Summer Shakespeare Program 2010
The Mind & Faith of William Shakespeare

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The Summer Shakespeare Program is a six-week intensive program focusing on the work of William Shakespeare. The program is an extract of our full curriculum, containing artistic training, academic study through socratic dialogue, and daily prayer.

Students will explore classical sources on comedy and tragedy, plays by Shakespeare, and commentaries that illustrate the Bard's techniques and his faith. Participants will gain a rich appreciation of the classical education and devout faith that inspired and motivated William Shakespeare.

Faith will permeate all aspects of the artistic and academic program, and each student will be encouraged to integrate personal faith with dynamic art and challenging thought. To this end, non-Catholic Christians will feel welcome and supported in their faith. Daily morning and evening prayer along with bi-weekly evenings of prayer and praise will nurture all students, and Catholic students will enter into full expression of their faith in daily Mass and occasion for Reconciliation.

Fine Arts training will integrate with the classical studies, providing a wealth of acting techniques demanded of the Shakespearean actor. The production of the Merchant of Venice will provide a practical means by which students will refine skills of interpretation and performance.

Why Shakespeare?

We chose to focus on Shakespeare's works because his artistic mastery came from his faith and richly developed mind. He understood the natural integration of spirituality, philosophy and art, and in an oppressed society where many of his peers were put to death for expressing truth, Shakespeare witnessed to his faith by means of the intelligent use of his incredible artistic talent. This same "counter-cultural" wisdom is needed today.

Visit our Shakespeare website for a detailed look at the 2010 Summer Program.

Impressions From Our ’09 Students

"It was truly a gift to be in a place that fosters spiritual life, the intellect & drama. The best way to understand it is to experience it."

–Nicholas

"This course has taught me how to look at today’s culture & know what our culture needs are. The college is set in the country where students can experience nature in a peaceful setting. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in the arts and growing deeper in their relationship with Christ!"

–Allie

"Academics and theatrical training were taught with great professionalism. This is a real faith community the world needs and should aspire to."

–Carolyn

"I have learned more about myself in the last 6 weeks than I have in all my life. I am forever changed."

–Kimberly

"It was some of the most fruitful and happy weeks of my life. I would encourage others to try the course and see for themselves."

–Alexa

"There was a great integration of spirituality, serious drama training and intellectual input of high quality."

–Martin

"I admired the kindness of the instructors and their selfless giving of their time to talk and discuss things with us."

–Joseph

"The Summer Program gave me a new way of looking at & analyzing art."

–Thomas

"I really enjoyed working with a smaller group because it was intimate and we grew close together. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in the arts and growing deeper in their relationship with Christ.

–Mark

Instructors

Joseph Woodard, Director of Liberal Arts, will begin with the timeless works of writers such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes—the very sources studied by the young William Shakespeare as he began to understand the roles of comedy and tragedy in profound human expression.

Frank C. Turner, Director of Fine Arts, will give students the skills they need to accurately interpret and express the art of William Shakespeare. Intensive practical study of Movement, Staging, Vocal Production, Characterization and Script Analysis will assist students in bringing to life the characters of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. The troupe will then round out their experience with public performances of the play.

Lady Clare Asquith, Author of Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Politics of William Shakespeare, although unable to join us in person, will connect with us from England through live online lectures to present her extensive research. Her research, combined with the world-renowned works of Father Peter Milward and Joseph Pearce, demonstrates the consistent Catholic message in the rich symbolism of Shakespeare's works.

JP Fournier, Maître d’Armes for the Fight Directors of Canada, will tutor fight training and stage weapon use to give students the experience necessary to perform well in a variety of dramatic works.

Deacon Kenneth Noster, Actor and Director, will assist Frank Turner in actor training and the direction of Merchant of Venice.

Eva Miller, Choreographer and Actor, will direct students in the refinement of their movement skills and stage presence.

Program Details

Application Requirements:

• Age: Adults of any age 18 or over are welcome.
• Essay: Applicants are required to submit an essay discussing through character analysis what they have learned from Shakespeare about human morality and human community. Read the full essay question.
• Auditions: Applicants will be required to perform a 3-minute Shakespearean monologue. You will be required to either perform a live audition or submit a recording on DVD. The office will communicate with you about the preferred method. More information about the Auditions.
• Applications will be received until 17 students are accepted into the program. You will be notified of your status as soon as your full application has been reviewed.

Dates:

July 5, 2010 – August 17, 2010

Accommodations:

• Separate men's and women's dormitories
• Full meals served in the dining hall
• A student lounge for recreational activities
• Laundry facilities

Tuition:

$2,800

Apply Now

Apply online or contact Nicole Dunn for an application package
Call (780) 741-2488 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Read The Current Newsletter Online

The January/March edition of The Current features a summary of the Summer Shakespeare Program 2010 in detail, an article by Lady Clare Asquith on the reasons behind choosing The Merchant of Venice as the play for our 2010 Summer Program, a review of the poignant speech made by Pope Benedict XVI to artists in November, and a few highlights of ways to support Living Water College.

You can find past editions of The Current on our News and Events page.

To contact Living Water College and receive any of the following items:

• College DVD
• Full Program of Studies
• "The Current" Newsletter
• More information about the College

please submit this contact form.