Shaking Up the Shakespearean Stigma
As a theater enthusiast, I’ll admit I used to have a bit of a Shakespearean stigma. Whenever someone mentioned the Bard, my eyes would instantly glaze over, and I’d find myself mentally checking out. “Oh great, more iambic pentameter and obtuse language,” I’d think to myself. But little did I know, Shakespeare’s works hold a treasure trove of acting techniques that can breathe new life into the world of musical theater.
It all started when I stumbled upon an intriguing summer camp program at a local musical theater education and performance center. Amidst the lineup of enticing offerings, one camp in particular caught my eye – “Camp Shakespeare Extreme.” The description promised to take my Shakespearean acting skills to the “EXTREME,” and I couldn’t resist the challenge.
As I delved into the program, I discovered that the secret to unlocking the power of Shakespeare’s works lies in embracing their inherent theatricality. These plays were, after all, written to be performed on stage, not merely read in a stuffy classroom. And the techniques employed by the greatest Shakespearean actors can be seamlessly transposed into the realm of musical theater.
Harnessing the Emotional Intensity
One of the most striking aspects of Shakespearean acting is the sheer emotional intensity it demands. Whether it’s the manic grief of Hamlet, the burning rage of Lear, or the heart-wrenching despair of Juliet, these characters wear their hearts on their sleeves. And as musical theater performers, we can learn a lot from their unbridled emotional expression.
Take, for example, the iconic soliloquy from “Hamlet” – “To be, or not to be.” On the surface, it may seem like a cerebral exercise in philosophical contemplation. But in the hands of a skilled Shakespearean actor, it becomes a raw, visceral exploration of the human condition. The character’s inner turmoil, their struggle with the weight of existence, is laid bare for all to see.
As director Carey Perloff eloquently explains, “Ancient drama wrestles with it all.” And when we bring that same level of emotional honesty and vulnerability to our musical theater performances, the result can be truly electrifying.
Embracing the Physicality
But it’s not just the emotional intensity that sets Shakespearean acting apart; it’s also the sheer physicality of it all. These plays were written in a time when the stage was the primary medium for storytelling, and the actors had to captivate their audience through the sheer force of their presence.
From the sweeping, grandiose gestures of Macbeth to the restless, frenetic movements of Lady Macbeth, Shakespearean characters demand a level of physical commitment that can elevate any musical theater performance. And at the Musical Theater Center, we’re dedicated to helping our students unlock this physical expressiveness.
Through workshops on stage combat, movement, and even dance, we empower our aspiring musical theater performers to harness the power of their bodies. After all, as the great Shakespearean actor John Barton once said, “The body is the actor’s primary instrument.” By embracing this physicality, we can infuse our performances with a sense of dynamic, visceral energy that captivates the audience.
Mastering the Linguistic Artistry
Of course, no discussion of Shakespearean acting would be complete without addressing the linguistic challenges these plays present. The Bard’s command of language is unparalleled, and his works are peppered with intricate rhyme schemes, complex metaphors, and a rich tapestry of vocabulary that can seem daunting at first.
But as Deborah Baldwin’s blog post highlights, these linguistic gymnastics can be a source of inspiration and empowerment for musical theater performers. By immersing ourselves in the rhythmic patterns of Shakespearean text, we can develop a keener sense of musicality and an enhanced ability to convey the nuances of emotion through our vocal delivery.
And let’s not forget the sheer beauty of Shakespearean language. The iambic pentameter, the vivid imagery, the poetic cadence – it’s a masterclass in the art of lyrical expression. As musical theater performers, we can draw inspiration from this linguistic artistry, infusing our own songs and dialogue with a similar level of artistic sophistication and emotional resonance.
Embracing the Ensemble Approach
One of the most striking aspects of Shakespearean theater is the sense of ensemble that permeates every production. These plays are not mere vehicles for individual stardom; they are tapestries woven with the collaborative efforts of a talented cast and crew.
From the chorus members who serve as the collective voice of the community to the supporting characters who provide essential dramatic counterpoints, every role in a Shakespearean play is integral to the whole. And this ensemble-driven approach can be transformative for musical theater performers.
By embracing the collaborative spirit of Shakespearean theater, we can learn to let go of our individual egos and work in service of the greater narrative. We can support each other, challenge each other, and ultimately elevate the performance to new heights through our collective efforts.
At the Musical Theater Center, we foster this ensemble mentality through our group-based workshops and productions. Whether it’s a rousing group dance number or a powerful choral moment, our students learn to harness the power of collaborative artistry, just as the great Shakespearean actors have done for centuries.
Unlocking the Secrets, Elevating the Art
As I reflect on my journey through the “Camp Shakespeare Extreme” program, I can’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the Bard’s enduring influence on the world of performance. What I once saw as a daunting, inaccessible literary relic has now become a wellspring of inspiration and creative possibility.
By embracing the emotional intensity, physical expressiveness, linguistic artistry, and ensemble-driven approach of Shakespearean acting, I’ve discovered a whole new way of approaching musical theater. And I know that the students at the Musical Theater Center are embarking on a similarly transformative journey, unlocking the secrets of the Bard and elevating the art of musical performance in the process.
So, the next time you find yourself confronted with the works of Shakespeare, don’t shy away. Embrace the challenge, dive into the depths of these timeless plays, and let their theatrical magic infuse your own musical theater journey. who knows – you just might discover your own “EXTREME” Shakespearean potential.
