Saturday, March 1, 2014

Shakesperience! Workshops for Reading Shakespeare Aloud!



For information about  Shakesperience!  Workshops,
or to hire Clifford Schwartz, MA, to facilitate 
a daylong Shakesperience!  Workshop
 for 15—20 people on the Shakespeare play 
of your choice,  in your home, workplace,
church, or community center please call  
510-859-4604, or email to: shakesperience@gmail.com.


-----------------------------------------------------------

Clifford Schwartz describes
his facilitation work for  Shakesperience! 

Over time I have developed a special format which allows me to facilitate a day of learning and growing with reading Shakespeare aloud for whoever may participate.   Shakespeare beginners, Shakespeare aficionados, the Shakespeare-curious or the Shakespeare-shy all explore together under my direction.   This workshop blends  just enough of what Shakespeare actors may do in rehearsal with just enough of what a Shakespeare professor may do in an academic setting.
   Unlike passively sitting in a theatre watching a performancewe make Shakespeare jump off the page.  Unlike studying Shakespeare in schoolwe avoid homework, deadlinesESSAYS, exams, and lonely hours of solitary study.   Instead, we finish the day with an entire unabridged Shakespeare play living clearly in our imagination, and we cherish the connections that spring from our teamwork investigation into Shakespeare’s words.
   When you arrive I’ll welcome you with details of my special format. It goes far beyond the “round-robin reading circle” that many of us grew up with.  I will have prepared precise notes for myself on the Shakespeare play chosen, and these notes will enable me to bring out from Shakespeare’s page whatever you will need to savor the afternoon.


   No experience necessary!  Shakesperience!  is an afternoon to be enjoyed by anyone yearning to “play” big, juicy, famous Shakespearean characters and for those who prefer a moderate participation. Each participant will receive a new role assignment at the beginning of each new act, and both small and mid-sized parts will be available.
   Those with all levels of familiarity with Shakespeare are welcome.  Beginners will learn from the more knowledgeable participants. Everyone will have opportunities to rest and just listen. We will pause to discuss Shakespeare’s language as we go along. The pace of the reading will flow successfully throughout the afternoon as we hold a balance between discussion and informed digression.
    “Raise a hand when you don’t get it!” is The Golden Rule!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standard  Shakesperience!  Daylong Format:

1) Weekend, Saturday or Sunday
2) Start: 10 AM, or 11 AM, or 12 noon.
3) Duration:  about 7.5 to 8 hours, including breaks, and facilitated discussions.
4) Participation: 15—20 participants invited by host/hostess.  More than 20 is fine as long as some will be happy to participate by "just listening" and joining the discussions.
5)  Refreshments: The host/hostess may organize participants into a potluck lunch-plus-snacks.  Or, the host/hostess may have the event catered.
6) Which Shakespeare play?  The host/hostess chooses which Shakespeare play for "One Whole Shakespeare Play In One Whole Shakespeare Day."  Each participant must bring a copy of the Shakespeare play, any edition.  (Note: please beware to avoid Shakespeare books which are "translations" into something other than what Shakespeare actually wrote.)
7)  Cost: The host/hostess pays a facilitator's fee beforehand to Clifford Schwartz, MA.  Participants contribute (or "pass-the-hat") to the host/hostess to recoup cost of facilitator's fee paid by host/hostess.   
8)  Fundraising Groups may collect surplus monies beyond facilitator's fee for fundraising beneficiaries.
--------------------------------------------

Make reservations Now!
 Contact us at: shakesperience@gmail.com   Or please leave message at:  510-859-4604
And — please forward this link:
www.CliffholdsPoetryCourt.blogspot.com
to everyone that you believe might enjoy
Shakesperience!



  

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Clifford's Birthday Hamlet on Jan. 25  (2nd Annual Revival from years past!)


Clifford's Birthday Hamlet on Jan. 25  (2nd Annual Revival from years past!) 

You Are Invited to
Clifford's Birthday Hamlet 
(2nd Annual Revival from years past!)   
HISTORY: 
THE YEAR:  1984
THE PERSON:  Clifford Schwartz (born, January 22, 1564)
THE FRIEND:  Victoria “Viki”  Maki (1952—2011)
THE QUESTION:  Viki asked: “Cliff, what do you want for your birthday?”
CLIFF’S ANSWER:  “For my Birthday? . . . I want to play HAMLET!”
THE SOLUTION:  Birthday celebrants gathered to spent the whole day reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet aloud – Clifford got to read the Hamlet character, while everybody else shared off on reading aloud all the other parts.

