Tackling Iambic Pentameter

All plays have a language in which they are initially intended to be performed in. Whether it's with dialects, slang, or body language, all shows are diverse in this sense. Shakespeare wrote his plays in a more poetic fashion, though. Iambic pentameter is "Five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables. The rhythm in each line sounds like: ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM." This may look simple but many actors struggle with mastering Iambic Pentameter. Without proper training and constant practice, a show could end up being performed terribly because the language in which it's meant to be performed is butchered.

Jamieson, Lee. "Introducing Iambic Pentameter." About.com n. pag. Web. 9 Mar 2011. .