We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet

An Actor's Perspective

Kevin Rich

Have you ever wanted to read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? This course will provide a guided reading of the script and expose you to the perspectives of actors who've performed in the play. It primarily consists of interviews with 14 professional actors who have participated in at least one production of Romeo & Juliet somewhere in the US, at theaters and Shakespeare festivals including the American Shakespeare Center, American Players Theatre, and the Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, and Utah Shakespeare Festivals.

In completing this course, learners will be able to describe the plot of Romeo & Juliet, identify major characters and themes, analyze and interpret heightened text, and consider multiple theatrical approaches to the play.

This course strives to be of interest to multiple audiences, but we think it may particularly appeal to...

* Shakespeare enthusiasts and the Shakespeare curious in all walks of life

* Actors, theater practitioners, and teachers of Shakespeare everywhere

* Secondary school and college students interested in expanding their studies of Shakespeare

* Interested readers with little or no familiarity with Shakespeare

Logo image courtesy of https://picryl.com/media/romeo-and-juliet-12

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Act 1: Introductions

In this module, you will be introduced to the course and some of the major characters in the play. You’ll hear perspectives on the major events in Act 1, including the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, Romeo’s lovesickness for Rosaline, the marriage being planned for Juliet and Paris, and Capulet’s party, where Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time.

Act 2: The Courtship

In this module, you’ll hear perspectives on the major events in Act 2, including the whirlwind courtship and secret marriage of Romeo & Juliet, and the increasing involvement of people close to them, including Mercutio, Benvolio, Friar Lawrence and the Nurse.

Act 3: The Fight

In this module, you’ll hear perspectives on the major events in Act 3, where the romantic comedy begins to pivot towards tragedy. Our actors discuss the fights that take place in this act as well as the aftermath of those fights.

Act 4: The Last Hope

In this module, you’ll hear perspectives on the major events in Act 4, including the Capulets planning a wedding for Juliet and Paris, and Romeo, Juliet and the Friar planning something very different.

Act 5: The Tragedy

In this concluding module, our actors discuss the final events of this remarkable play, and offer personal takeaways from having performed in it, as well as reflections on why this play is still so widely read and performed today, over 400 years after it was written.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides detailed perspectives on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet through interviews with actors who have performed in the play

Guides learners through the text with analysis and interpretation of the play's heightened language

Includes discussions on theatrical approaches to the play, exposing learners to diverse interpretations

Incorporates perspectives from actors who have performed at renowned theaters and Shakespeare festivals, ensuring credibility and relevance

Designed to appeal to a wide audience, from Shakespeare enthusiasts to students and teachers of English literature

Provides a comprehensive overview of the play's major events, characters, themes, and theatrical interpretations

Save this course

Save William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective with these activities:

Read the course syllabus and explore the course materials.

Show steps

Getting to know the course materials will help you understand the scope and expectations of the course.

Show steps

Read the course syllabus carefully.
Watch the introductory video.
Explore the course modules and discussion forums.

Review Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Show steps

Familiarizing yourself with the story of Romeo and Juliet will help you follow the discussions in the course.

View Tales from Shakespeare: A Family Collection: An... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the play. You can find it online or at your local library.
Take notes on the characters, plot, and themes.
Consider the play's historical context.

Find a mentor who can provide guidance on Shakespeare.

Show steps

Having a mentor can provide you with support and guidance as you learn about Shakespeare.

Show steps

Identify potential mentors who have expertise in Shakespeare.
Reach out to potential mentors and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on Shakespeare.

Show steps

Attending a workshop can provide you with the opportunity to learn more about Shakespeare from experts in the field.

Show steps

Find a workshop on Shakespeare that interests you.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and take notes.

Discuss the play with a classmate or friend.

Show steps

Discussing the play with others will help you deepen your understanding of the characters, plot, and themes.

Show steps

Find a classmate or friend who is also taking the course.
Schedule a time to meet to discuss the play.
Come to the meeting prepared to discuss the play's characters, plot, and themes.

Contribute to the course's discussion forums.

Show steps

Participating in the discussion forums will help you connect with other students and learn from their insights.

Show steps

Read the discussion prompts.
Share your thoughts and ideas.
Respond to other students' posts.

Create a list of resources on Shakespeare.

Show steps

Creating a list of resources will help you find the information you need to learn more about Shakespeare.

Show steps

Do a web search for resources on Shakespeare.
Create a list of the most relevant resources.
Share your list with the class.

Write a blog post or article about your favorite character in the play.

Show steps

Writing about your favorite character will help you develop a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions.

Show steps

Choose your favorite character from the play.
Write a blog post or article about your character.
Share your blog post or article with the class.

