The New York Film Academy had the honor of welcoming Nick Hutchison, esteemed faculty member of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), to our campus last week.
Mr. Hutchison led a dynamic two-hour workshop, “Whose Shakespeare Is It Anyway?”, for students in our Acting for Film and Musical Theatre programs. Developed with Sir Jonathan Bate, the masterclass explored how actors approach Shakespearean text—examining its origins, the role of modern editors, and the differences between the Folio and the Quartos that shape contemporary editions.
Through scenes including Henry V at Harfleur, a single-letter shift in The Merchant of Venice, Cleopatra’s entrance, Benedick and Beatrice’s iconic exchange, Viola’s Ring speech, the ending of King Lear, and more, students gained deeper insight into how textual nuances inform performance. Many eagerly volunteered to read, analyze, and perform some of Shakespeare’s most celebrated passages.
NYFA looks forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with LAMDA, including welcoming their students to our summer short-term intensives—and offering our students opportunities to study with them as well.
A heartfelt thank-you to Mr. Hutchison for sharing his expertise, enriching our students’ understanding of classical text, and making the exploration of Shakespeare both accessible and inspiring.
