Shakespeare Made Clear: A Masterclass with Sarah Spring

Known for her ability to break down Shakespeare’s language with clarity, precision, and a sense of play, Sarah has built a global following by making the Bard feel not only accessible, but exciting. Now, she brings that work off the screen and into the room.

This four-hour masterclass is designed for anyone curious about Shakespeare—whether you’re an actor, a longtime fan, or someone who’s always felt like you “should” understand it but never quite cracked the code. Rather than focusing on performance, this session dives into the language itself: how it works, how to unlock it, and how to experience it more fully.

Using text from Hamlet as our shared foundation, Sarah will guide participants through the rhythms, structures, and hidden clues embedded in Shakespeare’s writing—revealing how meaning, emotion, and intention are built directly into the words on the page. Throughout the workshop, actors from Rose City Stage will bring excerpts to life, demonstrating how these tools translate in real time.

Hosted at the iconic Mark Spencer Hotel—a historic downtown space that has long supported Portland’s arts community—this intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to spend extended time with one of the most engaging Shakespeare educators working today.