This course invites learners into the expressive and rhetorical world of William Shakespeare—while building their own voice and presence on stage. Structured around six interactive modules, students will explore speech techniques, character work, rhetorical analysis, and dramatic performance. With a strong foundation in public speaking and classical storytelling, learners will interpret Shakespearean texts, connect them to modern ideas, and build original monologues or scenes. The course ends with a final showcase where students demonstrate growth in performance and communication.

Key Benefits:

Boosts public speaking skills with strong voice, posture, and presence
Builds confidence in performing complex texts and original pieces
Deepens understanding of Shakespeare’s language, characters, and themes
Encourages creative thinking, emotional expression, and peer collaboration
Culminates in a performance showcase for family, peers, or school

What You’ll Learn:

Foundations of Public Speaking

Voice projection, pacing, and articulation techniques
Nonverbal communication: eye contact, gestures, posture
Strategies to overcome stage fright and speak with confidence

Introduction to Shakespeare

Life and legacy of William Shakespeare
Understanding Elizabethan English, dramatic structure, and recurring themes
Key characters and scenes from selected plays (e.g., Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Speech & Rhetoric Skills

Identifying rhetorical devices (repetition, antithesis, metaphor, etc.)
Analyzing Shakespearean speeches (e.g., “Friends, Romans, countrymen…”)
Writing and delivering original speeches inspired by Shakespearean themes

Performance Techniques

Scene work and character analysis
Using voice and body to bring text to life
Rehearsing and performing monologues or duologues

Creative Expression & Critical Thinking

Interpreting scenes for tone, mood, and emotional impact
Drawing connections between Shakespeare’s ideas and modern life
Reflective journaling, peer feedback, and performance critique

Final Presentation

Students perform selected Shakespearean scenes and original speeches
Opportunity to demonstrate growth in clarity, confidence, and creativity
Showcase event for peers, parents, or school community