Shakespeare's Influence on My Acting Journey: From The Merchant of Venice to Henry V

Over the years, my passion for drama has been greatly influenced by the works of William Shakespeare. My recent performance as Sir Toby in Twelfth Night marked another milestone in my acting career. Despite the occasional line flub, the experience was truly rewarding, allowing me to collaborate with a fantastic cast and director.

The Merchant of Venice and Gratiano

During my high school years, one pivotal moment in my acting journey was the trial scene from The Merchant of Venice (TMOV). My role was the character of Antonio's friend, Gratiano. The scene required a venomous verbal attack on the villainous Shylock, which I delivered with gusto. Although Shylock remained unfazed by my tirade, the experience gave me a chance to unleash my anger on someone, even if it was just in a play. This experience laid the foundation for my character development and inspired me to explore other roles in Macbeth and Julius Caesar.

Character Development: A Pivotal Role

Gratiano's snide remarks provided me with the opportunity to develop my acting skills, preparing me for future endeavors. Years later, when I became involved in theater again, I found that the preparation I had done in high school proved invaluable. I have been fortunate to be a part of over 100 productions, and every performance has been memorable. My journey in theater has been marked by the support of great friends and the continuous improvement of my skills.

Henry V: A Timeless Prologue

Moreover, one of the most cherished pieces of Shakespeare’s work is the prologue to Henry V. My first exposure to this piece was in a high school acting summer program. I used it as my classical monologue during college auditions and still rely on it from time to time. Here's why this piece resonates with me:

It can be performed by almost anyone, making it accessible. The piece can be interpreted in various ways, both comically and dramatically, depending on the actor's strengths and interpretation. No prior context is necessary for the audience to understand it, making it universally relatable. It has a well-structured format and provides opportunities to showcase a wide range of emotions and character development.

Shakespeare’s works have not only enhanced my acting skills but have also deepened my appreciation of the art of theater. Each piece I have worked on has contributed to my growth as an actor and director.