SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 18 Cunard-Line-Queen
SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 programme
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 programme 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 programmes
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 programme 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 Star(TM) 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
Insights(TM), 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(R), 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 http://www.cunard.com.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and
Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and
the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled
steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring
together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable
White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of
historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The
exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line,
Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion
to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines
appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.
SOURCE Cunard Line