And Now, for the second consecutive year, 
Clifford’s dear friend Debra Ramsey revives this tradition!

BirthdayHamlet  Date: On SATURDAY January 25, 2014
BirthdayHamlet Location:
At a private home in Martinez, California.
For exact address:   Please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com

ON FACEBOOK?  Please visit: 
 https://www.facebook.com/events/482662775178211/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

What to bring: potluck food and a copy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet (any edition).   Potluck Dietary GuidelinesPlease DO NOT BRING DESSERTS!   (Desserts will be provided by our hostess, Debra).   Please Do Bring Regular food for potluck: entreé dishes; salads; soup or stew; baguette & cheese; cheese & crackers; drinks; et cetera.  

Start Time: 10 AM.

Finish Time: “We go until it’s done!”  That means we finish reading aloud the famous Act Five of Shakespeare’s Hamlet (with appropriate breaks during the afternoon).  
NOTE:  It’s O.K. to drop in for a couple hours during the BirthdayHamlet.  Please rsvp to indicate the hours you plan to attend:  the opening/beginning @ 10 a.m; or the middle hours around  2 p.m;  or after 4 pm.

Potluck Lunch: 12 noon (or after we finish reading aloud Act. 1 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet). 

Children? –  Please contact Clifford Schwartz if you will want to bring anyone under age 16 to  The 2014 Birthday Hamlet.   (Clifford’s email:  shakesperience@gmail.com )  cellphone: 510-306-0206)
-------------         Please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com

Saturday, October 26, 2013

One Whole Shakespeare Play In One Whole Shakespeare Day!



For information about  Shakesperience!  Workshops,
or to hire Clifford Schwartz, MA, to facilitate 
a daylong Shakesperience!  Workshop
 for 15—20 people on the Shakespeare play 
of your choice,  in your home, workplace,
church, or community center please call  
510-859-4604, or email to: shakesperience@gmail.com.


-----------------------------------------------------------

Clifford Schwartz describes
his facilitation work for  Shakesperience! 

Over time I have developed a special format which allows me to facilitate a day of learning and growing with reading Shakespeare aloud for whoever may participate. Shakespeare beginners, Shakespeare aficionados, the Shakespeare-curious or the Shakespeare-shy all explore together under my direction as I blend just enough of what Shakespeare actors may do in rehearsal with just enough of what a Shakespeare professor may do in an academic setting.
   Unlike passively sitting in a theatre watching a performance, we make Shakespeare jump off the page. Unlike studying Shakespeare in school, we avoid homework, deadlines, essays, exams, and lonely hours of solitary study. Instead, we finish the day with an entire unabridged Shakespeare play living clearly in our imagination, and we cherish the connections that spring from our teamwork investigation into Shakespeare’s words.
   When you arrive I’ll welcome you with details of my special format. It goes far beyond the “round-robin reading circle” that many of us grew up with. I will have prepared precise notes for myself on the Shakespeare play chosen, and these notes will enable me to bring out from Shakespeare’s page whatever you will need to savor the afternoon.


   No experience necessary!  Shakesperience!  is an afternoon to be enjoyed by anyone yearning to “play” big, juicy, famous Shakespearean characters and for those who prefer a moderate participation . Each participant will receive a new role assignment at the beginning of each new act, and both small and mid-sized parts will be available.
   Those with all levels of familiarity with Shakespeare are welcome. Beginners will learn from the more knowledgeable participants. Everyone will have opportunities to rest and just listen. We will pause to discuss Shakespeare’s language as we go along. The pace of the reading will flow successfully throughout the afternoon as we hold a balance between discussion and digression.
    “Raise a hand when you don’t get it!” is The Golden Rule!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standard  Shakesperience!  Daylong Format:

1) Weekend, Saturday or Sunday
2) Start: 10 AM, or 11 AM, or 12 noon.
3) Duration:  about 7.5 to 8 hours, including breaks, & facilitated discussions.
4) Participation: 15—20 participants invited by host/hostess.  More than 20 is fine as long as some will be happy to participate by "just listening" and joining the discussions.
5)  Refreshments: The host/hostess may organize participants into a potluck lunch-plus-snacks.  Or, the host/hostess may have the event catered.
6) Which Shakespeare play?  The host/hostess chooses which Shakespeare play for "One Whole Shakespeare Play In One Whole Shakespeare Day."  Each participant must bring a copy of the Shakespeare play, any edition.  (Note: please beware to avoid Shakespeare books which are "translations" into something other than what Shakespeare wrote.)
7)  Cost: The host/hostess pays a facilitator's fee beforehand to Clifford Schwartz, MA.  Participants contribute (or "pass-the-hat") to the host/hostess to recoup cost of facilitator's fee paid by host/hostess.   
8)  Fundraising Groups may collect surplus monies beyond facilitator's fee for fundraising beneficiaries.
--------------------------------------------

