The Embodying Shakespeare Workshop trains performers to vitalize Shakespeare’s text through physical play. Led by seasoned practitioners and teachers Sarah Sanford and Michael Amendola, participants will explore approaches drawn from influential physical theatre teacher Jacques Lecoq to rediscover Shakespeare’s imagery and rhythms through their own bodies.

There are many synergies between the work of Shakespeare and Lecoq. Both are inspired by the natural world and historic theatrical traditions, embodying precise poetic dynamics within these realms to reveal human nature. Both believed in the power of imagery and metaphor, to heighten creative expression beyond a psychological study. Shakespeare’s words personify colors, elements, animals, and materials, and Lecoq’s work embodies them.

Applying principles and exercises from Jacques Lecoq, participants will:

Discover the body of Shakespeare through rhythm, sound, breath, impulse, and imagery
Awaken psychophysical states by playing with the unique dynamics of the natural world
Embody a variety of characters through different physical engines
Invoke their own curiosity and embrace what it is "to be," over what it is "to know"
Depart this 3-day journey with a short Shakespeare monologue and character that has been explored in a variety of ways

Logistics

Dates

November 6-8, 2026. Friday 6-9pm | Saturday 12-5pm | Sunday 12-5pm

Location

Pig Iron Studios
1417 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Tuition

$275 *Two scholarships are available at the reduced tuition of $200

How to Apply

Fill out this short Application Form between September 13 - October 16th, 2026.
Applicants will receive notice of admission by October 23 at the latest.
Once accepted, payment of $275 is due in full by October 30th. Accepted participants will receive a code in their confirmation email for payment via Humanitix.

Two scholarship spots are available at a reduced tuition of $200 for select participants experiencing financial need. If interested, please fill out Section 3 of the application (linked above).

Note: There will NOT be a purchase option available on Humanitix UNTIL you have received an access code from the organizers.

About the Facilitators

Sarah Sanford is core faculty in the Pig Iron/Rowan MFA in Devised Performance, where she teaches Movement Analysis, Improvisation, and Pedagogy. Sarah received her professional theatre training at École Jacques Lecoq and moved to Philadelphia where she joined Pig Iron Theatre, performing in numerous company works from 2001-2014 (including their wildly successful Twelfth Night). Other regional credits include the Arden, Wilma, Theatre Exile, Lantern, BRAT Productions, and Montgomery Theatre. Sarah also creates her own work (her solo show Love you Love you Love you premiered at the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe), and mid-wives others’ work (directing credits include Underground Railroad Game by Lightning Rod Special and The Choice by InFlux Theatre Collective). Sarah leads Pig Iron’s professional workshop “Something from Nothing,” and has taught at numerous colleges and universities including Arcadia, Temple, Swarthmore, and Villanova. Upcoming: “PDA Island,” a new solo work created and performed by Lee Ann Etzold.

Michael "Dola" Amendola (he/they) is a performer-creator, and educator whose practice centers embodied play as both an artistic engine and a pedagogical methodology. As an actor, they have performed with many regional theatre companies including nine productions with the American Shakespeare Center, Austin Shakespeare, ZACH Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Pig Iron Theatre Company, and completed a three-year, 600-performance run with Drunk Shakespeare Off-Broadway. Amendola holds a BFA in Acting from Texas State University, an MFA in Devised Performance from the Pig Iron School at Rowan University, has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company and numerous clown teachers. They have taught and led workshops at Duke University, PhysFestNYC, Circadium School of Contemporary Circus, Philly Improv Theatre, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and is the founder of PLAY•JAM in Philadelphia. He applies a clown ethos to disorient power, cultivate curiosity, and reveal the potential of what we weren't looking for. www.michaelamendola.art IG:@playjamtime

Contact the host of The Embodying Shakespeare Workshop