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ABOUT GROUNDING SHAKESPEARE
Grounding Shakespeare is a dynamic 3-day intensive designed especially for Filipino artists ready to break through the mystery and intimidation of Shakespeare. This class brings Shakespeare’s text back to the body, the breath, and genuine human connection. Using Shakespeare’s own clues on the page—figures of speech, imagery, rhythm—we explore how his language naturally supports clarity, intention, and emotional truth. You’ll learn to approach the text with Kristin Linklater-informed breath work and the spontaneity of Viola Spolin’s improvisation, opening pathways to freer, more grounded storytelling.
In this workshop, we strip away the idea that Shakespeare is “heightened” or distant. Instead, we treat the language as alive, playable, and connected to everyday speech—all while keeping the text fully intact. Through partner work, forward-leaning energy, objective-driven action, and joyful experimentation, you’ll discover how to speak Shakespeare with confidence, immediacy, and a sense of ownership. Whether you’re a working actor, a student, or a curious storyteller, Grounding Shakespeare invites you to play, explore, and bring these timeless words into your own voice—today.
Carlos Tesoro is a Filipino American actor, director, and professor with an MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama. He currently teaches full-time at Chapman University in Orange, California, where he specializes in acting, directing, and inclusive, decolonial performance training. With a background spanning stage, film, and international collaboration, Carlos brings a thoughtful, embodied, and imaginative approach to classical text. His passion lies in empowering actors to reclaim Shakespeare with authenticity, accessibility, and bold artistic play.
The Intensive Format
Day One: Rooting the Work (10 am - 7 pm)
We begin by meeting each other as collaborators and building trust through Viola Spolin–inspired games that awaken play, presence, and responsiveness. From there, we dive into Shakespeare’s built-in clues—his rhythms, contrasts, figures of speech, and images—to unlock how the text wants to be spoken. Each actor works individually on a memorized monologue, guided toward grounding the words in personal impulse, clarity, and truthful connection. Day One sets the foundation: play, curiosity, and the courage to speak boldly.
Day Two: Breath, Sound, and Partnered Play (10 am - 6 pm)
We continue expanding the work by integrating breath and movement through Kristin Linklater–based explorations that free the voice and open the body. Actors experiment with sound, imagery, and the physical life of the text to discover new pathways into intention and emotional clarity. We introduce partnered exercises that challenge you to stay connected, responsive, and actionable while speaking Shakespeare. Day Two deepens the voice-body-text connection and energizes your monologue with spontaneity and ease.
Day Three: Ensemble Energy and Culminating Shares (12 pm - 4 pm)
Our final day brings the ensemble fully into the process. Through group play, shared energy, and ensemble-driven listening, we test everything we’ve practiced—clarity of objective, breath support, imagery, action, and responsiveness. Actors rehearse their monologues with ensemble support, allowing the room’s collective imagination to elevate each performance. We end with a culminating sharing: not a polished showcase, but a brave, alive expression of how Shakespeare can live through you—grounded, connected, and fully present.
Breaks will be taken throughout, with Days 1 & 2 having a lunch break, though participants are responsible for their own meals. The intensives are limited to 12-14 participants and the minimum age requirement is 18.
