Residency Reflection

Oli

English 7, 1

5/9/2014

Residency Reflection

            In the Shakespeare acting workshop, memories were created that are sure to be preserved for a long time. The first is playing the game “Zip-Zap-Zop”. When the actors explained the structure of the game, I was surprised at how simple it seemed and how little it seemed to have anything to do with acting or Shakespeare. I was incorrect at this presumption, as there was more to this game than I thought. It exercised the actor tools of connection, commitment, and generosity. Eye contact was crucial when passing the “ball of energy” to another person. Articulation and the sharp claps were part of the commitment. Generosity towards the person who held the energy was also required in the game. The second most significant memory was watching my classmates perform their scenes while the actors coached them into making it more entertaining. I was surprised that many of my classmates had hidden their acting skills. The actors had very useful advice for them that transformed the scenes completely for the better. It was amazing how much more convincing a scene can be with just a simple change of tone, body language, or movement. Meeting these actors and experiencing the acting workshop changed how I viewed Shakespeare, and even acting in general.