Shakespeare Summer School
Course overview
Shakespeare Summer School is our longest-running short course. Launched over 50 years ago, and investigating Shakespeare from an actor's point of view, it is designed to cater for a wide range of abilities and experiences, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.
The comprehensive curriculum embraces aspects of RADA's core teaching, combining rehearsal of text with classes in essential skills.
You will work in a ‘company’ with a maximum of 14 people. Each company has a professional director, with whom you will undertake a detailed scene study on one or more of Shakespeare's plays, culminating in an informal sharing with another group. You will have classes in dance, clown, mask, physical performance, stage fighting, the basics of Shakespeare acting, and a masterclass conducted by a distinguished practitioner.
During the course, you will work with students from a second company for your classes in voice, sonnets, monologues, singing and Alexander Technique. There will be informal sharings of clown work, sonnets and monologues. All companies are structured so that each student has the best possible chance of making progress at the most appropriate pace.
This course takes place 4 days per week for week 1 (Wednesday to Saturday), and 5 days per week for weeks 2–4 (Monday to Friday).
Part of our World of Shakespeare series of courses.
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Who is this course suitable for?
- Those wanting to experience Shakespeare through detailed rehearsal
- Actors, directors and teachers wishing to deepen awareness of Shakespeare's text and characters
- Performers wishing to explore a range of skills classes
Entry requirements
- Participants must be 16+. There is no upper age limit on this course.
- We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk.
- Fluent, confident knowledge of the English language is essential.
Further information
Optional: Shakespeare in Practice
Immediately following the four weeks of the Shakespeare Summer School, we offer an additional week of Shakespeare in Practice, from Saturday 12 August to Saturday 19 August.
You will work in a company of no more than 12 to rehearse, with your own professional director, a digest of a Shakespeare play and perform it in one of the academy’s theatres: productions are minimal and use practice clothing provided by you. There are classes in Physical Performance, Voice and Dance. Each student may invite two guests to one of the performances.
This course is designed to be very demanding and high expectations are placed on the students: the hours are long and homework necessary. It is in no way a casual undertaking and complete and consistent commitment to punctuality, discipline and preparation is required from every student.
If you are interested, please tick the box on the application form. The fee for the course is £950.
Hours
Punctuality is essential; a certificate stating the minimum number of contact hours is awarded on successful completion of the course.
How to apply
For any queries about this course, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
You will need to prepare and learn a 2-minute monologue from Shakespeare to perform on the first day. You need a second monologue that does not need to be memorised but are expected to have done some preliminary work on it.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Participants will be encouraged to undertake some further personal preparation work after classes and outside of RADA.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear loose clothing that you can move in freely.
It is essential that you wear trainers for Stage Fighting classes.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form or information form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.