03/17/2026
We’ve mentioned before that our process will focus on exploration and curiosity more than polish and performance. In fact, we’ve adjusted our marketing copy multiple times to avoid calling this a production.
The idea for this project emerged from a “quick raise” workshop Sarah took at the beginning of January, led by a number of artists who have all been exploring various ways of getting a Shakespeare production on its feet in mere days. Hilary is no stranger to this approach – it’s efficient with resources, it’s easier to get a group together, it has an innate spontaneity that many of us actors are constantly seeking, and it may well offer an echo of Elizabethan theatrical practice. And the tools, tricks, and techniques utilizered a profoundly resonant with projects on any timeline.
Another resource-efficient, fairly easy theatrical form is the good ol’ staged reading. You might know how staged readings usually go: music stands, unwieldy plastic binders containing the script, both covering up most of the actor’s body and face. They tend towards the unprepared side of spontaneity, rather than an innate vitality. They are rarely compelling.
But what if they could be?
What would happen if we bring a little more embodiment, intention, and ensemble to this lightweight theatrical structure? We have a theory that these quick raise tools might help a staged reading transcend its own form and become something far more interesting, and far more human.
The week of our project, we’ll have two read-throughs of the script, just to get the text and each others’ voices into our heads. Then, we’ll spend all Saturday in the studio, playing with movement and language, finding some rough structure to help you follow this story, and quickly raising our sense of ensemble. Our hope is that by the time we open the doors that evening, we’ll be ready to invite you into a newly (and quickly) woven web of interconnectivity, curiosity, and exploration.
At most, we’ll learn something new about what it means to be human. At medium, we’ll learn something new about making theatre. At least, we’ll spend some time with beautiful people and beautiful text.
Tickets available now.
https://www.cadentshakespeare.co/event-details/king-lear
