Elizabethan acting?

Question

We are doing an Elizabethan Yuletide Feaste. Besides the obvious Shakespeare references, what are some authentic-to-period expressions that we could use in conversation? any tips for acting in this period would be greatly appreciated as well.

Answer 1

Gramercy=Thank you (short for God grant you Mercy)
Prithee or I pray you or pray=please (to pray is to entreat)
God ye good e'en=good evening
God's _____ (body part, but keep it clean) as an oath
Aye=yes
Nay=no
Master or My Lord when addressing a man
Mistress or My Lady when addressing a woman
Cousin or Good Coz when addressing each other

Just think Renaissance Faire, but for God's sake do not use that affected "stagey" style that many tyro Faire-ites use. Speak normally, familiarly and with a sense of going about your daily routine.

When conversing, for "car" use "horse", for "called" use "spake with", discuss last night's TV show as if it happened in the local tavern, DO NOT say Omigod!, nd lstly,dnu txtspk. K? k.

Answer 2

Since we have no lexicon of the Elizabethan period, Shakespeare has to be the best source of authentic expressions, although he made up many of the words and expressions that he used in his plays. Other than that you are going to have to use your imaginations. Look at the plays, Ralph Roister Doister and Gammer Gurton's Needle for additonal entertainment at your feaste.

Answer 3

Rent the movie 'Elizabeth' with Cate Blanchett. It is fabulous & has some great lines you could use, plus superb acting. Remember to learn to walk and sit very upright & 'proper' & practice good manners. The ladies carried lavender bouquets (probably didn't bathe too much in those days!) & the men always carried cloth handkerchiefs.
Good luck it's a fabulous period to copy.
Elizabeth spoke French so you may be able to incorporate that into a skit.