What Country, Friends, Is This?: Directing Shakespeare with Young Performers

A practical guide for teaching Shakespeare to young people, ideal for directors, youth theatre leaders, workshop facilitators, and teachers. Experienced teacher and director Max Hafler tackles the myths that Shakespeare's work is difficult, only for the privileged few, or foreign. He offers workshops to introduce voice and acting skills and shows how to use devising, develop short scenes, explore soliloquies, and unlock the themes, characters, stories, and language of the plays. The holistic approach includes exercises to help young actors explore their voice, imagination, and body, and lead to more fulfilling performances. The book also provides advice on preparing for a production, editing and transposing the text, rehearsing scenes, and fostering an ensemble.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

A comprehensive guide to exploring Shakespeare with young people, ideal for directors, youth theatre leaders, workshop facilitators, and teachers. Experienced teacher, actor, and director Max Hafler debunks the myths that Shakespeare's work is foreign, not for the faint-hearted, or only for a privileged few. In this book, he demonstrates how to embrace the challenges of doing Shakespeare with young people and make the plays accessible and exciting for all.

Beginning with a series of workshops that introduce the skills and principles of voice and acting, he sets out, step by step, how to use devising, develop short scenes, explore soliloquies, and unlock the themes, characters, stories, and language of the plays. The holistic approach includes dozens of exercises, many inspired by Michael Chekhov's innovative technique, which will help young actors explore their voice, imagination, and body and lead to performances that are richer, focused, and more fulfilling.

There is also useful advice on preparing for a production, editing and transposing the text, rehearsing scenes, and fostering an ensemble. Above all, this book will equip you to engage and empower young people and help them discover for themselves the joy of working with Shakespeare.

Teaching Voice: Workshops for Young Performers has received praise from educators, youth theatre leaders, facilitators, and anyone who works with young people. The book offers plenty of exercises, warm-ups, and advice about how to use the techniques in the rehearsal room. The Stage praised the book, stating, "A useful book for teachers, youth theatre leaders, facilitators, and indeed anyone who works with young people... plenty of exercises, warm-ups, and advice about how to use the techniques in the rehearsal room." Word Matters (Journal of the Society of Teachers of English) also praised the book, stating, "Through years of experience, Hafler has developed a great understanding of what can work with teenagers and shares it generously with those who work in the field."

In conclusion, Max Hafler's Teaching Voice: Workshops for Young Performers is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to explore Shakespeare with young people. The book offers a comprehensive approach to teaching voice and acting, with exercises and advice that will help young actors develop their skills and lead to performances that are rich, focused, and fulfilling. Whether you are a director, youth theatre leader, workshop facilitator, or teacher, this book will equip you to engage and empower young people and help them discover the joy of working with Shakespeare.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 138 x 218 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848428034