“IMAGINATION IS LIKE A PARACHUTE.

IT WORKS ONLY WHEN IT IS OPEN.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

by William Shakespeare

MAGICAL MENU ACTIVITIES

Student’s Name:______Period_____Date:______

GOALS:

  1. To offer diversity of ideas for the play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
  2. To use the multiple intelligences that each student possesses.
  3. To encourage the creativity that is present in all students.
  4. To extend the knowledge gleaned from the play, and…
  5. To express that new knowledge to others
  6. To use language in an expressive manner
  7. To plan the work in a timely fashion
  8. To follow the rubric to the best of my ability
  9. To simply have fun and…
  10. To share that fun with others.

CRITERIA: Choose ONE of the products and then…

  1. Read carefully your choices and all of the directions.
  2. Think about the choice that best suits your interests and talents
  3. Reflect on how you may best present the material
  4. Choose your presentation product
  5. Prepare your product neatly and creatively… and
  6. Present to the class
  7. Be sure all products are labeled and titled appropriately. Don’t lose points!

Reminder: Anything that is done digitally is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Make sure you know how to use the program you are using. Technical difficulties on the day due will NOT be a valid excuse for not having your project ready. It will be considered late until you are able to present it.

In addition, because you are making the choice to work with someone else and choosing that person yourself, you must understand and accept the responsibility that you will receive the same academic grade on this task.

Because class time will be given (use it wisely), you are required to bring materials to class and to work in class. Additional work is expected to be done at home as well.

MY PROJECT IS DUE ON ______. I WILL PRESENT IT TO THE CLASS ON THIS DAY

PEER NAMES/CONTACT INFORMATION:

ShakespeareMagical Menu

  1. Rebuilding the Globe (individually or pairs)

Construct a small version of the Globe Theatre. Do some research! You can use boxes, cardboard tubes, tag board, fabric, wrapping paper, scraps, yarn, and various other art supplies. Make sure you refer to an accurate picture of the Globe and include the many special attributes of Shakespeare’s stage, including trapdoors that fall into “hell” and a canopy above the stage as “heaven.” Add characters on stage as well as patrons in the audience. Characters can be made from cardboard, spool, construction paper, etc.

Prefer to make an animated version (include typed or voice over explanations of parts, showing evidence of research)?

If you built a Globe, include a detailed placard that explains your Globe, including researched information.

Of course, have your name(s) on it, too!

  1. Elizabethan Fairy Tale: Alakazam! You’re Shakespeare! (individually or pairs)

Choose a favorite short story, chapter from a book, or fairy tale. Rewrite the chosen piece imitating Shakespeare’s beautiful prose and verse. Use Elizabethan language throughout.Type your piece on the computer, using special fonts and designs. Finally, illustrate the designed pages and bind them into a book. Make it look realistic and beautiful.

  1. Play Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream(individually or pairs)

Read several reviews in your local paper to get a flavor of the style. Then pretend you are a renowned critic on staff of the local newspaper (create a name). Write a review of the play using the following directions:

*Must be typed and formatted in columns like a realistic newspaper. Be creative!

*Create a name for your newspaper.

*Attach a real photo of yourself to the newspaper

*Provide a headline for your play review, along with a byline

*Begin your review with one descriptive word such as “boring,” “exciting,” or “funny.” Write a brief review of the play, including supporting reasons why you chose that particular word.

*Explain what you believe to be the best and worst aspects of the play.

*Choose a character you like and one you dislike. Give reasons for your choices and how these characters affected you.

*Give the play a grade such as A-Outstanding, B-Good, C-Okay, D-A bomb! Be sure you explain your overall grade choice.

*Exceed the standards: To fill up additional space for the realistic effect, feel free to add other features or include newsprint from today.

  1. Character Interview (pairs)

You are a famous TV interviewer of the stars! Are you Oprah Winfrey, for example? Ellen? Ryan Seacrest?

Select a character from the play and create at least ten interesting interview questions to ask that character on a “TV Talk Show.” Then take the part of the character and respond to each of the questions you are being asked by the interviewer. You will play the role of interviewer and character in front of the class.

You may design hand puppets and a background scene for your performance; as an alternative, you can meet the same requirements above by creating an iMovie. Make sure it’s on a DVD or flashdrive. Again, authenticity and creativity are key here!

  1. Perform (individual or pairs)

Your teacher has exposed you to some of Shakespeare’s works by showing you some clips. Now you have the chance to research some of Shakespeare’s plays and find one that seems interesting to you. Choose one monologue or soliloquy (at least 15 lines unless you perform a 14 line sonnet) to perform for the class. Create an appropriate background for your performance. This may be done digitally or performed live. If you work in pairs, you must perform at least 30 lines and speak equally.

In addition, you must include (typed or blue/black ink; or incorporate it within your movie):

  • A paragraph explaining the plot of the play your performance is from. Use your own words.
  • A second paragraph that explains what is happening in the story where your monologue/soliloquy comes from (set it up for us so we can understand your performance).
  1. Flipbook or Brochure (individual or pairs)

Choose one of Shakespeare’s plays that you would like to study in more depth. You may do A Midsummer Night’s Dream although it is not preferred. Conduct research on the play and create a flipbook or informational brochure with the following information. Think of a creative approach to display your information. Must be typed or colorful and neat.

  • Summary of the plot in your own words.
  • Character List with descriptions about each character. Include colorful illustrations for each.
  • A significant quote, scene, soliloquy, or monologue from the play and an explanation of what it means (in your own words)
  • A recommendation. For example, “If you were drawn to the heart-stopping excitement of The Hunger Games, you will love this play!”

Dear Parent: By signing below, I have reviewed these product choices with my child. Feel free to guide your child through this process. I have discussed with him/her the importance of using class time wisely, choosing an appropriate working partner, and will make sure work is completed at home as needed. This is due April 4. Thank you for your support.

Parent Signature: ______

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