The Working Actor's Journey

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Going beyond Polonius as a "bumbling old man" to explore his status, motives and journey

➤ Examining Ophelia's fear and loyalty as she describes Hamlet's strange visit

➤ Unpacking the court's competing explanations for Hamlet's transformation

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Sara Giacomini

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far!

https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

From 2019, here's my interview with actor Richard Riehle (pronounced Really!), who took his final curtain call on October 15, 2026 at age 78. Richard had a 50+ year career with 400+ onscreen credits (plus decades of theatre). We discuss being open to possibilities, how he does the audition and then walks away, exciting projects that don't work out, a speech from Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, and much more. It's very likely you saw Richard in a movie or show (or two or three) - he was a prolific actor. Hope you enjoy the conversations - it's a great chat!

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ A deep dive into Hamlet's first act and the pivotal scenes we've revisited

➤ Exploring the ghost's complex role with regard to Hamlet's journey

➤ Feedback and reflections from the cast on their performances

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Tom Farber

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far!

https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

From 2019, here's my interview with theatre manager, philanthropist, consultant, director and actor Alan Mandell, who took his final curtain call on October 13, 2026 at age 98. We discuss radio drama and theatre in Toronto, being part of The Actor's Workshop through volunteer office work, collaborating with Samuel Beckett on the San Quentin production of Waiting for Godot, what success means to him, and much more. I was honored Alan appeared on the podcast and humbled that he took part in the livestreams I produced.

Here's the full New York Times obituary for Alan (free version here), which just happens to use multiple quotes from our chat - unbelievable!

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Piecing together all the previous insights

➤ The evolving relationships between characters

➤ The significance of the ghost's appearance and its implications

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Ava Burton

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far!

https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session (the 12th and final one on just this scene!), highlights include:

➤ Hamlet's introspection following the Player's performance

➤ The themes of conscience and motivation in Hamlet's journey

➤ An exploration of acting and its emotional depth

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Adriana Roze

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Hamlet's interactions with Polonius and the Players

➤ The importance of the Players in Elsinore

➤ Exploring the themes of performance and authenticity

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Ben Farrow

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Hamlet's reflections on the Players and their significance

➤ The themes of memory and performance in the context of revenge

➤ Hecuba's mourning and its impact on Hamlet's journey

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Sara Giacomini

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ The Players and their significance in Hamlet's journey

➤ Hamlet's relationships with Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Polonius

➤ Analyzing the themes of deception, truth, and the art of acting

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Terry Kerr

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Exploring Hamlet's interactions with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

➤ The significance of the Players and their arrival at Elsinore

➤ Analyzing Hamlet's reflections on identity and humanity

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Sharon McCune

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! ***

🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ The complex friendship between Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern

➤ Analyzing the role of the players and their impact on Hamlet's emotional journey

➤ Exploring Hamlet's struggle with his identity and the nature of humanity

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Michele Schultz

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Delving into friendship and deception with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

➤ Exploring the themes of ambition as Hamlet questions others' motives

➤ Analyzing the implications of truth and lies in the court of Elsinore

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Sarah Mabes

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Delving into Hamlet's encounters with Polonius and the layers of madness

➤ Exploring the dynamic relationship between Hamlet, Ophelia, and their families

➤ Analyzing the implications of deception and truth in the interactions between characters

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Adriana Roze

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Diving deeper into Polonius as he navigates the complexities of Hamlet's madness

➤ The dynamics between Gertrude, Claudius, and Polonius as they discuss Hamlet

➤ Unpacking the implications of love, obedience, and parental control in the relationships

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Jessica Gibbons

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Diving into Polonius' character as he navigates his role in the royal court

➤ Exploring the dynamics between Hamlet, Ophelia, and their families

➤ Analyzing the implications of madness and love in the play

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Ben Farrow

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson

AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Analyzing Polonius' instructions for spying on Laertes

➤ Ophelia's alarming encounter that leaves her frightened and confused

➤ Claudius' maneuvering about the threat posed by Fortinbras

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Nick Bettens

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Terry Kerr, Steven Helmeke and Sharon McCune

AUDIENCE: Sandy Robbins, Sandy Ernst, Laurie Strother, Doug Strother, Charles Stransky, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Rebecca Oettinger, Alexandra Mitchell, Roseann Sheridan, Val Lantz-Gefroh, Chris Chinn, Robert Duerr, Celine Noguiera, Adriana Roze, Ben Farrow, Jessica Gibbons, Aaron Mendelson and Sara Giacomini.

