Training :: Richmond Shakespeare

Classes and workshops in the theatre arts
The training department exists to enhance theatre in Richmond by offering a variety of workshops and classes designed to both educate beginners and inspire working professionals.

Classes and workshops must be purchased in advance. A $10 late registration fee may be charged for students who sign up less than 5 days in advance.

Most classes and workshops are held at Richmond CenterStage (at Grace St. and 7th St.) or the Richmond Shakespeare office (at 1801 E. Cary St in Shockoe Bottom)

Participants should bring a bottle of water and dress for moderate physical activity.

Training with Richmond Shakespeare

2010 - 2011 Training Season

Workshops and Classes are now available

To Register:

1. Email Julie@RichmondShakespeare.com
2. Mail in your check made out to Richmond Shakespeare to:

Richmond Shakespeare - PO Box 27543, RVA 23261

or use Paypal to pay with a credit card. Click 'donate.'

Richmond Shakespeare Presents:

Acting Shakespeare (this class has been extended!)
When: Mondays from September 13 - October 11, 2010
Time: 7pm - 9:30pm
Led by: Molly Hood
Cost: $165

Location: Richmond CenterStage

Description: In Acting Shakespeare, participants will examine Shakespeare’s text for meaning and rhythm, and then search for compelling acting choices to bring the text to life. Scenes and monologues will be used to explore scansion, structure, and making honest connections on stage. Participants should leave the class with the tools to better understand Shakespeare’s language and with a Shakespeare audition monologue in their back pocket. A great place for experienced actors to hone their skills, and a gentle introduction to classical acting for the beginner!

Molly Hood holds a M.F.A. in Classical Acting from The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University, where she studied acting with Michael Kahn and Franchelle Stewart Dorn.She is an SAFD Certified Actor/Combatant, and has studied at The Atlantic Acting School in New York City. Also a member of Actor’s Equity, Molly has worked onstage with The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and The New York Clown Theatre Festival. Molly has appeared in Richmond Shakespeare’s productions of The Merchant of Venice, The Comedy of Errors, and Macbeth.She most recently directed Richmond Shakespeare’s acclaimed production of Twelfth Night at Agecroft Hall.

Intro to Longform Improvisation!
When: Saturdays, from October 9 - 30, 2010
Time: 2:30pm - 5pm
Led by: Mandy Butler
Cost: $160

Location: The Richmond Shakespeare Office Building

Description: Have you always wanted to try improv and been too nervous? Have you studied improv before, but need a refresher? Have you tried shortform, but never given longform improv a shot? Do you find yourself bored on Saturday afternoons? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Richmond Shakespeare's intro to longform improv course is for you! In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of improvised scenework and will have a ton of fun in the process!

This four-week course, which will cover several show mechanics, will be taught in a very supportive environment that allows you to feel comfortable taking risks. All experience levels are welcome, as the emphasis will be placed on building the ensemble!

Come on out and discover improv's best kept secret: IT'S NOT THAT SCARY, AFTER ALL!

You may be finding yourself asking, "What's the difference between shortform and longform improv, anyway?" Well, shortform improv consists primarily of the kind of formatted games you would see at a ComedySportz show or on Whose Line is it, Anyway? In contrast, longform improv involves discovering scenes, characters, and situations as you go. The emphasis in longform is on establishing a relationship between scene partners.

Think of it as acting without a script. At the introductory level, the study of longform improv will leave you with the tools to create and sustain engaging two-person and group scenes. Players who have been at it awhile can improvise an entire one-act play from just a single suggestion!

Mandy Butler is co-Founder, Artistic Director and Youth Program Director for FuseBox Theatre. She holds a BA in Theatre Performance from Georgia College & State University and is currently pursuing an MFA in Performance Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she teaches undergraduate classes in audition technique, intro to acting, and longform improvisation. In addition to her experience in scripted theatre, Mandy has also studied and performed improv at Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, Improv Nashville, and the Richmond Comedy Coalition. Mandy has taught workshops at improv festivals across the country and coached youth improv for the YMCA artEMBRACE program. She also served as the Director of Improv Education at Bravo Creative Arts Center in Nashville.

Expanding Your Vocal Potential
When: Mondays in November
Time: 7-10pm
Led by: Janet Rodgers and guests
Cost: $200 for all 5 weeks, $75 for each individual session

Location: TBA

Description: This 5 week class will explore a variety of methods for improving an actor's voice. Each week a guest artist will cover a new topic in vocal production. Can be purchased either as a five week class or by individual topics.

Stage Management Workshop
When: Monday, February 21, 2011
Time: 7-10pm
Led by: Amy Baumgartner Hutton
Cost: $50

Location: TBA

Outdoor Performance Without Losing Your Voice
When: Saturday, May 7, 2011 (rain date May 8)
Time: 4-7pm
Led by: Thomas Leeland Cunningham
Cost: $50

Location: Outdoors

Much more to come! Still under construction so check back for more offerings soon!

For more information, Email Julie @ richmondshakespeare.com or call 804-232-4000 to make your reservation today

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Richmond Shakespeare • P O Box 27543 • Richmond Virginia 23261 • 804 / 232-4000