Speaking Shakespeare

What leaves actors tongue-tied for years, Patsy releases in minutes … through simple, practical actions that can empower anyone. * Simon McBurney *Her knowledge of the plays as living theatrical artifacts is profound… Speaking Shakespeare stands up as a work of art in itself - admirably written and cliche-free, especially in the gripping final section, when she takes speeches and scenes from various plays, analyses and illuminates them… It cannot be too highly recommended. * Times Literary Supplement *

Patsy Rodenburg OBE has been the Director of Voice at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for 26 years and until recently at the Royal National Theatre. She trained in Voice Studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama and is recognized as one of the world’s leading voice teachers and coaches, and also as a renowned authority on Shakespeare. She is also a best-selling author whose notable publications include Speaking Shakespeare, The Right to Speak, The Need For Words, The Actor Speaks, The Second Circle, and Power Presentation.

Patsy has worked regularly with the best-known actors of the British theatre, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Daniel Day-Lewis, to name a few, as well as many of the biggest stars of film and television such as Nicole Kidman, Orlando Bloom, Hugh Jackman, and Natalie Portman. She was previously in residence with the Royal Shakespeare Company for 9 years and has worked with The Royal Court Theatre, Donmar and Almeida Theatre in London. She has also worked extensively with many of the great world theaters such as the Moscow Art Theatre and Comédie-Francaise. Patsy’s home in America is at the renowned Michael Howard Studios in New York City where she teaches workshops for the professional actor. Under the Michael Howard Studios banner, she travels around the world teaching and speaking, from Los Angeles to Canada to Portugal, from Australia to India.