Orlando works in a way that opens up the actor and frees them to explore Shakespeare from a relaxed and intuitive foundation.

Through simple exercises we will break down the obstacles presented by working with verse, we will develop an easy and enjoyable process that will stand any actor in good stead moving forward.

From this basis of ease and understanding we can then build up practices that delve deeper into the verse itself, and also give the actor confidence to call on these techniques when working alone.

The key aspect of this work is that it comes from the Actor; it is a hands-on resource, not overly academic or scholastic, but intuitive and practical.

Orlando’s core verse technique principles are drawn from his work with:

• Declan Donnellan (Cheek by Jowl, referencing The Actor and the Target) 

• Michael Chekhov (through exploration with Sinead Rushe referencing To the Actor ) 

• Annie Tyson (conservatoire training and reference to Acting with the Text)

Orlando is keen to break the myth of Shakespeare being difficult and somehow rarified. In the time he was writing, Shakespeare leant on his actors to create and to edit, to inspire and be inspired.

Actors have always been central to the work of Shakespeare, and through this understanding, we can regain ownership over its exploration, and begin to enjoy its timeless wonder!