Make reservations Now!
 Contact us at: shakesperience@gmail.com   Or 510-859-4604
And — please forward this link:
www.CliffholdsPoetryCourt.blogspot.com
to everyone that you believe might enjoy
Shakesperience!



  

Monday, September 23, 2013

Annual Traditional MacBeth Shakesperience! Workshop Sunday October 27, 3013





Please Join us in Oakland California for —    


MacBeth  by William Shakespeare
 On Sunday October  27, 2013
In Oakland in the zipcode area 94618 —
For exact location, please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com
 or voicemail to:  510-859-4604
11:00 AMPotluck +  Socializing
12 NOONStart  
End timewhen we will finish to the end of  Act 5!
Usually ending @ about 6:30-6:45 p.m.
unless "extra innings" will occur (see below)

Parents: Need Babysitting?
 Please Hire 
Ye Royal Mistress of Babysitting for Shakesperience!  :
Ms. Isabella Miller
[Email: izzymill@gmail.com
Tel: 415-686-3995]
-----------------------------
Join us and bring your friends to
Read Shakespeare Aloud
with Camaraderie and Potluck ! ! !

Clifford Schwartz (MA.) invites you to
a facilitated group-reading workshop:

William Shakespeare’s
"Macbeth"
in Oakland, California on Sunday, October 27, 2013

   No experience is necessary! This is an afternoon to be enjoyed by anyone yearning to “play” big, juicy, famous Shakespearean characters. Each participant will receive a new role assignment at the beginning of each new act, and both small and mid-sized parts will be available.
   Those with all levels of familiarity with Shakespeare are welcome. Beginners will learn from the more knowledgeable participants. Everyone will have opportunities to rest and just listen. We will pause to discuss Shakespeare’s language as we go along. The pace of the reading will flow successfully throughout the afternoon as we hold a balance between discussion and digression.
    “Raise a hand when you don’t get it!” is The Golden Rule!
______________________________

Please call 510-859-4604 to rsvp for Shakesperience!  workshops.

Shakesperience!  MacBeth
WHEN:  on Sunday, October 27, 2013:
WHERE:  In Oakland in the zipcode 94618 Area
For exact location, please RSVP to 
shakesperience@gmail.com or Voicemail to 510-859-4604

*** Directions +  location provided upon confirmed RSVP.

*** Please note: you must RSVP to attend!
RSVP: To Clifford Schwartz at
Voicemail: 510-859-4604.
Please include in your RSVP : Name, phone number, number of people you will bring with you, what potluck dish you will bring (see below). Also, for Carpooling (see below), please indicate your starting point so that you may be put in contact with someone in your area.

WHEN: Sunday, October 27, 2013

Cost: Sliding scale , suggested $15—$50 contribution, plus potluck contribution.
For potluck, please bring substantial “eating-food” , i.e. an entree, soup, salad, nice dessert (pie, cake, homebaked goods etc.). You may choose to bring an appetizer or supplemental taste-sensation such as: Grapes  Cheddar-Cheese  baggette; Wine, crackers  cheese; or, ready-made sushi platter; or box of truffle chocolates, etc.
When you RSVP please tell us what you will bring. 

BRING: Your mind, your money, your adventurous spirit, your potluck dish contribution (see above); and a copy of  
" MacBeth "  by William Shakespeare  (any edition)

SCHEDULE:

11:00 am: Potluck lunch /get to know your fellow participants.
 Consult privately with Clifford Schwartz about any aspect of Shakespeare, and/or the History of Poetry.

12 Noon: Workshop Starts

2:30 PM BREAK -- break time may vary slightly

Workshop Ends: When we finish the Last Act of the play!