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 1: Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to question Laertes's acquaintances. Ophelia enters, deeply disturbed about a visit she has just had from an apparently mad Hamlet.

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The links above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Meeting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's friends with a secret mission

➤ Exploring Polonius' reaction to the description of Hamlet's strange behavior

➤ Analyzing Claudius' and Gertrude's responses to Hamlet's madness

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

📷 cover photo: Elizabeth Swain

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Terry Kerr, Steven Helmeke and Sharon McCune

AUDIENCE: Sandy Robbins, Sandy Ernst, Laurie Strother, Doug Strother, Charles Stransky, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Rebecca Oettinger, Alexandra Mitchell, Roseann Sheridan, Val Lantz-Gefroh, Chris Chinn, Robert Duerr, Celine Noguiera, Adriana Roze, Ben Farrow, Jessica Gibbons, Aaron Mendelson and Sara Giacomini.

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 1: Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to question Laertes's acquaintances. Ophelia enters, deeply disturbed about a visit she has just had from an apparently mad Hamlet.

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The links above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

From 2018, here's my interview with the incomparable Peter Van Norden, who took his final curtain call on July 8, 2026 at age 75. We discuss how musicals shaped his life, training at the Neighborhood Playhouse with Sanford Meisner, learning from Meryl Streep, and much more. I'm grateful to have worked with and learned from Peter as a young actor - he clearly loved what he did and was so generous to fellow actors. He is missed by many!

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.

---

🏁 In this session, highlights include:

➤ Diving deeper into the relationships introduced in Act 1

➤ Exploring Polonius' nature as he instructs Reynaldo to spy on Laertes

➤ Ophelia's emotional turmoil as she describes her encounter with Hamlet

cover photo: Sharon McCune

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Terry Kerr, Steven Helmeke and Sharon McCune

AUDIENCE: Sandy Robbins, Sandy Ernst, Laurie Strother, Doug Strother, Charles Stransky, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Rebecca Oettinger, Alexandra Mitchell, Roseann Sheridan, Val Lantz-Gefroh, Chris Chinn, Robert Duerr, Celine Noguiera, Adriana Roze, Ben Farrow, Jessica Gibbons, Aaron Mendelson and Sara Giacomini.

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 1: Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to question Laertes's acquaintances. Ophelia enters, deeply disturbed about a visit she has just had from an apparently mad Hamlet.

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The links above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room as we kick off Act 2 of our HAMLET Project in SEASON 10 🙌, where we explore one scene (or section) of Shakespeare's Hamlet - one month at a time.

New sessions are still being produced; we recently crossed one year working on this play and are about to begin Act 4. Yes, a LOT happens in Acts 2 and 3. 😉

For this month, we'll look at Act 2, Sc 1, and then Act 2, Sc 2 (descriptions below) - and scene 2 has so much going on, we spent multiple months on it, hence the "part a".

---

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ The transition into Act 2 as we reflect on the journey so far (by reading ALL of Act 1!)

➤ A deep dive into Polonius' approach and the implications of his nature

➤ Exploring the complex dynamics between Hamlet and Ophelia

cover photo: actress Terry Kerr

---

🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session.

*** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality.***

🙌 Many thanks to our recent supporters! Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room through a ONE-TIME DONATION:

• 💰 PayPal: https://paypal.me/nathanagin81
• 🤑 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nathanagin
• 💳 Credit card: http://workingactorsjourney.com/donation-checkout

🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast

Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more!

🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!

---

🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month:

DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso

ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Terry Kerr, Steven Helmeke and Sharon McCune

AUDIENCE: Sandy Robbins, Sandy Ernst, Laurie Strother, Doug Strother, Charles Stransky, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Rebecca Oettinger, Alexandra Mitchell, Roseann Sheridan, Val Lantz-Gefroh, Chris Chinn, Robert Duerr, Celine Noguiera, Adriana Roze, Ben Farrow, Jessica Gibbons, Aaron Mendelson and Sara Giacomini.

A big welcome to the many new participants with this project!

---

We explore...

•

Act 2, Scene 1: Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to question Laertes's acquaintances. Ophelia enters, deeply disturbed about a visit she has just had from an apparently mad Hamlet.

•

Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death.

The links above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.

#hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director