Member Workshops & Seminars

"Shakespeare Aloud!"

"Ay, every inch a King"
KING LEAR Act IV scene vi

On Saturday March 26, 2011 an afternoon workshop was held to cold read and discuss William Shakespeare's KING LEAR. The Workshop, moderated by AEA Member Melinda Hall explored Shakespearian images, character analysis, bawdy references and more. The discussion around the table was lively as Actors tackled scansion, grammatical devices, and techniques for cold reading. The Attendees participated in an in-depth analysis of the historical context and word choice. The meaning of alliteration, feminine ending, full stop and shared lines was discussed. Roles were shared throughout the reading amongst the Actors regardless of gender or age.

Melinda Hall is a writer, director, actor and acting teacher. She is currently directing the documentary film: HOW SHAKESPEARE CHANGED MY LIFE starring Sir Ben Kingsley, F. Murray Abraham, Stacy Keach, and Ray Bradbury. Ms. Hall has directed stage performances of MACBETH, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, O FEEL YA, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, ROMEO AND JULIET and PHAEDRA among other classical and contemporary plays. Ms. Hall moderates Shakespeare workshops, teaches for The New York Film Academy and coaches privately. She is a member of AEA, SAG and The Dramatist Guild.

The Workshop was sponsored by The Eastern Region Membership Education Committee, Mark Aldrich Chair, and was held in the Actors' Equity Association Audition Center in Times Square New York City.

(Left to Right) Cooki Winborn, Christian Duhame, Bill Corry, Workshop Moderator Melinda Hall, Janine Pangburn, Rory Kelly, Danny Makalii Mittermeyer, Mark Byrne