Speaking the Speech
Speaking the Speech is a series of free workshops designed to support young people who are applying to drama school in 2026. Led by highly experienced practitioners, participants will be encouraged to approach Shakespeare’s language with confidence, curiosity and joy.
Performing a classical speech is a mandatory component of most drama school auditions and can often be one of the most daunting challenges for aspiring actors. At Shakespeare’s Globe, we believe that Shakespeare’s work should feel accessible, playful and alive for everyone.
This programme aims to support individuals who have historically lacked access to, or felt excluded from, classical theatre training. No previous experience is required, just a desire to take part and learn more.
We are delighted to be able to offer four free workshops for young people, supported by The Noel Coward Foundation, in memory of Barry Day.
Tickets are allocated based on set criteria (see details below on how to apply). This workshop is designed for young people aged 17–23 attending independently.
DETAILS
TICKETS
Free – allocated based on set criteria (see application details below)
These workshops will be held on-site at Shakespeare’s Globe
Running time 9.00am – 7.00pm
Dates (successful applicants will attend one workshop)
Sunday 15 February
Sunday 1 March
Sunday 15 March
Sunday 29 March
Capacity 14 people per session
Terms and conditions
Applicants under 18 must have consent to attend.
This event is part of The Studio
Who can apply?
To ensure that the workshops are available to the individual young people we are prioritising, you must:
- Be aged 17-23
- Have no previous experience of Higher Education
- Live in a London borough
- Have attended a state school or college for the entirety of their education
- Have a combined household income under £43,000
- Be applying to drama school for September 2026 entry
You should also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be in receipt of Free School Meals or a 16-19 Bursary
- Live in a household which receives means tested benefits
- Are Global Majority
- Have experience of the UK care system or be a Care Leaver or be estranged from your parents
- Be a young carer or have significant caring responsibilities
- Have a declared disability
What's involved?
Each workshop will be a full day, including:
- A tour of the Globe theatre
- Demystifying Shakespeare: Gain practical tools for understanding and playing classical text with truth and clarity
- Preparing the speech: Explore how to choose, prepare and rehearse a classical monologue which works for you
- Globe Performance Practice and Audition Technique (3 hours 30 mins): Experience on stage how the Globe’s space shapes our approach to acting and storytelling and how this helps you in drama school audition settings
You will gain:
- Practical skills for successful auditions at drama schools
- A lasting toolkit for working with classical text
- Increased confidence, self-expression and creative autonomy
- A deeper connection to Shakespeare’s language and its contemporary relevance
- Techniques for unlocking meaning, rhythm and imagery in Shakespeare’s language
- The ability to use your breath, voice and physicality to communicate truthfully through heightened text
- The chance to develop your own creative voice
Thank you
This programme is supported by The Noel Coward Foundation, in memory of Barry Day.
Dates & Tickets
Speaking the Speech
Please submit a form by clicking ‘Apply Now’ or selecting a date below. Applicants must be available to attend a workshop on one of the dates listed (please select all dates you are available in your application form).