The First Folio Speeches for Men (Oberon Books)

Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare made easier
Review: While I would have preferred less famous speeches since many of my students were looking for audition pieces, I found both this and his "Speeches for Women" books very helpful in de-mystifying the acting of Shakespeare. As an actress trained in British Drama Schools I have found it very difficult to know where to start when trying to get the college students I teach to even try acting Shakespeare. Without a passionate interest in Shakespeare (and these students just don't have it) the way I was trained just doesn't work. But the Folio technique really hooked them. With just a few basic "rules" they were willing and felt able to get up and give his language a try. The Folio technique is fun and immediate and got them up and going quickly; this is important in today's world - the fine-tuning of the speeches can come later. I highly recommend it to both high school and college drama teachers - especially if Shakespeare is not a priority in your acting student's lives. My students responded boldly and confidently and now seem less afraid of Shakespeare.

Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare made easier
Review: While I would have preferred less famous speeches since many of my students were looking for audition pieces, I found both this and his "Speeches for Women" books very helpful in de-mystifying the acting of Shakespeare. As an actress trained in British Drama Schools I have found it very difficult to know where to start when trying to get the college students I teach to even try acting Shakespeare. Without a passionate interest in Shakespeare (and these students just don't have it) the way I was trained just doesn't work. But the Folio technique really hooked them. With just a few basic "rules" they were willing and felt able to get up and give his language a try. The Folio technique is fun and immediate and got them up and going quickly; this is important in today's world - the fine-tuning of the speeches can come later. I highly recommend it to both high school and college drama teachers - especially if Shakespeare is not a priority in your acting student's lives. My students responded boldly and confidently and now seem less afraid of Shakespeare.