About
Ohio Shakespeare Festival has performed live, professional Shakespeare in Akron Ohio for nearly 20 years. Our focus is on Original Practice work; this means that we strive to use the same techniques and theatrical devices that Shakespeare and his acting company might well have used. The primary way we employ Original Practice is through our acting approach to verse. Using the John Barton method, we teach verse, prose, rhetoric, consonants and vowels, implied action, and direct address to make Shakespeare's language accessible and exciting for both the actor and the audience.
I am Tess Burgler--managing director of Ohio Shakespeare Festival, lead acting company member, and on staff verse and language coach.
Students wanting to improve a Shakespeare monologue will find my approach direct, applicable, and focused on playable action. Students hoping to simply improve their understanding of Shakespearean language will find long lasting application of the poetic tools I provide.
I encourage you to look us up on Facebook or Google to see our excellent reputation with Shakespearean language and performance. You may also find it helpful to peruse our website at www.ohioshakespeare.com
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Your first lesson will be quick but thorough introduction to the verse, rhetoric, and vocal techniques we will use throughout our future sessions. This allows for a strong foundation in the work we are about to do, but also allows the student to decide whether or not this approach to Shakespearean language will ultimately be helpful for them.
We will also discuss your preferences and goals. Are you hoping to improve a Shakespearean monologue you've already worked on? Are you hoping that I can help you find a new monologue? Or are you simply hoping to improve your understanding of Shakespearean language and acting technique? I will then make sure our future lessons work toward your particular goal. In the future, of course, you can always adjust your goal and I will adjust with you.
when we have concluded our lessons, you can look forward to walking away with a highly polished monologue, ready for auditions or performance. You can also expect to have a new toolbox for Shakespearean performance that will serve you in your acting career forever.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been performing live professional Shakespeare for 25 years. I have a bachelors degree in theater from the College of Wooster, and I graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. I am the managing director of Ohio Shakespeare Festival and one of the lead performing company members. I've been with that organization for 19 years. I am exposed to Shakespeare on quite literally a daily basis, and I am constantly learning and growing both as a performer and an educator.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My first lessons are $35 an hour. I also offer discounts if you prefer to pay in bulk at the beginning for several lessons. Please reach out to me if you would like to hear about those breakdowns. For students willing to travel to me in Akron Ohio, there's a potential discount.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students as young as eight years old, students who have never worked with Shakespeare before, students with severe speech impediments, graduate students, professional Shakespearean actors, and everything in between. The tools that I teach or applicable to all actors at any stage in their career.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, I got the opportunity to play Hamlet in the 2019 performance at Ohio Shakespeare Festival. This incredible opportunity made me fall even more in love with Shakespearean language, verse, and performance.
but I have to say that my favorite experiences with the bard are when students tell me that they are no longer afraid of his language, but rather inspired by it. I love helping people get rid of their ShakesFEAR, I truly do think Shakespeare is for everyone.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who works with Shakespeare frequently. Avoid somebody who is an actor but does not necessarily have any particular education or experience with Shakespearean language. Shakespeare should not be taught in the same way that any acting lesson would be taught. Find someone who wants to teach you verse, rhetoric, and work with consonants and vowels.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your specific goals? What do you hope to walk away with from your lessons? How much time do you have?