Education
CPD Courses
for teaching and directing playtexts using the Gonsalves Method
Aileen Gonsalves, working with co-writer of Shakespeare and Meisner (Bloomsbury Publishing/Arden) and Shakespeare-leading expert Dr Tracy Irish (Teaching and Learning Shakespeare through Theatre-based Practice, Bloomsbury Publishing), are offering comprehensive, experiential and practical courses for teachers. They lead sessions online, or can work with you in your school or college. Register your interest or contact us with any queries below.
3 courses to increase connection and engagement
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Improving oracy through collaborative creativity
GROUP | LIVE & ONLINE
Gain pedagogical skills in building a classroom ensemble that increases authentic, productive connection between the students and with you. Learn games and exercises to improve skills of oracy and expression. Improve confidence in understanding and ownership of classic texts including Shakespeare.
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Text analysis and putting language into action
GROUP | LIVE & ONLINE
Gain a step-by-step process to analysing any text that helps students make their own discoveries and be able to articulate them clearly. Increase engagement through creating authentic real-world connections. Develop a shared vocabulary leading to confident understanding of language and how it works.
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Shakespeare and Gonsalves Method
GROUP | LIVE & ONLINE
Gain confidence in grappling with imaginative script analysis that is fun, rigorous and effective. Examine character motivations with the Gonsalves signature Five Conditions. Connect students’ emotions and experiences directly to the character’s point of view for authentic performances.
Shakespeare and Meisner
This practical handbook is invaluable for anyone performing, teaching, studying or simply wanting a new way to enjoy Shakespeare. It provides an outline of Meisner’s work and legacy, a discussion of that legacy in the light of the enduring global popularity of Shakespeare, and a wealth of practical exercises drawn from Meisner’s techniques. This book explores how actors and students can use Meisner’s tools of ‘acting is reacting’ to discover the infinite freedom within the apparent constraints of Shakespeare's text.
RESOURCE MATERIALS
Aileen Gonsalves and Dr Tracy Irish created a resource for A New Direction for Persistence Focus with History Key Stage 2-3
Aileen Gonsalves took part in A New Direction's Critical Curriculum Podcast, hosted by Naranee Ruthra-Rajan and Andria Zafirakou
Butterfly Theatre’s Immersive production of Macbeth in Kents Cavern with four Devon primary schools.
Globe 4 Globe: Shakespeare and Climate Emergency Symposium Aileen Gonsalves and Dr Tracy Irish speak about Butterfly Theatre, Shakespeare, Climate, and Caves
HEAR FROM EDUCATORS WE’VE WORKED WITH
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In education settings Aileen captivates children, young people and teachers with her practice which takes participants on a theatre making journey that ultimately helps them know themselves and each other more deeply. Aileen has a unique ability to develop truthful connection between the groups she works with.
Jacqui O'Hanlon | Director of Education, Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
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Aileen Gonsalves is a mainstay of HM’s faculty CPD for teachers of students aged 3 to 18. She is masterful at translating rehearsal room techniques into engaging classroom exercises, and her work with teachers to create new curricula and site-specific projects has transformed our program.
Adam Cadsin | Former Chair at Horace Mann NY Upper Division English
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Aileen Gonsalves’ approach is pioneering, exhilarating and inspiring. Whether it’s working with seasoned performers, students, or film and stage directors, her method changes perspectives not just on the theatre and the actor’s craft but on how we encounter each other and the world around us. To experience Aileen’s method is to be given tools for life! It’s no exaggeration to say that she is one of the foremost performing arts innovators of our age.
Dr Chris Laoutaris | Lecturer at the Shakespeare Institute, and author
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Insightful, generous and provoking. Aileen’s way of working manages to be both life affirmingly inspiring and down to earth practical. Rigorous and intensive theatre-making with a big smile.
Ian Wainwright | Project Producer, Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
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I have found the Gonsalves Method deeply transformative. It enables actors, students and audiences to connect in new and powerful ways – not only with the action in hand, but with each other and their true selves.
Nicholas Humphrey | Artistic Director of the Drama Department, University of Education Heidelberg, Germany
Meet your Coach
Aileen’s extensive career as a working creative artist and across educational institutions have given her a fresh insight into teaching using drama based approaches. She has worked consistently at various institutions including the RSC as an Educational Associate International Practitioner for over 25 years. She is also a Barbican Creative Curriculum Practitioner as well as in her past roles as Director of MA and BA Acting courses at London’s leading drama schools, ArtsEd and Drama Studio London. She also works internationally as an ISTA Artist, and at Horace Mann school in New York. Her book ‘Shakespeare and Meisner’ for Bloomsbury and Arden, co-written with Dr Tracy Irish, is aimed at helping teachers in the teaching of Shakespeare.
What is the
Gonsalves
Method?
A simple, methodical step-by-step approach that hones intention and trains attention. It helps you prepare effectively to be present and guarantees increased authentic connection between you and your audience every time.
Aileen Gonsalves talks about truthful performances, authentic and connected, for the audience to feel something real.