In this class we will explore TRANSFORMING the molecules of the room through the spoken text of William SHAKESPEARE, and inviting COMMUNITY and INTERNAL HEALING along with it!

Have you ever longed to perform?
Did you enjoy performance in school, but maybe didn’t choose to make a career out of it?
Does “Shakespeare:” Tickle or Intrigue or Spark or Annoy something in you?
Are you interested in transformational work? And breath?

Over the course of two-days, we will do a deep dive into the transformational power of Shakespeare.

Students are asked to arrive with:
- (1) 2-3 minute Shakespeare monologue, memorized.
It’s best if you can find one that ACTIVATES some-thing in you: a response to a single word maybe(?) or image, or a phrase—an idea, a story, an archetype…

(I will also provide a packet of monologues ahead of time that you can peruse and select from if you are less familiar with the canon at large).

From HERE, the work begins…
You will receive one-on-one professional-coaching to unwrap and discover the myriad of significance within the text.
Together, we will do a DEEP DIVE into the meaning of the language; possible motives for choosing the monologue—as well as larger themes (maybe only) accessible through the scaffolding of Shakespeare’s language.

When in the StarHouse I will be guiding our group through:
- a CHECK-IN
- a Gentle vocal and body “WARM-UP” that professional actors use regularly in their craft
- ONE-ON-ONE monologue coaching (that all can benefit from)
- facilitating to UNLOCK some emotional significance within the monologue
- offering HARD-TOOLS to heighten your relationship to the text and "performance"

This work is for ANYONE. Anyone who has ever thought acting might have something to offer them—or for anyone remotely interested in the stage, Shakespeare, language, transformation, internal healing, breath work, etc…it’s all here, I PROMISE!

Your intuition brought you here.

For acting specific artists: you will walk away with an audition worthy monologue.

A little about me: nice to e-meet you. My name is Ellie NICHOLS and I am a theater maker and
artist. I grew up in Denver Colorado to two beautiful parents who turned our back yard into a
garden oasis and small scale organic farm.

I hold an MA from New York University (NYU)—with a specific focus IN Shakespeare Studies. NYU unlocked a lot for me and it was there that I had the opportunity to study with: OSKAR EUSTIS (Founder, The Public Theater NYC) and second wave feminist CAROL GILLIGAN (author of: In a Different Voice).

I went on to work and perform with: Prague Shakespeare Company (Prague, Czech Republic), Shakespeare and Company (Leonx, MA), The Shakespeare Forum (New York City), Shakespeare Fringe Festival (Verona Italy), amongst others!

I also produce, direct and (occasionally) playwright. My original work has been featured and showcased in: Prague, London, Saratoga Springs, Los Angeles and New York.

A few fun facts: as I child I danced professionally with the Colorado Ballet and I have been coming to StarHouse since I was 7 years old!

DATES:
FRIDAY - October 23 - 6PM - 9PM
SATURDAY - October 24 - 9AM - 4PM
**there will be a one-hour break for lunch on Saturday (10/24).

Weekend Cost:
$324.00/student
15% discount for early enrollment (now - September 15).
10% discount to StarHouse Members
(discounts cannot be combined)
Enrolled High-School or College Student discounts available upon request, please reach out!

Come prepared, please bring:

- (1) memorized monologue
- (1) print out copy of the monologue
- water bottle
- notebook and pen/pencil
- comfortable clothes that you can move and breathe in
- snacks and a packed lunch for Saturday

note: Transformation is a goal, not a legally binding commitment