Drama Games for Exploring Shakespeare

This book provides dozens of games and activities to bring Shakespeare's plays to life in the classroom or rehearsal room, making them fun and accessible to actors, students, directors, and teachers. It is inspired by the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation and offers a wide range of activities to tackle every aspect of the plays, including warm-ups, general games, story and world-building, introducing Shakespeare's language, activating Shakespeare's language, character, staging, and more. It will be an invaluable resource for anyone approaching the teaching or directing of Shakespeare, whether novice or veteran.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

This comprehensive and engaging resource book, part of the highly acclaimed Drama Games series, is designed to bring Shakespeare's plays to life in the classroom or rehearsal room, making them enjoyable and accessible to actors, students, directors, and teachers alike. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, this book offers a diverse range of activities to explore every aspect of Shakespeare's plays. From warm-ups and general games to story and world-building, introducing Shakespeare's language, activating Shakespeare's language, character development, staging, and more, this book provides valuable tools for demystifying Shakespeare's language, taking ownership of the plays, and finding a contemporary connection to his words. Whether you are a novice director or a seasoned teacher, this essential resource will empower you to unlock the full potential of Shakespeare's works and engage your students or audience in meaningful and memorable performances.

Warm-ups and General Games:

The book begins with a series of warm-up and general games that aim to establish an atmosphere of focus, connection, support, and fun. These activities are essential in setting the stage for a successful session, as they help participants to relax, build rapport, and develop their skills. Some examples of warm-up games include "Shakespearean Charades," "Shakespearean Pictionary," and "Shakespearean Scene Work."

Story and World-building:

In this section, the book delves into the events, environments, and societies of Shakespeare's plays. Through engaging activities, participants can explore the historical context, social structures, and cultural influences that shaped the characters and their interactions. Some examples of story-building games include "Shakespearean Timeline," "Shakespearean Character Analysis," and "Shakespearean Setting."

Introducing Shakespeare's Language:

To facilitate the exploration of Shakespeare's language, the book offers a range of activities that break down the text and allow participants to uncover its meaning. These activities involve play and creative discovery, encouraging actors to engage with the text on a deeper level. Some examples of introducing Shakespeare's language games include "Shakespearean Monologues," "Shakespearean Scene Work," and "Shakespearean Improvisation."

Activating Shakespeare's Language:

Activating Shakespeare's language is another key aspect of the book. The book provides activities that liberate actors from the script and encourage them to express themselves through movement and voice work. These activities promote physicality, vocal, and emotional exploration, allowing actors to bring the characters. Some examples of activating Shakespeare's language games include "Shakespearean Physicality," "Shakespearean Vocal Exercises," and "Shakespearean Emotional Exploration."

Character Development:

Character development is a crucial aspect of any Shakespearean performance, and the book offers a range of activities to help actors develop compelling and believable performances. These activities investigate motivations, relationships, circumstances, and emotions, allowing actors to understand the characters and their interactions on a deeper level. Some examples of character development games include "Shakespearean Character Analysis," "Shakespearean Scene Work," and "Shakespearean Character Monologues."

Staging:

Staging is an essential component of bringing Shakespeare's plays to life on stage level. The book provides activities that empower every member of the ensemble in moments that may be challenging to stage, such as big movement sequences, fights, and battles, and intimate love scenes. These activities promote collaboration, communication, and teamwork, allowing actors to work together. Some examples of staging games include "Shakespearean Ensemble Work," "Shakespearean Collaboration," and "Shakespearean Communication."

Regardless of your reason for exploring Shakespeare, whether you are directing. Directing a production, teaching a set text, or introducing his work to young people for the first time, this essential resource will give you the tools you need to demystify the language, take ownership of the plays, and find a connection to the words that resonate in our own time.

This wonderful book will be an invaluable resource for anyone approaching the teaching or directing of Shakespeare, whether novice or veteran.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 217 x 112 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848429420