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Will Power
The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival and the Vortex Theatre will present Will Power, a Shakespeare-based educational program for all ages throughout the month of June 2021. Students will discover The Bard, by reading, writing, analyzing, memorizing and performing the words of William Shakespeare through his sonnets as well as monologues and scenes from his plays.
Three separate sessions will run throughout the month of June beginning on Tuesday, June 1. Sessions will take place on the campus of Menaul School from the hours of 9 am-12 Noon. Students may sign up for any one or all three sessions.
We are planning for these to be in-person classes, provided that the new NM Dept of Health protocols are still in effect. We are also planning to hold most class sessions outdoors!
All classes will be taught by Jeff Dolecek who appeared in Love's Labour's Lost and The Merry Wives of Windsor for the NMSF and holds a B.A. in Theatre from Valparaiso University, a M.Ed in Instructional Leadership from University of Illinois at Chicago, and middle grade (6th-8th) endorsements in Language Arts and Drama.
Cost is $75 for each one week session (June 1-4; June 8-11) and $140 for the 2 week session (June 15-25). Scholarships and discounts for multiple family members are available. Stage experience and knowledge of Shakespeare's works not required. All ages are encouraged, especially in the 2 week session.
Classes will be held at: The Menaul School (301 Menaul Ave. ABQ 87107)
Class size is limited. To register or for more information, send an email to info@vortexabq.org.
Our Students
Week 1
June 1st-4th
Time: 9am-12
An entry point into Shakespeare for individuals not as familiar with Shakespeare’s works. Using sonnets as material, students will learn foundational concepts around verse, poetic meter, and scansion. Additional historical background on Shakespeare as well as modern retellings of classic works provide further insight into the cultural relevance they continue to hold. The week culminates in a memorized performance of sonnets chosen by students.
Ages: 12-19
Week 2
June 8th-11th
Time: 9am-12
Building on the literary concepts from week one (verse, poetic meter, scansion) this camp works to cultivate a young actor’s performance instincts using monologues from Shakespeare. Historical context for the plays as well as knowledge of poetic structures will give actors a powerful tool in creating Shakespeare’s characters. Students will choose, analyze and perform a memorized monologue. Week one attendance not required.
Ages: 12-19
Weeks 3&4
June 15th-18th
June 22nd-25th
Time: 9am-12
A multi-generational camp where the energy of youth compliments the knowledge of years, and vice versa. This is a unique class for individuals or even the whole family. The focus for the two weeks is learning and performing a complete scene as a group. While attention to literary foundations and historical background is still a component, this camp expands into developing strong actors. Creating strong auditions, cold-readings, and vocal training are all important components of an actor’s repertoire that should be developed and maintained.
Ages: 12&up