Round Robin Shakespeare
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never done any acting. Can I still come to Round Robin Shakespeare?Absolutely! This is fun and informal. We're just going to read the play out loud. If you can read, you'll be fine.
What if I stumble over the words?
We'll take you out back and boil you in oil. No, seriously, everybody stumbles over the words sometimes. We all do the best we can, and when we fumble, we laugh and go right on.
Should I practice before I come to a reading?
It's not necessary. You can if you'd like. We don't think it ever hurts to read Shakespeare aloud. However,you won't know what speeches you'll be reading until you get to them,
What should I wear?
Casual dress is perfect. We'd like it if the gentlemen came in doublet and hose, and the ladies made themselves miserable in corsets, stomachers, farthingales and petticoats, but it's probably better that we should all be comfortable! If you have to come from work and be a little more formal, that's okay, too.
Which edition of the play(s) do I need to bring?
Whichever one you have. If there are slight differences among texts, we'll figure it out.
I've always wanted to play Hamlet. Will I get to pick my role?
Everybody's always wanted to play Hamlet. We don't assign specific roles. We just read speeches in order going around the circle. You'll read kings and queens, lords and ladies, servants and masters, villains and heroes, ghosts and fairies. Now and then, you'll read a stage direction. There's a good chance you'll get to read some of the Melancholy Dane, if you show up that night.
How long will it take?
About 6 years to get through all the plays. Oh, wait! You mean on any given day, right? Some plays are longer than others. We're finding that it takes us two meetings to get through a whole play (hence, the 6 years!). We generally finish up for the evening between 8:30 and 9 pm. We hope you'll stay for the whole reading, but if you absolutely have to leave in the middle, slip out quietly and give us a smile and a wave as you go.
I still have questions. Who can I ask?
Send us an email at info@roundrobinshakespeare.com. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.