ABSTRACT
Shakespeare and other ‘heightened language’ plays not only are something actors should audition for to stretch their acting and articulation muscles, but also for the added benefit of learning how to work with period text, science fiction text, old English text, complicated text, and heightened text in general. There is a wonderful and often fresh approach to Shakespeare plays every day in every city in the US. Shakespeare is not to be treated as ‘precious’ and does not need to be pontificated. It should be read at a quick pace, as normal people speak nowadays. Shakespeare scares many actors so let’s talk about a few easy exercises to get moving with this heightened text. Another exercise that can help break mind out of any preconceived notions about acting Shakespeare is to memorize whatever Shakespearean text actors are working on and then give themselves a very large and involved physical activity.
