Prepare for the Unified Shakespeare & Classical Auditions with Jonathan Cullen
The workshop will be an exploration of how to approach a monologue by Shakespeare or another contemporary classical playwright, looking at what clues the text itself offers for the actor, how to shape a piece and realize fully the power and passion and argument contained in the words you have chosen.
We will cover the nuts & bolts of iambic pentameter and prosody so that the formal structure becomes a help rather than a hindrance; the language and the rhythm should be a means to help you fly.
Throughout this workshop, we will find ways to remind you that acting Shakespeare is actually a familiar task, by looking at what your character wants and how they try to achieve it, what their motivations are, what exactly they are saying or hiding and why.
This workshop is open to all levels of experience, whether you’re new to acting Shakespeare or want to brush up on your classical technique.
Date & Time: Sunday, January 5th, 1-5pm
Location: Musicians Union Local 99 Rehearsal Hall – 325 NE 20th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232
About the instructor:
Jonathan Cullen is a British actor now resident in Portland. He worked as a professional actor in the UK since 1985, performing major roles with most of the leading companies, among them the National Theatre, the Royal Court, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe & in London’s West End.
He has taught and directed at many UK drama schools, such as RADA, Guildhall, Central, Rose Bruford and the British American Drama Academy. He has been a visiting guest professor for Tisch School, Fordham, Florida State, ACT in San Francisco, and Duke University in North Carolina.
In Portland he has taught acting classes, including a Shakespeare class at Studio NW and a Shakespeare course for PSU; he has also been text consultant on the two most recent Shakespeare productions at Portland Center Stage.
As an actor, he is currently appearing in Waiting for Godot with Corrib Theatre and looking forward to doing Samsara by Lauren Yee for Profile Theatre in early 2025.
More info at www.jonathancullen.org.
Class size is limited to 20 participants, with a minimum enrollment of 4. Students will be notified at least 24 hours in advance if class is cancelled due to low enrollment.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 7 days prior to the start of class will receive a full refund. After that period, full or partial refunds will be at the discretion of PATA. For cancellation requests, please email info@portlandtheatre.com. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, please do not come to class. We will work with you to provide a refund or class credit if needed.
Please note: in order to qualify for the member discount, you must have a paid, Individual or Company level membership. Up to 3 people per company may attend at the discounted rates, and all must be actively working for the organization which holds the membership.
