Rehearsing Shakespeare: Ways of Approaching Shakespeare in Practice for Actors, Directors and Trainers

Rehearsing Shakespeare offers a dynamic guide to practice in rehearsals and workshops for actors, directors and trainers in a UK and global context.

The book analyses the roots and development of modern-day approaches to Shakespeare and applies theory of verse analysis to practical work, ranging from the drama student to the highest professional level in major global theatres. At the heart of the book are a series of carefully tested acting exercises, worked with professional actors and drama students across the world, both in English and in translation. Featuring several case studies from the author’s own work and the work of others, it explores how acting and directing relate to design and other forms of artistic collaboration during Shakespeare production.

An excellent resource for students and teachers of acting and directing courses, drama and English literature students at all levels, new professional actors and professional actors undertaking the exciting task of acting and directing Shakespeare at an international level, Rehearsing Shakespeare offers practical approaches to cutting and editing through to the core challenges of any Shakespearian play.

Leon Rubin is Professor and former Director of East 15 Acting School, University of Essex. He was Head of Drama at Middlesex University, Artistic Director of the Bristol Old Vic, Watford Palace Theatre and Lyric Theatre, Belfast, Assistant Director at the RSC, Associate at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin and has directed for major theatre companies internationally. He has directed 17 productions of Shakespeare (3 in languages other than English), plays by Johnson, Webster and Marlowe and was RSC assistant director on another 4. He has taught acting and directing for over 35 years.