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PD Course

Practical Approaches to Shakespeare in the Drama Classroom

Created by Julie Hartley

19 modules 3 hours, 9 minutes 5 Credit Hours Shakespeare

Shakespeare is one of the greatest resources a drama teacher can have: scenes packed with action; opportunities to explore comedy and physical theatre; rich themes and characters to act as springboards for devised theatre; the chance to work with our language at its finest and – most importantly – ideas that relate directly to the experiences and preoccupations of students.

Yet Shakespeare isn’t easy. The language can seem dense, and finding a way in can be tough – especially for drama teachers who have not themselves studied Shakespeare. That’s the goal of this course – to help teachers find a way in.

This course presents teachers with as many ways in to the exploration of Shakespeare as possible. Action scenes, themes, characters, different theatre styles, and devised theatre projects. Students will be armed with the tools they need to begin individually exploring monologues, or working together on scenes.

  1. 0
    Lesson 0
    Introduction
    14:12 FREE PREVIEW
    This lesson introduces the course, and discusses the importance of Shakespeare in the drama curriculum.
  2. 1
    Lesson 1A
    Action
    7:56 FREE PREVIEW
    This lesson looks at action as a way into Shakespeare.
  3. 1
    Lesson 1B
    Action
    10:27
    The goal of this lesson has been to examine action as a great way into the study of Shakespeare.
  4. 2
    Lesson 2A
    Theme
    10:27
    This lesson introduces the concept of theme in Shakespeare's plays, and how to use themes to introduce different theatrical concepts.
  5. 2
    Lesson 2B
    Theme
    12:29
    This lesson focuses on the use of soliloquies and invites students to create a short monologue.
  6. 3
    Lesson 3A
    Comedy
    8:18
    This lesson turns to the comedy aspect of performance in Shakespeare.
  7. 3
    Lesson 3B
    Comedy
    10:06
    This lesson explores the idea of comedy emerging from mistaken identity.
  8. 3
    Lesson 3C
    Comedy
    10:02
    This lesson explores situational and physical comedy in Shakespeare.
  9. 4
    Lesson 4A
    Character
    9:04
    This lesson looks and how to create a rounded and original character, using Shakespearean characters as inspiration.
  10. 4
    Lesson 4B
    Character
    11:50
    This lesson focuses on internal and external preparation of the actor in developing character.
  11. 4
    Lesson 4C
    Character
    8:52
    This lesson explores how character predicaments and behaviors in Shakespeare can be related to the lives of students.
  12. 5
    Lesson 5A
    Exploring Styles
    10:31
    This lesson focuses on exploring styles through Shakespeare's 'problematic' scenes.
  13. 5
    Lesson 5B
    Exploring Styles
    11:17
    This lesson delves into the challenges of different visual interpretations and styles.
  14. 6
    Lesson 6A
    Devised Theatre
    7:13
    This lesson introduces devised theatre, and how to begin using Shakespeare.
  15. 6
    Lesson 6B
    Devised Theatre
    10:51
    This lesson continues on with teaching students how to build a piece of devised theatre.
  16. 6
    Lesson 6C
    Devised Theatre
    9:45
    This lesson discusses a final example of how Shakespeare's themes and characters offer source material for devised theatre.
  17. 7
    Lesson 7A
    Language
    9:10
    This lesson aims to give teachers skills to help students grapple with the language of Shakespeare.
  18. 7
    Lesson 7B
    Language
    9:18
    This lesson explores complex phrases in the language of Shakespeare.
  19. 7
    Lesson 7C
    Language
    7:36
    This lesson focuses on practical activities to build skill in Shakespearean language.

Standards Addressed

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7

Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Accomplished

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