Friendly Shakespeare teaches a simple and effective method of script analysis for Shakespeare. It uses punctuation and keywords in the text to help students understand the characters' needs, make specific acting choices, and get them on their feet immediately.
This is not dry, sitting in a classroom discussion. It’s physicalizing the text, focusing on the character’s needs and tactics (something every drama student should know full well) and bringing Shakespeare to life.
At the end of the class you will be able to demystify Shakespeare's text and understand how to help your actors make clear, active and emotionally connected choices in Shakespeare's plays.
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TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.8.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr6.1.6.a - Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it informally for an audience.
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Pr4.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr6 - Adapt a piece of literature and present it for an audience.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
P.C.2.2 - Interpret monologues through formal and informal presentations.
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Tennessee Theatre standards (2018) standards were built using the framework of the NCAS which is built on four key domains: Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Connecting, and Responding. Within each of these domains are foundations and standards to support the development of curriculum, programs, and learning.
(source: Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts, Summer 2018)
Please refer to National Core Arts Standards to determine the standard that best suits your needs.
B.1.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
C.1.A - create and demonstrate theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
12 - analyze script for clues to create antecedent action
13 - create antecedent action for character
14 - identify and use operative words in a script
15 - analyze script for a character’s transitions
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
5 - demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
6 - demonstrate a character’s immediate or moment-to-moment objectives within a scene
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
15 - use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
22 - translate words, images and emotions into movement
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
10 - use varying speed of movement
11 - use directions and pathways
13 - control focus and energy in movement and gesture
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
8 - display increased freedom of movement
9 - travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
23 - plan, repeat and combine movement patterns
24 - plan movement for audience visibility and spatial limitations
28 - coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
18 - use voice variety to enhance a character
19 - discover how feelings affect a character
21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
23 - demonstrate understanding of character motivation
24 - recognize that relationships exist between characters in given situations
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate respect for others-their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to recall and use sensory information
extend physical and vocal capabilities
extend the ability to concentrate
extend understanding of, acceptance of and empathy for others
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
demonstrate understanding of integration of disciplines to enrich a theatrical presentation
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation
extend the ability to give form and expression to feelings, ideas and images
gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas