Actor Training - Sweet Thunder Shakespeare

Ensemble:

12 week Shakespeare Acting Training

Rather than creating a hierarchy between Sweet Thunder Associates and Fellows, our aim is to build a rigorous, collaborative environment in which artists at different stages of their careers work together in shared practice. Fellows train alongside experienced practitioners and contribute to the development of the production throughout the full process. Rather than functioning solely as outside instructors, Teaching Artists remain active within the ensemble, participating as performers while guiding the work from within.

This structure reflects the company’s longer-term artistic direction. While the current program is organized as an educational and training environment, the broader aim is to develop an ongoing professional ensemble: a repertory-based company grounded in shared practice, mentorship, and continued artistic development.

The Founding Fellowship

Starting 27th July 2026, eight to ten fellows will train and perform, for an average of 3-4 evenings and Saturdays for 12 weeks. Performances will be at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward, CA, October 2nd-11th, 2026.

What type of person is a fellow?

Some fellows may be quite experienced in training or as performers. Some will have little experience of either. We are seeking adults of all ages, ethnic and language backgrounds, genders and levels, who love learning, are open to discovery, and are ready to commit to in depth training. Our work centralizes clarity, audience connection and ensemble storytelling. We are seeking people who are keen to learn techniques, and are animated by the idea that the craft of acting – often reduced in the public mind to simply emoting – is multi-faceted, joyous, and rigorous. Whether Shakespeare already feels like home or has always seemed just beyond your reach, if you’re excited by our approach, we encourage you to apply for an audition.

Training

Getting Inside Shakespeare’s Text, Period Dance & Theatrical Combat, Music & Singing, Embodied Acting Technique, Laban-based Movement, Voice Training, Engaging the Audience, Comedy, Stagecraft, Ensemble, Rehearsal & Performance. See our about page to get a view our teachers. We will be adding a few guests, too.

Am I paying to perform?

No. The Fellowship is a training program that culminates in public performance. Fellows are selected through an audition process and participate in ensemble training, rehearsal, and production as part of a complete educational experience. Fellowship fees are used exclusively to pay teaching artists.

Fees

The fee for the entire 12 week program is $500. If you’re excited to work with us, and need support, don’t let cost deter you from auditioning. Scholarships are available.

Apply for an Audition

Transparency is one of our guiding principles

Here’s how we’re structured:

Teaching Artists lead defined areas of the work. Teaching Artists are compensated for their time (with the exception of our two Co-founders, who contribute their skills without compensation during this founding phase).

Associate Artists are invited based on experience and participate in most aspects of the training. They work as volunteers within the ensemble and do not function as a separate cast.

The program culminates in public performance at our partner theatre.

Sweet Thunder’s share of ticket revenue supports the continuation of the program. Where possible, a portion is directed toward scholarships and future training opportunities. School groups are invited to attend selected performances at no cost as part of our educational work.

All board members currently donate their time in support of the organization.

Wondering how all of this is possible?