MSF ZOOM WORKSHOP SERIES: 'Going Solo”

Friday, January 31, 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm
With Facilitator Ben Addis, a Welsh actor renowned for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Preparing, Performing, and Relishing the Soliloquy. This ZOOM workshop is presented by the Montague Shakespeare Festival.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Ben Addis, a Welsh actor renowned for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), the National Theatre London, and numerous screen roles, will lead an inspiring Zoom workshop focused on mastering the soliloquy—one of Shakespeare's most powerful tools for storytelling. Ben's impressive career includes performances across the globe, from London's West-End to international stages, as well as appearances in popular TV shows and films such as "Paris Has Fallen" and "Maryland."

Whether you are an experienced actor or someone just beginning to explore the world of Shakespeare, this workshop will offer valuable insights into preparing, delivering, and savoring the soliloquy. Learn from Ben Addis as he shares his wealth of experience and passion for Shakespeare's language in an engaging and supportive online environment.

What to Expect from the Workshop:

Breaking Down the Soliloquy: Gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's soliloquies by analyzing their structure, meaning, and emotional power. Ben will guide participants through the intricate language and unique storytelling elements that make soliloquies a pivotal aspect of Shakespeare's plays.
Practical Techniques: Learn techniques for preparing and performing a soliloquy, from finding emotional truth to developing pacing and rhythm. Ben's practical approach draws on his years of experience with some of the most prestigious theatre companies in the UK, ensuring that participants feel equipped to tackle even the most challenging speeches.
Relishing the Soliloquy: Discover the joy of performing a soliloquy by embracing the character's internal journey. Ben will help you connect to the text in a personal and authentic way, finding moments of both vulnerability and power that resonate deeply with audiences.
Interactive Participation: Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with Ben, receive personalized feedback, and practice delivering soliloquies in real-time. Whether you choose to actively participate or prefer to observe, this session will provide a safe space to experiment and grow as a performer.
Community Engagement: Join a supportive community of Shakespeare enthusiasts, sharing your experiences and insights while exploring the soliloquy together. This workshop is about more than just technique—it's about the shared passion for Shakespeare's words and the collective experience of bringing them to life.

Ben's extensive background includes training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and a long list of stage credits, such as "King Lear" (RSC), "Never So Good" (National Theatre), and "Antigone" (Manchester Royal Exchange). His work extends to the screen with roles in "Lewis," "Hugo" by Martin Scorsese, and numerous television projects for the BBC, ITV, Netflix, and beyond.

About Ben Addis: With nearly two decades of professional experience, Ben brings a unique perspective to interpreting Shakespeare's soliloquies. His approach emphasizes the joy of the process—finding ways to make the language accessible, relatable, and, above all, fun to perform. Ben's passion for both stage and screen work, combined with his deep understanding of Shakespeare, makes this workshop an inspiring opportunity for actors and enthusiasts alike.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Underwriters

Australis Aquaculture • Artisan Beverage Cooperative • Benjamin Company • Berkshire Brewing Company • Cohn and Company Real Estate Agency • Community Credit • Common Capital • Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts • Connecticut River Internists • Dean's Beans • Easthampton Savings Bank • FirstLight GDF Suezna • Gill Tavern • Goff Media • Great Falls Harvest • Green River Festival • Greenfield Community College • Greenfield Cooperative Bank • Greenfield Savings Bank • Loot • Massachusetts Cultural Council • Montague Bookmill Montague WebWorks • Northeast Solar • People's Pint • Rainmaker Consulting • The Rendezvous • Solar Store of Greenfield • Stobierski and Connor • Told Video • True North Transit • Turn It Up

Exciting News for A Happening IV: Leviathan

Cloudgaze and Eggtooth Productions are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice to support our 2024 Immersive Arts Festival, “A Happening IV: Leviathan.”

This festival will transform the Shea Theater into an exploration of theme, hosting installations, music, theatrical performances, and movement pieces, featuring the collective contributions of over 30 local artists. Audiences will experience otherworldly environments and narratives inspired by folklore, fairy tales, horror motifs, American literature, and the mythos of the Old Testament, all of which delve into the central question guiding the festival: "What does it mean to encounter something greater than yourself and to be consumed by it?" Through this theme, we explore how a community reemerges and imagines itself after destruction and transformation.

With the support of the Markham-Nathan Fund, we are excited to create an event that complicates perspectives and fosters meaningful dialogue. We are grateful for this partnership and for the work of the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice.

Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their vital support this year.We'd also like to thank the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their support in the form of a Flexible Funding grant. We couldn't do this work without you!