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Speaking Shakespeare: Classical Monologue
The course will provide a toolkit in decoding and delivering Shakespeare monologues with truth, and will shine a light on current industry approaches to acting through verse.

Key information:
- Course dates:
- Wed 2 Aug - Fri 4 Aug 2023
- Course times:
- 2 Aug: 2.30pm-6pm & 3-4 Aug: 9.30am-5.30pm
- Age:
- 16+
- Art form:
- Drama
- Fees:
- £365
- Deadline:
- 9am, Sunday 9 July 2023
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (ages 4-18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August)
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 9 July 2023 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2023
Ages 16+
Course Dates & Times
Wednesday 2 August: 2.30pm-6pm
Thursday 3 & Friday 4 August: 9.30am-5.30pm
About Speaking Shakespeare
This new intensive summer course, led by Paula Stephens, industry professional and Guildhall tutor and panellist, is ideal for participants wanting to improve their Shakespeare.
The course will provide a toolkit in decoding and delivering Shakespeare monologues with truth, and will shine a light on current industry approaches to acting through verse.
Who is the course for?
Anyone aged 16+ interested in deepening their understanding of Shakespeare and/or thinking about applying to drama school or university.
The course is also ideal for participants who have taken any of our Acting Summer Schools for ages 16-17 and 18+.
What can I expect?
A fun, interactive, one-to-one and group exploration of how to deliver the perfect classical monologue.
You will learn about:
- Text analysis
- Verse speaking
- Embodying a character
- Voice
- Stage presence and presentation
Do I need anything for the course?
- A two-minute classical monologue learnt by heart
- Hard copies of both speeches
- Notebook and pen
- An openness and generosity of spirit
Course Fee
£365
- Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 9 July 2023 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2023
Get a 10% discount on the Speaking Shakespeare course if you are booked on the Acting Summer School for Ages 18+ or Acting Summer School for Ages 16-17 courses. Email shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk with your name and reference number.
Eligibility
- For everyone aged 16+
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands
About the Course Tutor
This course is taught by Paula Stephens. Paula is a teacher on the Guildhall BA Acting course.
Paula trained under Patsy Rodenburg Centre for Speech and Voice where she trained to be a PRA registered teacher and associate. Paula teaches voice, text, and presence to actors in training at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Florida State University (the Theatre Academy London Programme), Penn State University, Muhlenberg College and the University of the Creative Arts (UCA). She has also taught for both the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe education departments.