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Workshops

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Hone your skills or learn something new!

We offer workshops in acting, directing, improv and other stagecraft throughout the year.
Note: If registering through PayPal isn't your thing, you can always pay at the first class. However, you do need to contact us to sign up in advance, so we can manage the numbers. Thanks!

Words, Words, Words: A Workshop in Understanding and Performing Shakespeare
with Bill Peters

October 19 through December 7, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Paul Robinson, an English director recently said, “English is the only language that you can’t translate Shakespeare into.” Many actors and directors come to rely on substituting subtext for Shakespeare’s actual language as they work through the plays in rehearsal. The result of which is the creation of vague, watered-down performances that are confusing to audiences.

 

This workshop is designed to help actors and directors master the intricacies of Shakespearian text. It is designed to serve actors and directors who have experience performing Shakespeare, as well as those who don’t. Over the course of 8 sessions, we will explore the nature of Shakespeare’s theatrical imagination, and the linguistic tools he used to create his themes, plots and characters. The work will consist of studying and performing various monologues and scenes from his collected works. This workshop will also serve to enhance the participants' responses to other styles of playwriting.

 

Maximum of 16 participants. Price is $160 for the 8-week workshop.

People who are Shakespeare-phobic are particularly welcome. 

Email sccactorstheatre@gmail.com use the PayPal button below to sign up.

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Pre-pay to ensure your spot!

Bill Peters is a professor emeritus at San Francisco State University where he taught playwriting, acting, directing and Shakespeare performance for many years.

headshot of Bill Peters

His directing credits include projects at the Manhattan Theatre Club, The Denver Center, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Jewel Theater in Santa Cruz, and the Magic Theatre in San Francisco. He has directed many times for Actors' Theatre's 8 Tens @ 8 Festival.

"What a privilege to be able to take a six-week directing class with Bill Peters. It was utterly fascinating to watch Bill dissect a performance, pulling it apart, thread by thread, to show how there is no right or wrong way to say something, only a way unique to that director.  
A memorable six weeks."

--Sally Bookman

Directing for Actors workshop

Coming next spring...

The Actor's Toolbox Two: Scene Study
with
Robin Aronson & Suzanne Schrag

Bill Peters is a professor emeritus at San Francisco State University where he taught playwriting, acting, directing and Shakespeare performance for many years.

Headshot of theater teacher and director Bill Peters

​His directing credits include projects at the Manhattan Theatre Club, The Denver Center, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Jewel Theater in Santa Cruz, and the Magic Theatre in San Francisco. He has directed many times for Actors' Theatre's 8 Tens @ 8 Festival.

© 2026 by Santa Cruz County Actors' Theatre  • 1001 Center Street • Santa Cruz, CA 95060   
831-431-8666

Mailing address: PO Box 7084, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

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