Speaking Shakespeare - Paperback

Speaking Shakespeare by Patsy Rodenburg

In Speaking Shakespeare, Patsy Rodenburg tackles one of the most difficult acting jobs: speaking Shakespeare's words both as they were meant to be spoken and in an understandable and dramatic way. Rodenburg calls this "a simple manual to start the journey into the heart of Shakespeare," and that is what she gives us. With the same insight she displayed in The Actor Speaks, Rodenburg tackles the playing of all Shakespeare's characters. She uses dramatic resonance, breathing, and placement to show how an actor can bring Hamlet, Rosalind, Puck and other characters to life. This is one book every working actor must have.

Comprehensive Shakespeare Performance Training

This manual provides practical techniques for actors working with Shakespearean text. Rodenburg breaks down the complexities of classical theatre performance into accessible methods that address voice placement, breath control, and dramatic resonance. The book covers character work for Shakespeare's full range of roles, from tragic leads to comic supporting characters.

Expert Voice Direction from Royal National Theater

Patsy Rodenburg serves as Director of Voice at London's Royal National Theater and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her professional experience training actors at Britain's leading theatrical institutions informs every technique and exercise in this book. The methods presented reflect current practices used in professional Shakespeare productions.

Practical Application for Working Actors

Speaking Shakespeare functions as a working manual rather than theoretical text. Actors can apply these techniques directly to auditions, rehearsals, and performances. The book addresses common challenges performers face when working with heightened language and verse structure, providing solutions grounded in vocal technique and textual analysis.