BISP students recently had the exciting opportunity to take part in the first of three workshops led by top professionals from from Catalyst Entertainment https://www.facebook.com/catalystentertainments and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In the opening session, pupils explored meter and iambic pentameter through extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, developing their vocal delivery, rhythm and translation skills to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language. In the second session, students focused on finding their voices through a dynamic blend of song and movement, discovering new ways to express themselves creatively.

It has been an exhilarating journey, I’ve learned to step into different characters, collaborate closely with peers to bring stories on stage and techniques for future lessons in school.

On day two, they enriched their song from the previous day by adding movement and performing as a round, weaving sound and action together with greater detail and complexity. Students also delved further into A Midsummer Night’s Dream, taking on specific roles and collaborating to refine and develop their delivery of the text.

It was an interesting and fun experience. The singing and motion was exciting and the lines were intriguing.

On the final day, participants brought together everything from the previous sessions — song, movement and drama — into one seamless performance that showcased their growing confidence and creativity.

It was super fun. I enjoyed having to be able to meet the professionals and learn from them.

A heartfelt thank you to our workshop facilitators:

Siân Williams (Movement & Embodied Text)
BAFTA and Tony award-winning director whose work has been seen at the RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe and on Broadway. Siân is internationally renowned for her expertise in physical storytelling and devised movement.

James Oxley (Voice & Musicality)
Renowned tenor and vocal coach, with credits at Shakespeare’s Globe, NYU Tisch and the RSC. His work combines classical technique with contemporary practice, focusing on breath, resonance and the musicality of language.

Reuben Grove (Text, Space & Direction)
Shakespeare specialist and director with extensive West End and Broadway experience. His work emphasises ensemble dynamics, verse technique and unlocking contemporary urgency in classical texts.

Dr Paul Ewing
Former RSC actor, musician and BBC (CBeebies) television presenter whose diverse career bridges stage and screen. Paul supports and enriches the ensemble’s work, bringing additional depth to the learning experience

It was the best experience ever!