“…But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
      All losses are restored, and sorrows end.”
    – Sonnet 30, by William Shakespeare

Dear friends,

We hope this email finds you well during this time of “social distancing.”

The Monroe County Civic Theater (MCCT) would like to announce the MCCT Podcast; an opportunity for our community members (and fellow enthusiasts of The Bard) to stay active in theater (while at home) and celebrate the works of William Shakespeare, and other poets, authors, and playwrights.

We’d like YOU to create a vocal recording of one of Shakespeare’s sonnets, or of a monologue from one of his plays to share on our podcast (at WWW.MCCT.ORG) and social media. You can also record something from another author, poet, or playwright if you’d like.

We’re accepting audio recordings only.  If you need help selecting a sonnet or monologue to read and record, let us know, and we can provide recommendations.

At the beginning of the recording, please introduce your reading with a “lead-in” before you recite the text… 
Here is an example of a lead-in for a sonnet:  “Sonnet 18, by William Shakespeare…”
Here is an example of a lead-in for a monologue:  “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare, Act 3 Scene 1, Titania…”
We will be sure to attribute the reading to you in the description.

When you’re happy with your recording, just send the audio file to this email:  monroecountycivictheatre@gmail.com

Please let us know which sonnet or speech you chose, as soon as you can, so that we can add it to our list so nobody else chooses the same one!

This list of Shakespeare’s sonnets and speeches that have already been chosen by other people will be updated periodically:

• Sonnet 18
• Sonnet 29
• Sonnet 37
• Sonnet 98
• The Tempest – Iris’ Monologue
• Macbeth – Act 3, Scene 5 – Hecate “Have I not reason”
• Macbeth – Act 5, Scene – Macbeth “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”
• Hamlet – Act 3, Scene 2 – Hamlet “Speak the speech”
• Hamlet – Act 4, Scene 7 – Gertrude “There is a willow”
• Antony and Cleopatra – Act 4, Scene 15 – Cleopatra “No more but e’en a woman”
• Edwin Arlington Robinson – Richard Cory
• William Earnest Henley – Invictus
• The Merchant of Venice – Act 3, Scene 1 – Shylock “To bait fish withal”
• All’s Well that Ends Well – Act 1, Scene 2 – King “I would I had”
• All’s Well that Ends Well – Act 2, Scene 3 – King “T’is only title”
• All’s Well that Ends Well – Act 1, Scene 3 – Steward “May it please you”
• All’s Well that Ends Well – Act 1, Scene 3 – Helena “Then I confess”
• Othello – Act 5, Scene 2 – Othello “A word or two before you go”
• Romeo and Juliet – Act 2 Scene 2 – Romeo “But, soft!”
• Henry V – Act 4 Scene 6 – Exeter “In which array, brave soldier, doth he lie”
• Julius Caesar – Act 4 Scene 3 – Brutus “You have done that you should”
• King Lear – Act 4, Scene 2 – Duke of Albany “Goneril, you are not worth”
• A Winter’s Tale – Act 5, Scene 3 – Pauline “Music, Awake her”
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Act 1, Scene 1 – Egeus “Full of vexation”
• Langston Hughes – Dreams
• Langston Hughes – Mother to Son

We’d like to give you a few more directions before you start recording…

Remember to take your time while you’re speaking/recording, speak clearly, and enunciate.  Convey the meaning of the text by emoting.  Express the words with feeling.  Also, try your best to follow the meter (basic rhythmic structure) of the text.  Shakespeare’s sonnets are in Iambic Pentameter.  Monologues can vary between types of verse and prose.

Practice before recording.  You’ll get the hang of it!  If you need help, please let us know.  If we notice anything that we think you can improve, we’ll let you know.  

A few more things…

It’s NOT necessary to go out and buy a new microphone for this.  Most cell phones, Ipads/tablets, laptops, and computers have sufficient audio recording capabilities, and, if necessary, our own audio software can help to improve the sound quality of your recording.

You should still try your best to minimize background noise by recording in a quiet space.  A few tips for creating better sound quality in vocal recordings are recording in a small to medium-sized room with some furniture like a bed, couches, curtains, rugs, clothing or blankets around to absorb any echo. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your recording space or microphone, or anything else, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist you: monroecountycivictheatre@gmail.com

Have fun!

Thank you for being a part of MCCT!

As a member of the arts community, Monroe County Civic Theater (MCCT) takes the current situation very seriously.  In order to preserve the health and welfare of our patrons and our artists, we have cancelled a revue, suspended rehearsals, readings, and podcast recordings as we continue to monitor the situation.

The Board of Directors is working to continue the operations of MCCT by working remotely from our homes. Meeting via phone and working over e-mail.  It is our hope that once we are all past the current situation, and our artists and patrons can gather safely, that we will be prepared to resume our season and continue our mission.

Until that time, please stay safe.

MCCT