Thank you for your interest in Monsieur Shakespeare! We are thrilled that you’re considering joining us for this unique two-week summer adventure in the heart of France. This immersive experience combines creativity, ensemble work, and performance craft, all set within the breath-taking surroundings of Mas d’Arjac, an 18th-century hamlet designed to inspire. You’ll leave not only with unforgettable memories but also sharpened acting skills and deep connections with fellow creatives.
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you decide. If you have more questions, just reach out, we’d love to hear from you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thinking of joining Monsieur Shakespeare? Below you'll find answers to the questions we're most often asked. If there's anything else you'd like to know, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
WHAT IS MONSIEUR SHAKESPEARE?
Monsieur Shakespeare is an intensive residential theatre project based at Mas d'Arjac in South West France.
For eighteen days, participants become part of a temporary international theatre company, living, training and rehearsing together before presenting three public performances of Shakespeare in remarkable historic venues.
IS THIS A COURSE, OR A THEATRE COMPANY?
A little of both. Professional workshops and coaching form an important part of the residency, but the primary goal is the creation of an ambitious production. From the moment you arrive, you become part of the company, working alongside professional actors, directors and teachers towards a shared performance.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
We welcome participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including professional actors, recent graduates, teachers, directors, experienced amateurs, dancers and physical theatre practitioners.
Previous performance experience is helpful, but more important than your CV is your enthusiasm, generosity, preparation and willingness to contribute fully throughout the residency.
I HAVE NEVER PERFORMED SHAKESPEARE BEFORE, CAN I STILL APPLY?
Absolutely. Many participants are discovering Shakespeare for the first time. Our professional team will support you throughout the rehearsal process, helping you develop confidence with the language and performance style.
IS THERE AN AUDITION?
There is no formal audition. After reserving your place, we'll ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your experience and interests. Applicants for the Principal Company will also be asked to submit a brief self-tape to help us cast the production.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PRINCIPAL COMPANY AND PHYSICAL ENSEMBLE?
Principal Company - Designed for performers who wish to undertake one of the principal speaking roles in The Tempest. Principal Company members receive extensive coaching in Shakespeare's language, verse, character and performance while carrying the principal storytelling of the production.
Fee: £1,575
Shared accommodation included. Optional single room upgrade (+£300, subject to availability).
Physical Ensemble - Inspired by the work of Jacques Lecoq, the Physical Ensemble creates the magical world of The Tempest through movement, chorus, puppetry, stagecraft and theatrical transformation. Alongside their own practical rehearsals, members observe selected principal rehearsals and gain valuable insight into professional rehearsal practice.
Fee: £995
Shared accommodation only.
HOW ARE THE ROLES ASSIGNED?
Casting is based on creating the strongest possible ensemble. We consider your questionnaire, self-tape (where applicable), experience and the overall balance of the company when assigning roles.
Our aim is always to create an exciting production while ensuring every participant has a rewarding experience.
DO I NEED TO LEARN MY LINES BEFORE I ARRIVE?
Principal Company: Yes! Principal Company members are expected to arrive with their role thoroughly learnt and ready to rehearse. This allows us to spend our time exploring character, relationships and performance rather than learning lines.
Physical Ensemble: No text preparation is normally required unless advised in advance.
HOW INTENSIVE IS THE RESIDENCY COURSE?
Monsieur Shakespeare is an ambitious rehearsal project rather than a holiday. During the working day everyone contributes to the creation of the production - whether rehearsing, observing, running lines, developing ensemble material or supporting fellow company members. The atmosphere is focused, collaborative and enjoyable. Evenings are free to relax, socialise or prepare for the following day.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
While each day evolves as rehearsals progress, the overall rhythm is generally:
Breakfast
Morning workshop and rehearsals
Long communal lunch
Afternoon rehearsals
Free evening
Throughout the residency, rehearsals run simultaneously in different spaces around Mas d'Arjac. While one scene is being directed in the barn studio, another may be rehearsed elsewhere on the grounds, or participants may be working in smaller groups or receiving individual coaching in voice, text or character.
