QM2's Transatlantic Crossings enriched with RADA workshops & plays

**Ally** · 06-23-2008, 01:52 AM

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June 11 - With Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic season underway, the accomplished actors and directors of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) are engaged in a full program of performances and workshops designed to engage and entertain the ship's guests. Highlights of this season's RADA programming schedule include abridged versions of Shakespeare's Richard III and Romeo & Juliet, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood and Noel Coward's Private Lives, as well as three acting workshops led by RADA's experienced troupe. In addition, this season the RADA programme will expand to include dramatic poetry readings, often with musical accompaniment, on one evening during each Crossing.

A cornerstone of the Cunard experience, the RADA program features a repertory troupe comprising six recent RADA graduates on the thresholds of their careers - some who have been featured in West End productions - as well as occasional appearances by distinguished alumni of the Academy. Established in 1904, RADA is one of the foremost dramatic training programs in the world. Graduates include a "who's who" of British actors, from Sir John Gielgud and Vivien Leigh to Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Glenda Jackson, Peter O'Toole, Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes.

"The RADA program offers our guests the unique opportunity to experience dramatic performances of the highest quality in the ship's extraordinary theatres," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. "And for those who've longed to be on stage, participation in a RADA workshop is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to exercise their acting skills with a group of classically trained actors."

To get started, aspiring actors need only sign on for one (or all three) of RADA's onboard workshops. Each 50-minute workshop delves into an important aspect of the acting experience. Topics include:

* Finding Your Voice - Featuring introductory exercises demonstrating how RADA training allows actors to give their voice power and impact;
* Filling The Space - Games and exercises to help actors be aware of their body as a means of communication;
* Speaking the Speech - A chance to perform a Shakespeare monologue or poem.
Guests who attend all three workshops earn a special Cunard/RADA certificate signed by the actors.

Continuing the 169-year legacy of Cunard Line's Transatlantic heritage, Queen Mary 2 holds the distinction of being the only ocean liner providing regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and Southampton. Cunard liners have long been considered among the most civilized ways to travel and Queen Mary 2 continues the romance of the ocean crossing - where White StarTM staff seamlessly caters to the comfort of well-heeled guests, and the fine art of conversation and dressing for dinner are events to be savored.

On a Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, time seems to slow down, a benefit which gives guests ample time to experience the myriad of leisurely pursuits on board such as a wide variety of programming through Cunard InsightsTM, Cunard's award-winning onboard enrichment programme, taking a trip to the cosmos in the only planetarium at sea, enjoying afternoon tea, dancing in the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea, indulging in a healing spa treatment in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, or tempting lady luck in the casino. For more information about Queen Mary 2, RADA onboard or Cunard, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to Cunard cruise lines ships for luxury vacations

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