Working Classics: Measure for Measure

Whether you're a Shakespearean scholar or novice, chances are you've found that classical text doesn't always trip off the tongue. Breathing life into poetic verse and vivid prose (and occasionally archaic references) requires homework—from a simple read-through for understanding, to scanning your verse and exploring historical context.The journey from page to stage isn't magic—it takes exploration and work.

In our 5-week workshop series, Working Classics, we'll help bridge the gap between your text work and your acting choices.

Over five weeks, we’ll use Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure as our playground, taking a deep dive into one act each week while building a practical process for approaching classical text with greater confidence and curiosity.

About the Play

Measure for Measure is a comedy. At least, that’s what the First Folio tells us.

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But with corrupt leaders, impossible choices, sexual coercion, threatened executions, hidden identities, and a final scene that raises almost as many questions as it answers, Shakespeare isn’t making things easy. The play gives us plenty to investigate as we explore how Shakespeare uses language, structure, rhythm, and rhetoric to reveal character and drive a scene. Together, we’ll dig into the text to understand what Shakespeare gives us on the page and how we can turn those discoveries into playable choices.

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How It Works

Each week, we’ll read an act together, break down the text for meaning and comprehension, look for the clues Shakespeare has left us, and then get scenes up on their feet to see what happens when we put those discoveries into action. 

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The goal isn’t to find the “right” way to play a scene. It’s to develop the tools to walk into a Shakespeare rehearsal prepared, make informed choices, respond to what’s happening in the room, and keep exploring.

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Our 5-week workshop series will teach you to:

• Maximize your book work: refine your process for rehearsing classical text.

• Decipher the First Folio: discover how it can be the key to a stronger performance.

• Become text detectives: know which clues to use and which to discard.

• Find your pacing: use the verse to find the right rhythmic tempo of a scene.

• Work it on your feet: physicalize the text to discover how it affects your choices.

• Explore new rehearsal techniques: try cue scripting and physical exercises to craft an even richer performance.

Class participants will alternate roles throughout the workshop, allowing each actor to study and explore a wide range of characters. 

Our goal is to help you explore new and familiar rehearsal techniques to enhance your at-home work, so when you walk into that audition room, rehearsal studio, or onto the stage, you are free to play. By the end of the series, you'll have a personalized rehearsal process you can take with you to your next Shakespeare project.

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Working Classics is designed for actors who want to deepen their Shakespeare skillset—whether you already love working on classical text or want to feel more confident when Shakespeare lands in front of you. Shakespeare enthusiasts who simply love digging into the plays are welcome too! 

No memorization is required—simply an interest in classical theatre, a passion for learning, and a desire to play. Participants may drop in for a single class or attend all five.

Class Details

Tuesdays – October 20, 27 & November 3, 10, 17

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Ripley-Grier, 520 8th Avenue, 16th floor

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Join us for a single class or all five!
Single Class: $20
Full Workshop – 5-Class Package: $75 (Save $25!)

Come spend five weeks getting to know one of Shakespeare’s messiest, most fascinating plays—and leave with tools you can take into the next rehearsal room.

Reserve your spot today!