Train, rehearse and perform Shakespeare in the South West of France
Monsieur Shakespeare, set in the heart of the French countryside, this theatre residency course combines high level actor training, ensemble creativity, and the joy of sharing Shakespeare with a live audience. Become part of an international Shakespeare ensemble for eighteen unforgettable days in South West France.
“An incredible challenge, an incredible achievement.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
Set at Mas d’Arjac in the South West of of France, this project offers a different kind of Shakespeare experience, shaped by space, ensemble and imagination. Read below to find out what our 2027 course has in store…!
2027 Monsieur Shakespeare Course - The Tempest
Each June, actors and theatre-makers from around the world gather at Mas d'Arjac to live, train and rehearse together. For eighteen days, you'll become part of the ensemble creating The Tempest, culminating in three public performances in beautiful historic settings, transformed into open-air theatres for summer evenings under the stars.
Whether you're a professional actor, recent graduate, experienced amateur or returning to the stage, you'll be immersed in a focused, collaborative creative process.
No previous experience of Shakespeare is required. Applications for June 2027 are now open!
What is Monsieur Shakespeare?
Monsieur Shakespeare is an eighteen-day residential theatre project in which an international company comes together to create a fully staged Shakespeare production.
Since launching in 2025, the project has produced A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night, both performed to capacity audiences in historic venues across Occitanie.
In 2027, the company will create The Tempest.
"The performances were the proudest moment of my acting life. Knowing we'd built it together made stepping on stage feel genuinely special."
2026 Twelfth Night participant
Live Together - For eighteen days, Le Mas d'Arjac becomes home to the company. Living and working together builds the trust on which ensemble theatre depends.
Train Together - Workshops, rehearsals and individual coaching in voice, movement and Shakespeare's language feed directly into the production.
Create Together - Whether performing a principal role, creating the physical world of the play or supporting the production behind the scenes, every member of the company helps bring The Tempest to life.
Perform Together - Everything leads towards three fully staged public performances in historic venues in the Occitanie region.
What Makes It Special?
Training That Transforms
Led by director Peter Bramley and a team of professional actors and teachers, the course offers expert training in text, voice and movement, through focused workshops tailored to the needs of the production. Techniques include Meisner, Lecoq ensemble practice, and classical text work. One-to-one coaching helps you develop personally and artistically, wherever you are starting from.
“Peter set high standards while creating a supportive environment for everyone to thrive. The professionals raised the bar, and we were inspired to meet it.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
A Creative Retreat
Stay in beautifully restored eighteenth century cottages, share evening meals and wine together, and enjoy access to a private swimming pool. Structured training is balanced with relaxed social time, local excursions, and space for reflection.
"I've never worked so hard on a course, but I've never laughed so much either. Somehow those two weeks felt both completely exhausting and incredibly restorative."
2026 Twelfth Night participant
Performance With Purpose
Your work culminates in fully staged public performances shared with a live audience. In 2025 performances were described as; “magical”, “ambitious” and “astonishingly polished”.
“We achieved so much more than I thought possible in such a short time. I left feeling proud, stretched, and inspired.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
Three Ways to Join the Company
Choose the pathway that best matches your interests and experience!
Principal Company - Bring Shakespeare's characters to life.
Includes
A principal speaking role
Individual coaching in text, verse and character
Voice, movement and ensemble training
Three public performances
Eighteen nights' shared accommodation
Optional private-room supplement (+£300)
8 places available - PRICE £1,575
Physical Ensemble - Create the world of the play.
Includes
A performance role within the Physical Ensemble
Movement, chorus and ensemble training
Physical theatre and devising
Observation of selected Principal Company rehearsals
Three public performances
Eighteen nights' shared accommodation (no private room option)
Up to 6 places available - PRICE £995
Stage Management - Support every stage of the production.
Includes
A key role within the production team
Practical experience throughout the rehearsal process
Responsibility for the prompt copy, props, costumes and backstage organisation
Three public performances
Eighteen nights' shared accommodation (no private room option)
Up to 2 places available - PRICE £995
"I honestly didn't think I could pull it off. The work was tough, but in the best possible way. Performing Shakespeare under the stars in France is something I'll never forget."
2026 Twelfth Night Participant
What is Included:
18 nights' accommodation at Mas d'Arjac
Daily breakfast plus one freshly prepared communal meal each day, usually lunch and occasionally dinner (A self-catering kitchen is available for preparing additional meals and refreshments)
All rehearsals, workshops and one-to-one coaching relevant to your pathway
Professional direction and support from the artistic team
Three public performances
Transport between Mas d'Arjac and the performance venues
Bed linen and towels
Wi-Fi throughout the property
“The food was fantastic, the setting stunning, and the company unforgettable.
It was theatre heaven.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
Meet the Artistic Team
Monsieur Shakespeare is led by an experienced team of directors, performers and teachers with backgrounds in professional theatre and actor training. Throughout the residency, they work alongside the company as directors, tutors and fellow performers, leading rehearsals, workshops and individual coaching.
Who Should Apply?
Monsieur Shakespeare is for people who want to create ambitious ensemble theatre. Whether you're a professional actor, recent graduate, experienced amateur or returning to performance after time away, what matters most is your commitment to the work, the company and the rehearsal process.
You don't need previous experience of Shakespeare. We're looking for people who are prepared to learn their lines before arrival, embrace collaboration, respond positively to direction and contribute generously to the ensemble. If you enjoy creating theatre as part of an international company, you'll feel at home here!
"It felt like joining a theatre company rather than attending a workshop. Everyone cared about the production, everyone mucked in, and that spirit made all the difference."
2026 Twelfth Night participant
How Do I Apply?
If you'd like to join the company, we request a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. We'll then send you a short application questionnaire so we can learn more about your background, experience and reasons for applying.
Rather than holding traditional auditions, we take time to build a company whose members will work well together, both artistically and personally. Principal Company places are limited to eight, ensuring every actor is cast in a substantial role.
What You Will Leave With
Every company leaves Mas d'Arjac having created a production. Every participant leaves with something different! New skills, new collaborators, new friendships. Greater confidence. A deeper understanding of Shakespeare in performance.
Some go on to drama school or professional work. Others return to their own companies, classrooms and communities with fresh ideas and renewed inspiration.
“It does not matter if you are a pro or have not acted in years … you will be challenged and supported in equal measure.”
2025 Midsummer Nights Dream participant
Practical Information
Residency Dates
Arrival - Thursday 3rd June 2027
Rehearsals & Workshops - 4th–17th June
Technical & Dress Rehearsals -18th June
Public Performances -19th, 20th & 21st June
Departure - Tuesday 22nnd June
Fees
Principal Company - £1,575
Physical Ensemble - £995
Stage Management - £995
Single Room Supplement (available for Principal Company Only) - £300
Accommodation
Shared accommodation at Mas d'Arjac is included with every pathway. Single Room Supplement (available for Principal Company Only) - £300. Participants booking a private room may bring a non-participating guest.
Guest fee: £800
This includes accommodation, daily breakfast, one communal company meal each day, and full use of the facilities.
Payment
A 30% deposit secures your place, with the balance payable one month before the residency begins.
The remaining balance may be paid in instalments by prior arrangement.
Full payment details will be provided when your application is accepted, we accept payment via BACs or Credit/Debit Card via secure payment link
Ready to Join the Company?
If Monsieur Shakespeare feels like the kind of company you'd like to be part of, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch!
Email: heather@pantsonfiretheatre.com
Have More Questions?
Sure, feel free to ask or alternatively - read our FAQ’s!
Not ready to apply yet?
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