By Annabel Bienfait, Community Editor
To kick off the new year, we’re highlighting Shaxsoc- the society dedicated to reimagining the plays of Shakespeare. If you think Shakespeare is dull, confusing, or intimidating, Shaxsoc is sure to change that! The society showcases the life and character of Shakespeare’s plays through student-run productions, while encouraging students of all backgrounds to get involved. We got in touch with Shaxsoc president, Jed Timnell, to find out more!
How would you describe Shaxsoc to someone new to the society?
Our goal is to disprove the false belief that Shakespeare is boring, inaccessible or irrelevant. Whether you are an aspiring professional actor or have no intention of setting foot onstage, there’s an opportunity for you. This might be acting in our five shows throughout the year, taking on directorial and production roles or coming along to our socials and workshops!
There’s definitely something unique about Shakespeare’s plays… maybe it’s the drama, the complex characters, or the crazy plots. What sets Shakespeare apart for you?
Naturally, everyone will have very different responses to this question but, personally, my answer tends to be this…
Firstly, Shakespeare plays have been in the mainstream for about 400 years. As a result, there are so many examples of past productions, each of which reflects what society was like at the time. For instance, the 18th century demand for a happy ending in ‘King Lear’; the late 20th century surge of postcolonial interpretations of ‘The Tempest’; or Riz Ahmed’s upcoming reconceptualization of ‘Hamlet’ as a tale about British-South-Asian communities in London amidst tensions over migration, culture and economic inequality. By using Shakespeare’s plays as a point of reference, we can trace society’s development over the past four centuries. ShaxSoc’s productions are also part of this broader vision, contributing to the ongoing re-interpretation of Shakespeare’s texts.
Second, we perform Shakespeare because it’s difficult. It’s no secret that Shakespearean language is often complex and daunting. As actors, we’re forced to be forensic – to really focus on the language in a way which you’d never do for a modern text. The reward is a far more detailed and nuanced character. Shakespearean texts are tricky but if you stick with it and put in the work, you have a unique opportunity to create a character which is truly individualised to your interpretation.
(That all sounds very serious, but I promise a lot of the shows are very silly as well.)
Do you have any advice to students who have never performed Shakespeare before?
Come along to as much as you can! Socials, auditions, workshops, proposals… everything! And come with an open mind… ShaxSoc is nothing like GCSE Shakespeare, so until you try it out, you’ll have no idea if you enjoy it or not!
You host workshops from experienced stage actors throughout the year. Could you explain what these involve, and are there any coming up?
We have a workshop on Sunday 25th January, focussing on how to prepare a successful audition extract. The session will look at a mixture of monologues and duologues taken from The Winter’s Tale and whatever play is chosen at our next proposal meeting. Everyone is welcome to come along, no membership required!
We’re also currently in the process of scheduling workshops for the term ahead, currently liaising with some professional actors and drama school tutors.
What should new members expect from Shaxsoc auditions?
Members have reliably informed us that Shaxsoc auditions are very friendly and welcoming!
Typically, you sign up for a five-minute audition slot in which you perform one extract. All extracts are released roughly a week before auditions so you have some time to look over it in advance. You’ll show up for your slot a little bit early, where a producer will meet you at the door and you’ll be able to pick-up a printed copy of your chosen extract.
When you’re ready, you’ll be invited into the audition room to perform your extract for the panel. As a ShaxSoc rule, the panel will never be more than four people and they won’t take any notes whilst you’re auditioning. They’ll probably ask how your day’s been, you’ll perform your extract and once finished, you’ll get a round of applause. Audition results are then sent out by email within a few days.
There is also the opportunity to send in a ‘self-tape’, in which you record yourself reading the extract at home. All self-tapes are considered equally to in-person auditions.
As you can hopefully tell, the ShaxSoc audition process is deliberately designed to be as accessible as possible. There is no required standard and anyone can audition, even if you’ve literally never acted before!
You also don’t need a membership to audition, so there’s really nothing to lose…
Do you have any favourite memories of workshops or performances with Shaxsoc?
A highlight last year was our inaugural ‘Shitfaced Shakespeare’ at Zed Alley. We performed three abridged Shakespeare plays and (as per the title) one actor in each piece was ‘shitfaced’. The shitfaced actor then had the task of (a) trying to remember their lines and (b) sabotaging the rest of the cast. A pretty perfect silly way to round off the year.
What's on?
2026 is set to be ShaxSoc’s busiest year yet with lots of different ways to get involved…
- The Winter’s Tale
To be performed 18th to 20th February at the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft.
Auditions will be on the 16th and 17th January (or you can send in a self-tape instead).
There are currently callouts for producers, assistant directors, costume/set designers and marketing assistants.
Or just come along and watch the show in February! Follow their Instagram (@winterstale_shaxsoc) for more details.
- Proposals
Proposal meeting at 3pm, Wednesday 21st January in the Brunel Room, Hawthorns.
Potential directors present their ideas for shows they want to put on. The society then votes on which proposal they want to succeed. Come along to submit your own proposal or watch the proposals and vote!
Once a successful proposal has been chosen, there will be further opportunities to audition or to apply for production roles.
- Socials
New Year pub social at 6pm, Wednesday 21st January. Everyone is welcome!
Look out for more info on Instagram (@bristolshakespearesociety) about upcoming events, such as playreading socials, cinema/theatre trips and a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Bristol Shitfaced Shakespeare will be returning this May/June, so keep your eyes peeled…
Like last year, this will be non-auditioned. If you sign up in time, you’re guaranteed to get a part!
Membership
To take part in a Shaxsoc show, you must have a membership.
Memberships give you access to workshops, the AGM, main show decisions, and discounted tickets.
Termly membership: £4
Hannah Corcoran
Contact:
Instagram: @bristolshakespearesociety
Whatsapp: Join the Whatsapp group here!
Email: bristolshakespearesociety@gmail.com
Featured image: Shaxsoc
