The World of Shakespeare: Process

Process

The following is a brief overview of the steps you will need to take to complete this webquest. Look under phase one, phase two, or phase three for more detailed instructions.

1. You will be assigned a group. Once in your groups, assign a role to each person in the group: actor, historian, director, and linguist.

2. Do your research on the websites provided for your assigned role.

3. Teach your group about what you have learned.

4. As a group decide what the important aspects of each topic are. After analyzing your information, decide as a group how to synthesize it in order to plan a creative presentation. You will have 3 finished products: (1) a skit, or power point, (2) a scrapbook, and (3) a scene or a sonnet.

5. Begin your scrapbook.

6. Begin your skit or power point.

7. Select your scene and begin to rehearse.

Phase One: Research

Each role is responsible for gathering knowledge based on the following areas of interest:

Actor: You will research all aspects of acting in Elizabethan England, and those methods still used in performing Shakespeare today at the newly reconstructed Globe Theatre. Use the links below to explore all that actors did, and perhaps who some of those actors were as well.

Adopt and Actor, Audio Actor Interviews

Performance Library

Edward Alleyn

Theatre

Historian: You will research all aspects of the culture and history of Elizabethan England and the life of William Shakespeare. Use the links below to explore.

Director: You will research theatre practices of Elizabethan England. Look at the things done at the Globe then and now, as well as at other theatres of Shakespeare's day. Use the following links to explore.

Linguist: You will research the plays and poetry of William Shakespeare and the language he used. Use the following websites as you explore what he wrote as well as the way he wrote it:

Phase Two:

As you look at each other's data be sure to take the time to discuss how to best use the information. Use the consensus guide to help in your group work.

As a group decide what the important aspects of each topic are.
After analyzing your information, decide as a group how to synthesize it in order to plan a creative presentation.
You will have 3 finished products:
- A skit that demonstrates aspects of the historical and theatrical significance of Elizabethan England, OR a power point that does the same.
- A scrapbook in which you simulate photos and newspaper clippings of the time.
- Perform a scene from one of Shakespeare's plays, OR a sonnet that demonstrates what you have learned about the language, his subject matter, and/or what rehearsals or performances looked like in the 16th century.

Phase Three:

You may wish to split the work so that you can accomplish the first two tasks more quickly. Perhaps dividing the group in two would help, though keep in mind that all group members are responsible for the work, and all members must be involved in the presentation of the skit/power point and scene.

1. Begin to prepare your scrapbook:

Use photographs, create newspaper headlines, write brief articles that help to illustrate the different things you've learned about the world of Shakespeare.
Your book should be a minimum of 3 pages long.
You may decorate the pages as you wish (for any scrapbookers out there).

2. Begin to prepare your skit/power point:

What do you wish to portray about the cultural and historical aspects of your research?
If you choose to do a skit, write a script. Make sure everyone knows their lines. DO NOT AD LIB!
Power Point presentations can be rather boring if you read the slides to us, make sure you're doing something interactive if you opt to do this type of presentation.

3. Begin to rehearse your scene:

Divide parts: you may do this any way you wish, but all group members must be involved at some point.
Rehearse the lines on your feet!
Use Shakespeare's language - try to speak with meaning and emotion if you can.