Mondays, MAR 23–APR 27, 2026 | 6:30–8:30pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

In this class, students will dive into the thrilling world of Shakespeare’s fools. From the Feste and Touchstone to the Gravediggers in Hamlet, students will explore these unforgettable characters through lively discussions, creative activities, and a deep dive into their motivations. Working from the perspectives of actors, directors, and scholars, students will analyze what makes these character tick and how they still feel relevant today. By the end, you’ll uncover the secrets behind Shakespeare’s famous clowns and their lasting impact on both the stage and modern storytelling.

Mondays, MAR 23–APR 27, 2026 | 6:30–8:30pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

In this performance-based class, students will dive into the world of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream through engaging theater games, dynamic activities, and hands-on scene work. Participants will explore acting fundamentals, such as objectives, tactics, obstacles, stakes, and given circumstances, while also learning the essentials of approaching Shakespeare’s language with confidence. This class concludes with a brief sharing for family and friends on the final day.

Saturday, MAR 7, 2026 | 1–4pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

In this lively, practical workshop, Simon will share his approach to bringing the words of Shakespeare to life. With an emphasis on playfulness and discovery, everyone – regardless of experience – is welcome. Don’t miss this rare chance to taste Simon’s revelatory approach.

Simon Godwin has served Shakespeare Theatre Company as Artistic Director since 2019. His directing credits at STC include Uncle Vanya, All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain, Comedy of Errors, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Timon of Athens, and the 2024 production of Macbeth with Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, which also played in Liverpool, Edinburgh, and London.

Between 2015 and 2025, Simon was Associate Director of the National Theatre of London. He made his debut there with Strange Interlude, followed by Man and Superman, The Beaux’ Stratagem, Twelfth Night, and a celebrated production of Antony and Cleopatra with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo. In 2020, Simon returned to the National to direct Romeo & Juliet, an original film for television (Sky Arts in U.K./PBS in U.S.) starring Josh O’Connor and Jessie Buckley.

He has directed at the Royal Shakespeare Company, including productions of Timon of Athens with Kathryn Hunter in the titular role, which was reimagined in early 2020 for Theatre for a New Audience in New York City and Shakespeare Theatre Company; Hamlet, which toured to the Kennedy Center, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

In 2019, Simon directed a Japanese cast in Hamlet for Theatre Cocoon in Tokyo. In 2023, he made his opera debut at the Washington National Opera directing Roméo et Juliette by Gounod.

Simon has previously served as Associate Director of the Royal Court Theatre, the Bristol Old Vic, and the Royal and Derngate Theatres in Northampton. In 2012, he was awarded the inaugural Evening Standard/Burberry Award for an Emerging Director. In 2023, Simon became the annual Harman/Eisner Residence Artist at the Aspen Institute.

Saturday, MAR 14, 2026 | 1–4pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

Are you tired of doing the same “overdone” monologues for auditions? Verse Unbound helps you create a new piece out of Shakespeare’s classic texts. After you’ve built your new piece, you’ll have a chance to work on your new text for your next audition.

Renea S. Brown is a 2-time Helen Hayes Award winning actor in DC. She has performed at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford’s Theatre, Round House Theatre, Folger Theatre, Arena Stage, Theatre Alliance, and more. She studied at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting where she graduated with an MFA in 2019. Renea has also taught Acting and Shakespeare studies to all ages, including freshmen and seniors at American University. You can see Renea next in Round House Theatre’s upcoming production of Sally and Tom.

Saturday, MAR 21, 2026 | 12:30–3:30pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

This workshop will focus on performing Shakespeare using contemporary performance techniques. It will help actors connect personally with characters by grounding them in contemporary scenarios, emphasizing the importance of “playing in” rather than “playing at” characters. Using a mix of monologues and scenes, participants will dig deep into the characters and the text, using a modern perspective.

Craig Wallace has appeared in multiple productions in The Washington, D.C. area including Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Everyman Theatre, Studio Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Round House Theatre, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre. His regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Hangar Theatre, among others. Craig holds a BFA from Howard University; an MFA from Pennsylvania State University; and he’s studied at the Royal National Theatre in London.

Saturday, APR 11, 2026 | 1–4pm | STC’s Rehearsal Studios, 516 8th St. SE

Acting the Song is an interactive workshop that bridges the worlds of acting and singing to unlock deeper, more truthful performances. Open to performers of all experience levels, it is especially beneficial for singers and musical theatre artists seeking to strengthen storytelling through song. Using acting-based techniques and text analysis, participants will learn to treat songs as fully realized scenes, bringing greater clarity, intention, and emotional connection to their work.

BROADWAY: Rent (Joanne/Ensemble Soloist). NATIONAL TOUR: Dreamgirls (Effie White), Ain’t Misbehavin’. OFF-BROADWAY: Lynn Redgrave Theater: The View UpStairs. REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: The Color Purple Musical (Sofia) Hartford Stage Company: Sing Mahalia Sing!; Pittsburgh CLO: Dreamgirls (Effie White). Pittsburgh CLO: Once On This Island (Asaka) INTERNATIONAL: Haller Globe Theatre, Germany: Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors. EDUCATION: Howard University.

Teaching Credits: Artist in Residence NYU. Professor Howard University.

Yes. Our classes are held at 516 8^th Street SE, which is about 2 blocks away from the Eastern Market Metro Station, accessible via the orange, blue, and silver lines. There are also several bus routes that run through the neighborhood. For more information, visit the trip planner on the Metro website or call 202.637.7000.

Limited permit and two-hour metered parking is available. However, Eastern Market is a busy neighborhood and we recommend using public transportation. If you need to drive, please allow ample time for parking, as finding a legal spot for the duration of class is often difficult. We also recommend you download the ParkMobile App to pay metered parking from your smartphone.