Reignite your passion for teaching Shakespeare.

Join us for a weekend at the Blackfriars Playhouse, where you will rediscover the joy and accessibility of teaching Shakespeare. Led by our Shakespeare and Performance experts, these hands-on seminars will reignite your passion for Shakespeare’s words, characters, and themes. Our practical approach will send you back to the classroom equipped to make Shakespeare’s 16th-century lessons engaging for your 21st-century students.

Upcoming Seminars:

Saturday, March 22 – Teaching King Lear

The Foundational Seminar and Certification

The ASC Approach to page and stage features experiential workshops that immerse teachers in ASC’s interactive approach to teaching Shakespeare. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions focused on text, staging, and audience dynamics, with dedicated time for meta-teaching reflection and collaboration with peers.

Seminars also frequently include enrichment opportunities with guest artists and scholars, providing fresh perspectives and practical tools to make Shakespeare inspiring and accessible for teachers and students at all levels. 

Price:

• $325 (includes the cost of a ticket to the Saturday evening show at the Blackfriars)
• 20% discount for self-funding teachers or cohort of 3+ from the same school site – email education@americanshakespearecenter.com to inquire 

Duration:

• Total Hours: 8-9 hours
• Course Length: Full-Day Seminar

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

• Friday Session (2 hours):
  • Orientation and Playhouse Tour (Shakespeare’s Staging Conditions) (1 hour)
  • Pre-show lecture with guest scholar (1 hour)
• Saturday Morning Session (3.5 hours):
  • Module 1: Introduction to the play (0.5 hours)
  • Module 2: Introduction to Meter and Rhetoric (3 hours)
• Saturday Afternoon Session (3 hours):
  • Module 3: Stage Directions (1 hour)
  • Module 4: Audience as a Scene Partner (1.5 hours)
  • Collaboration, debrief, and takeaways (0.5 hours)
• Saturday Evening: attend a performance at the Blackfriars Playhouse

Course Delivery:

• Delivered as a (mostly) one-day seminar in person at ASC (online options coming soon!).
• Materials Provided: Participants receive a digital study guide, lesson plans of all activities covered during the seminar, and access to supplemental online resources for post-workshop practice.

Outcomes:

• Understand the fundamental principles of ASC’s approach to page and stage.
• Gain practical techniques to immediately apply in the classroom, such as interpreting meter, rhetoric, and audience interaction.
• Official Foundational Certification in the ASC Approach upon completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the seminar fee?

• The American Shakespeare Center Foundational Teacher Seminar base rate is $325.

Are discounts available?

Discount Teacher Seminar Rates are available for:

• Teachers who are self-funding or splitting their tab with their school can receive a 25% discount.
• English-Speaking Union coaches can receive a 25% discount.
• Groups of teachers from a single school or district.

For more details or to register at the reduced rate, contact Aubrey Whitlock at education@americanshakespearecenter.com or by phone at 540-885-5588 ext. 111

What is included in the seminar fee?

The seminar fee includes

• all workshops
• a copy of an ASC Study Guide
• supplementary materials
• tickets to two performances.
• Please note that to guarantee your materials and your seats at ASC shows, you must register a minimum of 7 days before the seminar.

Where Should I Stay While Attending the Teacher Seminar in Staunton?

Staunton offers a variety of lodging options, many within walking distance of the Blackfriars Playhouse. For your convenience, we’ve partnered with local hotels to offer exclusive discounts for our guests:

• Frederick House – A charming boutique hotel right downtown.
• Hotel 24 South – Mention the ASC discount or use promo code ASC4ME when booking.
• Blackburn Inn and Conference Center – Save 15% with promo code ASC22.

Learn more about these options and plan your stay by visiting our Make It a Weekend page.

Who should I contact for more information?

• For more information, contact Aubrey Whitlock at education@americanshakespearecenter.com or by phone at 540-885-5588 ext. 111