SHAKESPEARE SUMMER SCHOOL
Dates: 18 July - 10 Aug 2018
Duration: four weeks
Hours of work: 10am - 5pm (Week One - Wednesday to Saturday: Weeks Two, Three and Four - Monday to Friday)
Fees: £2,995
Please note there are no RADA scholarships available for Short Courses.
COURSE OVERVIEW
"I believe that I have not had a more transformative experience in my life, both as an artist and as a human being." - Feedback from Shakespeare Summer School.
Shakespeare Summer School has been in existence for over 35 years, and, by investigating Shakespeare from an actor's point of view, has proved an invaluable resource for performers of all ages and experience. The course caters for seasoned professionals; for those who may be contemplating full-time drama training; for people who simply wish to explore an interest in the craft; and for enthusiasts of any age!
The course draws on the classical aspects of RADA's essential teaching, combining rehearsal of text with classes in essential skills, conducted by the RADA faculty.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are not asked to audition, but each applicant needs to provide a reference; to give some information concerning their experience (or otherwise) of acting: and to write a short note outlining what they would hope to gain from the course. Applications by students between the ages of 16 and 18 may need additional references and will be given special consideration by the Course Director.
Please remember that this is a physically demanding course, and that, while any specific needs will be taken fully into account, and that there is no upper age limit, participants must be reasonably fit. Fluent, confident knowledge of the English language is essential.
COURSE DETAILS
You will work in 'companies' of between 12 and 16 people. With your own professional director, you will undertake a detailed scene study on one or more of Shakespeare's plays, culminating in an informal sharing with another company. In this group you will also receive classes in Dance, Clown, Physical Performance, Stage Fighting, Mask, Basics of Shakespeare Acting and a Master Class conducted by a distinguished practitioner. In a second company, you will receive classes in Voice, Singing, Alexander Technique, Sonnets and Monologues. At particular times during the course there are informal sharings of Clown, Mask, Sonnets and Monologues. All 'companies' are structured so that each student has the best possible chance of making progress at the most appropriate pace.
The course is not a casual undertaking: total commitment to punctuality, discipline and preparation is required from every student.
HOURS OF WORK
Classes generally take place between 10am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Classes are not optional; students are expected to treat these as professional rehearsal calls.
Punctuality is essential; a certificate stating the minimum number of contact hours is awarded on successful completion of the course.
ACCOMMODATION option is now full for 2018
Accommodation can be arranged for Shakespeare Summer School students who are aged 18+ at Schafer House, 184 Drummond Street, London NW1 3HZ at the rate of £1,080 for 26 nights (Monday July 16 to Friday August 10 inclusive). There are limited rooms available and they are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Schafer House is basic student accommodation, owned by University College London, a ten-minute walk from RADA. Single room accommodation, with a hand basin, is provided. There are communal bathrooms and a small kitchen available (please note no kitchen utensils are provided). Linen is included, but bring your own towel. A coin-operated launderette is on the premises.
Accommodation is secure, but you are advised to take reasonable security precautions e.g. not leaving valuables unattended in your room, or doors and windows unlocked. Floors are mixed sex, and the accommodation is used by many organisations over the summer.
What to Wear
In addition to loose and comfortable clothes for movement and voice classes (with trainers or dance/ballet shoes), you will need a white shirt or blouse (not a T-shirt); and men should provide dark trousers (not jeans) and a formal jacket: women need a black practice skirt. We strongly recommend that women equip themselves with character shoes and men with black lace-ups (i.e. in addition to trainers used in certain classes).
UNIVERSITY CREDITS
In the case of students who are attending courses at universities in North America (or elsewhere), it is a matter for each university or college to decide whether to include the RADA Summer School as part of their students' accreditation to process.
SHAKESPEARE IN ACTION
Week Five of Shakespeare Summer School
Dates: 11 August-18 August 2018
Duration: seven working days
Hours of work: 10am - 6pm (there may be some evening work).
Fees: £895
Please note there are no RADA scholarships available for short courses.
Once you have completed the RADA Shakespeare Summer School you are eligible to undertake Shakespeare in Action: a week long, rigorous work-out with RADA's key tutors; culminating in a minimal, 'rehearsal-basic' performance of an adapted Shakespeare play in one of the Academy's theatres.
The course offers close personal supervision in the context of a professional production, with advanced skills classes and one-to-one tutorials in Physical Performance and Voice.
Be warned that this course is exceptionally demanding, and that priority is normally given to those who have some experience of acting or directing Shakespeare. You may be asked to send a DVD or a video link of yourself performing a two-minute Shakespeare monologue. In all cases, entry is at the discretion of the Course Director.
You will need strong stamina, be able to learn lines quickly and feel confident in your ability to work at an advanced level.
Subject to the availability of places, it may be possible to sign up for this course after you have started the Shakespeare Summer School.