US Actors

Train

w/ world-renowned directors.

Perform

in amazing locations.

NEXT WORKSHOPS

To Be Announced

NEXT WORKSHOPS

To Be Announced.

Train with world-renowned directors.

Perform in amazing locations.

Video: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

London & Stratford-upon-Avon

courtesy: Fletcher

CLASSES have been previously conducted by artists such as former RADA Instructor Malcolm McKay, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland alum Renee Williams, RSC legends John Barton and Cicely Berry, and Kennedy Center Award-winner & RADA/Marymount alum Ron Destro.

Each year the New York-based Oxford Shakespeare Company chooses 1 or 2 Shakespeare classics to be taught and performed in historic site-specific locations throughout the world.

Actors (union & non-union) from across the US, UK and worldwide submit a video audition to the OSC. Those accepted are offered a role in the play, and provide a workshop fee for the training and masterclasses. Lines are learnt before the workshops begin. On the starting date, actors meet in the designated city for training and rehearsals with OSC faculty and sometimes with guest artists, working on exercises devised at RADA and the RSC. At the end of the week, performances are given.

PLEASE NOTE: There are 2 different casts, and ALL actors perform at EACH venue at least once. Plays may be cut to run 90-120 minutes. Masks and social distancing will NOT be possible during rehearsals, classes or performances.

Video: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

London & Stratford-upon-Avon

courtesy: Fletcher

“Working with Ron Destro and Malcolm McKay in Macbeth, was one of the most enriching experiences of my acting career. In rehearsals and on-site, these consummate professionals "raised the bar" for each participant and provided a unique opportunity to grow both as actors and as human beings. Our performance in Birnam Wood was eerie and wondrous, just as Shakespeare intended. Can't wait to go back this summer!” - N.W.

“This OSC workshop was the experience of a lifetime, and I’ll always be thankful to you for providing such a cool opportunity…. I honestly believe your Oxford Shakespeare workshops are important for the theatre and the endurance of Shakespeare’s plays in the next generation of actors. “ - P.E.

“This week with the OSC has been the best week of my life." - E. F.

“It was truly a once in a lifetime experience I will always cherish.” - A. K.

“One of the most amazing adventures I have ever been on! It was lovely to perform with such a diverse and amazing bunch of actors!" - M. N.

AUDITIONS FOR ACTORS:

The OSC workshops are open to union and non-union actors throughout the world.

Actors are asked to video a one or two-minute monologue in verse from ANY Shakespeare play. Then send a link to the video (uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, GoogleDrive, etc) to onsiteshakespeare@gmail.com.

There is no deadline, but as videos are received they are evaluated and role offers sent out, so the sooner the better.

You should also email your resume, picture and roles desired (not a guarantee, of course, but helpful for us). Women should include male and female roles since women may be cast in male roles.

If you are accepted, you will receive a role offer. If you accept, you will send in the OSC workshop fee.

Since actors travel from all over the world, each arranges their own air travel, meals and accommodation. Interested cast members often do airbnb shares.

A class with Malcolm McKay

from RADA & The Globe.

Training. The OSC mission is to teach actors how to master the performance of a Shakespeare play through voice, movement and text exercises mostly developed by artists at RADA and the RSC. In rare instances, classes may be modified or cancelled since we employ working artists who are at the mercy of ever-changing schedules.

We often have two casts per workshop, each performing one show in each location. Actors may be in one or both casts, depending upon the needs of the workshop.

“I have participated in several masterclasses, and highly recommend them.”

- Oscar-winner F Murray Abraham

“I have been a friend of Ron Destro for some time, and can confirm his great gifts as a writer, director and educator.”

- award-winning actor Michael York

The fine print: All workshop fees are non-refundable, as they represent a commitment to the project, and actor substitutions for a short-term workshop are very difficult to make.

The OSC does not provide transportation, food or accommodation, although we can assist in pairing actors who are looking to find bnb shares.

It is unlikely, but please note that the trip, class and program itinerary may be subject to change. Due to location restraints, the venues and the towns reserve the right to alter performance locations. Please note that agreeing to participate in OSC events implies consent to use your likeness in OSC promotional photos, website, books, videos and OSC documentary.

Actors who have auditioned, been accepted, and were offered a role may pay via the links below. Please remember that payment is non-refundable for short-term workshops.

A rehearsal in Edinburgh.

“I have participated in several masterclasses, and highly recommend them.”

- Oscar-winner F Murray Abraham

“I have been a friend of Ron Destro for some time, and can confirm his great gifts as a writer, director and educator.”

- award-winning actor Michael York

Recent Participants:

“It was truly a once in a lifetime experience I will always cherish.”- Alex K.

“The Birnam Wood Macbeth was the experience of a lifetime, and I’ll always be thankful to you for providing such a cool opportunity…. I honestly believe your Shakespeare workshops are important for the theatre and the endurance of Shakespeare’s plays in the next generation of actors. “ - P.E.

“This week with the OSC has been the best week of my life. It is the only opportunity I know of where there is a collaboration of UK and US actors and believe that working with actors from other parts of the world has broadened my perspective of how you can approach Shakespeare, making the collaboration, in my opinion, a very strong part of the course’s success. Ron allows you to explore the text and the role you have been given, but also allows other directors and industry professionals to pull you in other directions in more detail, encouraging you to play, investigate and think. I have loved every single moment and feel honoured to have worked with so many talented and genuine people who all share the same passion that is Theatre. I would recommend this experience to anyone and will remember this week for the rest of my life.” - Emma F.

“One of the most amazing adventures I have ever been on! It was lovely to perform with such a diverse and amazing bunch of actors! And of course... the fantastic director Ron, who was great throughout! If whoever is reading this is thinking about taking part, my advice to you is GO FOR IT, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will stay with you forever!” - Mia N.

Birnam Wood, Scotland