Ron Song Destro and Michael York offer a student workshop (above).
To the right, Destro with Royal Shakespeare Company actor Roger Rees.
WORKSHOPS
Periodically, the OSC offers training workshops which lead to productions of a Shakespeare play. Each 10-week Workshop offers 6 weeks of training in Shakespeare voice, movement, improv and text work, followed by 4 weeks of rehearsals for a play chosen specifically for the group. They are taught and directed by OSC founder and Kennedy Center award-winner Ron Song Destro, using techniques he has developed from his work and training with artists from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and from his mentors John Houseman, John Barton and Kristin Linklater.
New workshops will be posted here as available.
DRAMA STUDENTS LONDON YEAR ABROAD
RADA * SHSU
The OSC is currently planning a year-abroad London training program open to students at all American universities, allowing them to study acting and Shakespeare with faculty of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Enrollment will be made through Sam Houston State University in Texas. Please check back as further details are posted.
ACTOR COMMENTS from previous workshop productions:
“I have been spoiled in my first Shakespeare performance by having a director that knows as much as Ron does about Shakespeare. I could not have imagined having a director as intelligent on the subject as him.” – Garrett G.
“The Ultimate Shakespeare Experience. To be very honest I never thought that I would ever do a Shakespeare play. I told myself it was an art form that was out of my reach and why bother with it? If it had not been for Ron Song Destro and his brilliant yet down-to-earth guidance, I could have died not knowing what a true treasure Shakespeare is. We reached a level of total trust in each other as actors and felt safe to include the audience in our story because we were so secure in our process that Ron led us through. I can’t explain the feeling of accomplishment I have after this experience! I feel as though I have been led through an extensive workshop of Shakespeare. Never once did I feel I was at rehearsal. I felt like I was piecing together a puzzle that made me need to come back the next day and learn more. I am scared that my first Shakespeare play was with Ron because I’m sure I have been spoiled with his knowledge and will never have the same experience with someone else. I really wish I could go into great detail as to why this was so wonderful, but I think for now I’m still processing it. I might even need to work on Shakespeare with Ron a few more times before I can pinpoint why it was a success and why it was so wonderful. I can say that I feel rewarded for doing this and everyone needs to experience a Shakespearean process with Ron. There is no other Shakespearean tour guide but Ron and the experience I had is one I will remember for the rest of my life!” – Aaron T.
“I enjoy Ron’s directing style. Having worked with him on two plays, I think Ron allows the actor freedom to explore while gently guiding them on their journey in the play. He works with the actor to bring the characters to life and accepts the actors’ suggestions. Though he comes into the process with a strong vision for the production, he does not force his vision on the actors. There is a mutual acceptance of a working vision... I freely praise Ron’s direction of the show... I really appreciate Ron’s vision and direction.” – Jared P.
“It has been an absolute honor to work with such an amazing director, who has the talent to bring out the best in people. I really hope I can work with him again in the future.” – Monica B.
“This director truly has a gift with Shakespeare.” – Angela B.
"The workshop was fabulous. It was, of course, a very good learning experience and I admired the direction." - Tucker C.
"People are often intimidated by Shakespeare. I think of the plays as living treasure chests with many hidden gems in the text. For me, your classes helped to not only unlock the treasure chest, but helped me to recognize the gems within! Your classes were like a road map for the lost traveler. Your passion and dedication were an inspiration, and I will always be grateful." - Sharon C.
"Ron's workshop gave me a greater and deeper understanding of Shakespeare. The information and experience gleaned from this workshop can only serve to make me a better actor." - Ben M.
"This workshop shed a totally new light on my understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare's works. It was a very challenging and rewarding experience." - Monica M.
"Ron is a caring and generous instructor/director who gets good work from all skill levels of actors on a project." - Martha Jo P.
"Ron has a way of making Shakespeare come alive. His method of direction allows an actor to find just the right tone/method/feeling that makes the part feel 'real' and not a rendition of a 'masterpiece.'" - Eric R.
A Review of Twelfth Night
“Ron Destro’s recent Twelfth Night ...is probably the best stage production (of any show) that I have seen in 22 years... I have often contemplated leaving the theater behind due to constant disappointment, but Destro's Twelfth Night (my least favorite Shakespeare comedy) has illuminated a new breath inside me. I am motivated in knowing that there actually is good theater in this world and I cannot wait to work again. - Anonymous
Twelfth Night photos courtesy of Monica Brown.
"It was a totally enjoyable and valuable experience."
- Linda M.
"I am so pleased that Ron Destro is holding another workshop and that other actors will be able to share in and experience his vast knowledge and passion for Shakespeare. Ron's teaching is one-of-a-kind and not to be missed." - Laura P.
"I recommend the workshop and would take it again, I enjoyed it so much." - Linda S.
“It never ceases to amaze me at how much I can take away from an experience like the one we had with our production of Twelfth Night. I must say that our production amazed me beyond all belief and expectation. I’ve never had the pleasure of working with a more invested director. The things that I learned through this production were invaluable. The direction was impeccable and best of all understandable.” - Collette C.
