"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." - B. M.

A workshop with RSC star
Roger Rees


"Ron is a caring and generous instructor/director who gets good work from all skill levels of actors on a project." - M. 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.'"
- E. R.

 
ACTOR COMMENTS

from previous workshop productions:


“This director truly has a gift with Shakespeare.”

– A. B.


“It has been an absolute honor to work with such an amazing director, who has

Destro directs Twelfth Night

the talent to bring out the best in people. I really hope I can work with him again in the future.” – M. B.


"I recommend the workshop and would take it again, I enjoyed it so much." - L. S.


"This workshop shed a totally new light on my understanding and interpretation of  Shakespeare's works.  It was a very challenging and rewarding experience." - M. M.


“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.”  - C. C.

 
“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.” – G. G.


Destro with Michael York offering a student workshop

“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... I can’t explain the feeling of accomplishment I have after this experience!  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 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!” – A. T.
 
"It was a totally enjoyable and valuable experience."  - L. 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

A workshop with Destro and Sir Derek Jacobi
at RADA in London

be missed."   - L. P.


“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... There is a mutual acceptance of a working vision... I freely praise Ron’s direction... I really appreciate Ron’s vision.” – J. P.


"The workshop was fabulous.  It was, of course, a very good learning experience and I admired the direction." - T. 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, these

A class with RSC founder
John Barton

classes helped to not only unlock the treasure chest, but helped me to recognize the gems within!  The classes were like a road map for the lost traveler.  Ron’s passion and dedication were an inspiration, and I will always be grateful." - S. C.
 

REVIEWS of Destro’s productions:


“Ron Destro’s recent Twelfth Night ...is probably the best stage production (of any show) that I have seen in 22 years... 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.” - online review, The Shakespeare Fellowship


On Hamlet: “This was one of the most original renditions of Hamlet I have ever seen.”  - E. G.


“I’ve seen a lot of Hamlets, but this one was the most fun I’ve ever had!”  - J. F.


On Macbeth: “It was obvious that Mr. Destro has an ever ready passion he conveys to his actors, as indicated by their performances... The play was presented in its entirety.  Bravo!  The set was simple, yet very effective.  Bravo again!... A very noble, valiant and honest production.” - QC Manning, Theatre Inform Magazine


On Oedipus: “Ron Song Destro’s production of Oedipus was a very dark and gloomy interpretation of a timeless story.  His directing choices were clear and very appealing and entertaining.  It was a true joy to watch... the production as a whole was a work of art.”

- A.G.


On Hiroshima:


“Wonderful!  A visual masterpiece!”  - NYC Buzz


“An effectively stark tribute to Hiroshima’s victims.” - The New York Times


REVIEWS of Destro’s one-man presentation on the life of
Shake-speare:


“Shattering!”

“Very inspiring.”

“A masterful lecture!”

“A great lecture! Loved it.”

“A very compelling argument.”

“Clear, thorough and unbiased.”

“Very thoughtful, very persuasive.”

“You ENTIRELY convinced me!”

“Mr. Destro is a very engaging speaker.  His 

   detective work is exciting and convincing. “

“Thanks for getting us thinking in new ways.”