the rhythms and musicality of Shakespeare's text. You will learn to relish the rich poetry and communicate stories with emotional depth.
Scene Study
'Speak What We Feel' - King Lear
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare's world, and through the intricate nuances of Shakespeare’s language, discover the cyclical nature of humanity within. You’ll focus on core acting technique, text analysis and ‘thinking on the line’ to foster authentic connection.
Monologues
'Speak the Speech' - Hamlet
Prepare and workshop a monologue; to enable you to work with more specificity and autonomy whist building your repertoire of classical speeches.
Movement
'To Move Is To Stir' - Romeo and Juliet
Discover the connection between movement and language and explore how physicality can enhance your interpretation. This workshop encourages you to embody the text, connecting with the impulse to move and bring Shakespeare’s characters to life.
Entry requirements
- Selection by application. You must have either 3 professional acting credits; OR the equivalent of at least one year of acting training. Please see the application form for more information.
- Participants must be over 18 and have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
Who is this course suitable for?
- Actors looking to learn, refine or refresh classical performance skills.
- Students or recent graduates from performing arts courses who seek further training in Shakespeare.
- Actors looking for a ‘workout’.
Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
You will need to prepare a monologue from a Shakespeare play which is no longer than two minutes. We will send you guidance on selection once your place on the course has been confirmed.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Some preparation/reading will be required between classes.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
RADA cannot provide written references for Short Course participants.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in freely.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
No. A Certificate is not available for this course.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
Where does the course take place?
This course will take place at Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 8th Ave, New York City.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.