Our professional actor-tutors also work as associate directors, leading rehearsals and coaching sessions across the site. This carefully structured approach allows the company to make exceptional progress while ensuring every participant remains actively engaged throughout the working day.
As performances approach, rehearsals move into the performance venues, where the company brings every element together before opening to audiences.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Eighteen nights' accommodation
Breakfast and lunch throughout the residency
Selected communal evening meals
Professional workshops and rehearsals
Three public performances
Airport and rail transfers from Toulouse Airport or Caussade Station
Excursions to local towns and markets
Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Travel to Toulouse Airport or Caussade Station
Personal travel insurance
Printed script (PDF supplied in advance)
Costume basics and performance footwear (details provided after casting)
HOW DO MEALS WORK?
Breakfast is provided each morning, together with one substantial freshly prepared communal meal each day - usually lunch, although this may occasionally be dinner, depending on the rehearsal schedule. Early in the residency we'll take the company shopping so everyone can buy supplies for their remaining daily meal.
As the communal meal is designed to be generous and satisfying, most participants find that a simple evening meal - a salad, sandwich or other light supper - is all they need after rehearsals. The accommodation includes kitchen facilities for preparing simple meals and snacks.
Keeping evening meals straightforward also helps maintain the shared living spaces as comfortable, clean and welcoming for everyone throughout the residency.
CAN MY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS BE ACCOMODATED?
Yes. We happily cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most other dietary requirements. Please let us know when completing your participant questionnaire.
HOW DO I GET TO MAS D’ARJAC?
Most participants travel via Toulouse Airport or Caussade railway station. We'll coordinate arrival times in advance and provide transfers to and from Mas d'Arjac.
CAN I BRING A PARTNER OR GUEST?
Yes! Guests are welcome to enjoy the accommodation, pool, gardens and surrounding area while participants rehearse. Please contact us for current guest rates and availability.
I AM TRAVELLING ALONE, WILL I KNOW ANYONE?
Probably not - and that's completely normal. Most participants arrive without knowing anyone else. Living, training and creating together quickly builds a close-knit company, and lasting friendships are one of the things participants mention most often after the residency.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?
Once you've contacted us:
We'll answer any questions you may have.
Your place is secured with a 30% non-refundable deposit.
We'll send you a participant questionnaire.
Principal Company applicants will be asked for a short self-tape.
We'll confirm casting and send your script and preparation materials.
You'll arrive at Mas d'Arjac ready to join the company.
WHO WILL BE TEACHING AND LEADING THE COURSE?
Monsieur Shakespeare is led by an experienced artistic team of professional actors, directors and teachers with extensive backgrounds in Shakespeare, ensemble theatre and actor training.
You can meet the team on our Artistic Team page.
HOW MANY PERFORMANCES WILL THERE BE?
The residency culminates in three public performances in historic venues across the Occitanie region. Full venue details are announced with each year's production.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Although June is typically warm and dry, contingency plans are always in place.Alternative indoor venues are available should the weather require them.
WHO ARE THE AUDIENCES WHO COME TO THE PERFORMANCES?
Our audiences include English-speaking residents, visitors and local French audiences. To help non-English speakers follow the story, French scene-by-scene synopses are provided at every performance.
WHERE IS MAS D’ARJAC?
Mas d'Arjac is a beautifully restored eighteenth-century hamlet in the rolling countryside of the Occitanie region of South West France.
Surrounded by woodland, quiet lanes and medieval villages, it provides an inspiring setting for creative work while remaining within easy reach of Toulouse Airport.
I STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS, HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?
We'd love to hear from you! Please email: heather@pantsonfiretheatre.com
WHAT COURSES ARE YOU RUNNING THIS YEAR?
Our 2026 courses are now completed but booking is open for our 2027 course! The best way to keep in touch is to follow us on social media or sign up to our mailing list.