Discussion Main / ShakespearianActors

I was wondering something similar. I'm not sure simply appearing in a Shakespeare-based work should automatically qualify one to be considered a "Shakespearean Actor". If that were the case, Jamie Kennedy would be one.

I would recommend the definition be refined to include classical training and/or stage experience (if the latter is applicable).

@ Kevin Klawitter: Yeah, I agree. Though, some actors/actresses have appeared in more than one Shakespearean screen adaptation and underwent training for some of the roles that they basically fit. Molly Ringwald for instance.

Also, I've been wondering if the descriptions in the main page are really necessary. As far as I know this is a "List Page" similar to Actors, Producers, Directors, etc. You see, I was suspended for adding Zero Content Examples before and I don't want to get screwed again.

In my mind, this page should not have "any person who has ever played a Shakespeare character" but rather focus on these people where it had some significance. Being "classically trained for theater" is not a requirement in my opinion.

Whether the descriptions are necessary needs more discussion, though.

I think descriptions are helpful, and maybe even necessary. I clicked through to some of the actors' pages and didn't see the first thing about stage work or training, which makes me wonder how they qualify as Shakespearian actors at all. Not saying they're not, but I wonder if some of these people are on here just because they did a couple of plays at the beginning of their career (which to me doesn't quite cut it).

Call me a snob, but some names do not belong on this list. I genuinely love her both as an actress and a human being, and think she is very talented as the latter, but Melissa Benoist?? Seriously??? I think we should curate this back to "had a major role at the RSC, RNT, or international equivalent" (the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Ontario Shakespeare Festival, the major Australian theatres a la Cate Blanchett, etc, or those like Emma Thompson, who has done no stage work for Shakespeare but appeared in four notable roles on film). "Has done Shakespeare at some point in their career" should not qualify someone for this list — it's at least partly about reputation, training, and experience in classical theatre, not just a couple of roles here and there.

I think some people have the notion that if their favorite isn't on this list, it means they're a bad actor — obviously, that is far from the case. It's simply a type, not a litmus test for quality.

@Temmere: Yeah, many actor pages don't say where and when they were trained. Just Needs Wiki Magic I think. I guess descriptions really are necessary, though as I've said before, this is an index page and it might make the page messy with links. Anyway, I also consider their Off-Broadway and festival stints before I add them here.

@RoseAndHeather: I usually do research before putting names here. Many of them were classically trained, many even at RADA (which is known for using Shakespearean plays in their lessons), NYT, and of course, RNT and RSC or/and have performed at some of the festivals you mentioned.

As for Benoist, I did some digging and she had classical training at a young age. The Other Wiki only shows one Shakespearean play (As You Like It) in her credits where she played the lead, though she could have done more (I couldn't find other sources than The Other Wiki and not everything is on it). Speaking of The Other Wiki, it has an "American Shakespearean actors/actresses" category. I also use it as a source in putting names here.

Is Woody Allen listed here as a joke?

According to The Other Wiki, she is. But I couldn't find a complete list of her theater work.