CAESAR, 13, has more experience in comedy. But in recent weeks he's got used to oratory and getting stabbed.
And he wasn't expecting a starring role.
That's good, because tomorrow Julius and fellow young actors take to the stage at the New Art Exchange, Gregory Boulevard, and perform a work that's ambitious for a troupe ranging from teenagers to primary school-aged children.
The toga-clad crew is part of the Royal Youth Shakespeare Company, a local theatre group that believes the works of the Bard shouldn't be off limits to the young.
"We got fed up seeing kids not doing anything but getting stuck at the back of the chorus," said assistant director Malcolm Barnes, who runs the RYSC with artistic director Fiona Naysmith.
"Not only are they capable of it, they rather enjoy it."
The company targets pupils of all backgrounds, although many are home-educated. Malcolm explained that when they set up the RYSC several years ago, that group jumped out as one where the opportunities to participate in something like a holiday play did not always exist.
The summer Shakespeare play is one of the RYSC's three annual projects, and the only one that actually involves the Bard's work. There's also a writing and directing course, and a Christmas play.
The Shakespeare, meanwhile, is taught in a way that includes history and an understanding of the time period and themes.
Some of the young actors are veterans of RYSC productions and aren't daunted by Shakespeare. For others, this is their first go-round with the Bard. Extra workshops have helped.
"We did some rhetoric workshops," explained Seirian Griffiths, 10, a home-educated pupil from Mapperley Park. "The language is easier than I thought it would be."
Lucy Wakefield, a 14-year-old home-educated pupil from Hucknall, said working on Shakespeare had been good for confidence.
"Acting," she said, "is a passion."
The actors also had to get used to one other thing – the full-length togas they'll wear.
"It's quite hard because I have to keep my arm up here all the time," said Carrington Primary pupil Lottie Bluewater, 10, as she bent her arm so that her hand rested just below her neck in the manner of a Roman senator.
Julius Caesar is on at New Art Exchange, Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, on Friday and Saturday at 7pm. There is also a Saturday 2:30pm matinee performance.
For more information on the RYSC e-mail rysc@live.co.uk.
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