How to actually be GOOD at Shakespeare and rock your audition!

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Hey actor! If you’re still hunting for the perfect fit monologue, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite Shakespeare monologues sorted by casting type and general vibe. Makes it easy to pick one you love and another one to contrast. You can find it here: shakespearewithsarah.com/shakespeare-collection/

[@ChristLovesUs13]

Thank you sooooo much!!! I am auditioning for Viola in Twelfth Night, and this helped me a lot. Your reading of the 'I left no ring with her' monologue was great too.

[@ew2230]

Thank you so much for all your videos. I watched them relentlessly and found my monologue (lady percy Henry iv part 2) from your page!! Did my audition and got a place at drama school. Thank you so so much. Really appreciate your work x

[@dashfatbastard]

I'm a retired ed theatre guy from Southern California here. Been walking though your videos here, and I'm enjoying how you're slaying the worst tropes beginners fall into. I wish all newcomers could hear your admonition to avoid unnecessarily elevated style. You nailed it :) We say those who go there trained at the Royal Academy of Bullsh+t and Baloney. I studied there before I got my training ;)

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Thank you! I really appreciate you saying that. I think it is such a pervasive misconception that Shakespeare needs to be big and pompous. Really that's not the case, and the top Shakespeare companies around the world (mostly) avoid this. Yet young actors come to it thinking they're supposed to be loud and obnoxious. Really I think it's an access problem. Young people are introduced to Shakespeare through terrible examples, either old movies or local theatre that hasn't caught on to the shift towards truthfulness in Shakespeare. One day it'll catch on! I hope.

[@user-jw1iy7br1z]

I totally bombed. I sucked. I’ve never acted before in my life. I was shaking, dry mouth, and couldn’t project my voice. Everyone was good. Made me wanna cry

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Oh hun. It's ok. It takes to learn this stuff. Acting can bring up all sorts of blocks that you don't even realise you have. Please come and join me in my Facebook group and/or send me a DM on Facebook and let's get you started off properly. It's just the start of the journey, ok? Be kind to yourself. Come chat with me in here: facebook.com/groups/joyfulshakespeare/

[@amandaannmathew5621]

Tysm for making this, I have your checklist it’s really useful.

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

No worries Amanda! Did you find this video helpful at all? I know it is quite a broad answer but I honestly think not many people in the audition room really nail this! It’s hard to strike a balance, even for pros.

[@moeydoesgamingyt6107]

You are amazing! I’m trying to nail a Shakespeare piece for my NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts) audition. Still trying to find a good piece to pick. Going to binge your channel now haha

[@purplemarsmotionpictures]

Did you get in?

[@bambi8977]

Thank you I found this really helpful😊💕

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Hurray! I think I'll do more videos about this in the future because it's actually quite an important concept that many people don't know about.

[@clore6339]

Hi Sarah love your videos! I don't know if you are still making these anymore but I would love if you did the Tempest and character tips on Prospero(or prospera for the play I'm doing)😃🌺🌸🏵🌼

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Hi Clore! I'm just starting again after a long break and will be doing some videos for The Tempest, but I'm not sure if I'll get to film any new ones until Feb! How soon is your production? In terms of Prospero, I recommend watching the version of The Tempest from the Donmar Warehouse, with Harriet Walter as Prospero. It gives a really interesting perspective on Prospero's actions - it's very clear that he is doing everything for his daughter and/or still processing the betrayal that happened to him years before. Harriet Walter is very emotive as Prospero.

[@clore6339]

@@ShakespearewithSarah Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!! I will watch this production I'm doing my play in march. I look forward to seeing more of your videos! :)

[@corinnedarcy6024]

what if my monologue is has a equalnumber of verbs and adjectives? Should I go with my feeling and the mood of the character? Also thank you so much your videos are so helpful!

[@yousofahmad6790]

Can you make you a video about Shakespearean omissions & contractions. I think they are too difficult exactly when you read the original text

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Hi Yousof, can you give me an example of an omission or contraction? Do you mean grammatical contractions like “know’st”?

[@yousofahmad6790]

​@@ShakespearewithSarah Yes, exactly, I have read something like this "pout'st" yesterday ,and it was totally confusing for me. I made a quick search and I got "Shakespearean omissions & contractions" if you can make it more clear & easy it will be superb.

[@ShakespearewithSarah]

Yeah sure! Good idea