Career center

Learners who complete William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actor

An Actor breathes life into characters and stories. They develop and portray characters on stage, television, and film. This course may be useful for an Actor, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes, which can be essential for an Actor's work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor

College English Professor

A College English Professor teaches English literature, writing, and language to college students. They develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions, and grade assignments. This course may be useful for a College English Professor, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes, which are essential for teaching the play to college students. Additionally, the course exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play, which can provide valuable insights for teaching the play in a performance-based context.

See salaries and explore the career path for College English Professor

Theater Director

A Theater Director oversees the production of plays and other theatrical works. They work with actors, designers, and other creative professionals to bring a play to life on stage. This course may be useful for a Theater Director, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes, which are essential for directing a production of the play. Additionally, the course exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play, which can provide valuable insights for working with actors in a theatrical production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theater Director

English Teacher

An English Teacher develops and delivers English language arts instruction to students in elementary, middle, or high school. They create lesson plans, grade assignments, and assess student progress. This course may be useful for an English Teacher, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes, which are essential for teaching the play to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

Creative Writing Teacher

A Creative Writing Teacher teaches creative writing to students of all ages. They develop and deliver lessons, lead workshops, and provide feedback on student work. This course may be useful for a Creative Writing Teacher, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of drama, which can help a Creative Writing Teacher develop their own creative writing exercises and workshops. Additionally, the course exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play, which can provide valuable insights for teaching students about character development and dialogue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Writing Teacher

High School English Teacher

A High School English Teacher develops and delivers English language arts instruction to high school students. They create lesson plans, grade assignments, and assess student progress. This course may be useful for a High School English Teacher, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the play's plot, characters, and themes, which are essential for teaching the play to high school students.

See salaries and explore the career path for High School English Teacher

Publishing Editor

A Publishing Editor acquires, develops, and edits books for publication. They work with authors, agents, and other publishing professionals to bring books to market. This course may be useful for a Publishing Editor, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the publishing industry and the elements of drama, which can help a Publishing Editor evaluate manuscripts and work with authors to develop their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Publishing Editor

Entertainment Lawyer

An Entertainment Lawyer represents clients in the entertainment industry, including actors, musicians, writers, and producers. They negotiate contracts, protect intellectual property, and advise clients on legal issues related to their careers. This course may be useful for an Entertainment Lawyer, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the legal issues that arise in the entertainment industry, which can help an Entertainment Lawyer provide effective representation to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entertainment Lawyer

Arts Administrator

An Arts Administrator manages the business and operations of arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and dance companies. They oversee budgets, marketing, and fundraising. This course may be useful for an Arts Administrator, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the arts industry and the elements of drama, which can help an Arts Administrator develop and implement effective marketing and fundraising strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

Drama Therapist

A Drama Therapist uses drama and theater techniques to help people improve their mental and emotional health. They work with individuals and groups to explore personal issues, develop coping mechanisms, and build self-esteem. This course may be useful for a Drama Therapist, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of drama and the human experience, which can help a Drama Therapist develop and implement effective therapeutic interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drama Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They work with children and adults to improve their communication skills. This course may be useful for a Speech-Language Pathologist, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of speech and language, which can help a Speech-Language Pathologist assess and treat communication disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Screenwriter

A Screenwriter writes scripts for film and television. They develop characters, plot, and dialogue. This course may be useful for a Screenwriter, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of drama, which can help a Screenwriter develop their own scripts. Additionally, the course exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play, which can provide valuable insights for writing dialogue and creating characters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Literary Agent

A Literary Agent represents authors and their work. They negotiate contracts, sell books to publishers, and provide guidance to authors on their writing careers. This course may be useful for a Literary Agent, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the publishing industry and the elements of drama, which can help a Literary Agent evaluate manuscripts and provide feedback to authors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Literary Agent

Playwright

A Playwright writes plays for the stage. They develop characters, plot, and dialogue. This course may be useful for a Playwright, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of drama, which can help a Playwright develop their own plays. Additionally, the course exposes learners to the perspectives of actors who have performed in the play, which can provide valuable insights for writing dialogue and creating characters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Playwright

Theater Critic

A Theater Critic reviews театральные постановки for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They attend performances, write reviews, and interview cast and crew members. This course may be useful for a Theater Critic, as it provides a guided reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The course helps build a foundation for understanding the elements of drama, which can help a Theater Critic evaluate performances and write insightful reviews.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theater Critic

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective.

How the Classics Made Shakespeare

Save

This edition of the play provides a detailed introduction, notes, and commentary that can help students understand the play's language and structure.

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet

An Actor's Perspective

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses