William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's Perspective from Coursera

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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