 Mostly, ending time occurs around 6:30—6:45 pm.
WARNING: Shakesperience! sometimes goes into extra innings (like baseball!)
That’s because: 1) the texts of Shakespeare’s plays vary in length;
2) Our “Shakespeare Uncut” experience distinguishes Shakesperience! workshops from other Shakespeare-related events;
3) Heightened Camaraderie combined with Tremendous Good Cheer  the propensity for William Shakespeare’s “words, words, words” to Agitate the Intellect, Fertilize the Imagination, Nurture Emotions, and Lift the Spirit ——
may pleasurably prolong your Shakesperience! beyond any hard-and-fast ending hour!
THEREFORE — Please plan accordingly: understand that sometimes evening commitments require that Shakesperience! workshoppers will go home during “extra innings” overtime.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
A personal message from Clifford Schwartz :
Shakesperience! is dedicated to the memory of
 Victoria Maki (1952—2011)
who stimulated the Original MacBeth Reading which took place in October, 1983. One day Victoria telephoned Clifford with an idea:"I want people to read Shakespeare to me all afternoon while I work on my quilting project. Can you help me find people to do this?"
 The friends who showed up for the October 1983 MacBeth reading had so much fun that they unanimously declared, "Let's do it again next month!" That first Shakespeare Reading club went on through 1984, and inspired Clifford to give birth to later versions in 1986, 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2009, and now!
 All this has slowly evolved into Clifford's Lifework:
To organize ordinary people from all walks and stages of human life
to Read Shakespeare Aloud All Day Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ !! IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ:
* These workshops will hold a maximum of 20 participants. To ensure as many people who wish to attend will have that opportunity, we ask that your intention is to honor your RSVP. If you need to cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible so we can add an eager playreader from the waiting list.
* If the workshop is full when you call or email to RSVP, ask us to put you on the waiting list!
* Please keep in mind there will be no kitchen facilities available to prepare, cook or reheat dishes.
* We respectfully ask that you not wear heavy fragrance.
* These workshops are child-friendly. 
Special arrangements can be made for mature children aged 6th grade or older to participate. The child should already have discovered Shakespeare in school or summer camp and loved it! An adult must attend the workshop with the child, and both child and adult must first pass a telephone interview with Clifford Schwartz. For details and to schedule an interview please contact Clifford Schwartz .

Workshop facilitated by Clifford Schwartz, MA
Host: Gail Shafarman

-----------------------------------------------------
Clifford Schwartz describes
his facilitation work for  Shakesperience! 

Over time I have developed a special format which allows me to facilitate a day of learning and growing with reading Shakespeare aloud for whoever may participate. Shakespeare beginners, Shakespeare aficionados, the Shakespeare-curious or the Shakespeare-shy all explore together under my direction as I blend just enough of what Shakespeare actors may do in rehearsal with just enough of what a Shakespeare professor may do in an academic setting.
   Unlike passively sitting in a theatre watching a performance, we ourselves make Shakespeare jump off the page. Unlike studying Shakespeare in school, we avoid homework, deadlines, essays, exams, and lonely hours of solitary study. Instead, we finish the day with an entire unabridged Shakespeare play living clearly in our imagination, and we cherish the connections that spring from our teamwork investigation into Shakespeare’s words.
   When you arrive I’ll welcome you with details of my special format. It goes far beyond the “round-robin reading circle” that many of us grew up with. I will have prepared precise notes for myself on the Shakespeare play chosen, and these notes will enable me to bring out from Shakespeare’s page whatever you will need to savor the afternoon.
   I’m looking forward to meeting you!

-----------------------------------------
The shakesperience! Season for 2013:
___________________________________________________

Sunday OCTOBER 27, 2013
 "MacBeth", 
by William Shakespeare
The Annual Traditional Macbeth Shakesperience! for Halloween!
Location: In Oakland in the zipcode 94618 Area—.  
 For exact location, please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com or Voicemail to 510-859-4604
___________________________________________________

Sunday November 24, 2013 :  
Location: In Oakland in the zipcode 94618 Area—.  
 For exact location, please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com or Voicemail to 510-859-4604
King Richard the Second " 
by William Shakespeare
___________________________________________________

Sunday December 15, 2013 :
Sunday September  22, 2013 : 
Location: In Oakland in the zipcode 94618 Area—.  
 For exact location, please RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com or Voicemail to 510-859-4604
King Henry the Fourth, Part One " 
by William Shakespeare
___________________________________________________

Make reservations Now! Contact us at: shakesperience@gmail.com
And — please forward this link:
www.CliffholdsPoetryCourt.blogspot.com
to everyone that you believe might enjoy
Shakesperience!