Introduction to Shakespeare: Group Mini- Project

William Shakespeare: 1564-1616

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In groups of 3-4, you will be researching an aspect of Shakespeare’s life.

1- Choose a topic: I will provide a list of topics to choose from. Only one group may research each topic. Once your group has decided, tell me, and I will give you your criteria.

2- Research it: You will be given time in class today to do some research, but it should be completed at home. Try these websites:

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3- Put it all together: You have 2 nights to work with your group outside of class either in person or online. I expect all questions to be answered, some extra information provided, and at least one image provided.

-One person should do more research

-One should find or draw images

-One should put it all together

How you present it is up to your group.

4- Present it to the class- as a group on _____

5- Learn about other topics- Watch other presentations and answer questions.

TOPICS:

- William Shakespeare

- Shakespeare’s Audience

- Shakespearean Theatre

- Shakespearean Plays

- Shakespeare’s England/ Government

- Shakespearean Costumes

- The Black Death (plague)

William Shakespeare:

When was Shakespeare born? What was his childhood like? Was he like growing up? How educated was he? Did he marry or have children? Describe his career as a playwright. When and how did he become famous? What was his most popular play? Did he have a personal favourite? What was his least popular play? What is the controversy surrounding Shakespeare?

Shakespeare’s Audience:

Who was Shakespeare’s audience (social classes)? How much was a ticket? What did they eat? What were the seating arrangements? What did the audience experience on a typical day at the theatre (provide plenty of detail)? Who were the groundlings? How has this experience changed?

Shakespearean Theatre:

What is the name of these theatres? Who owned and operated these theatres? Where were they located? Where were they located? Describe the architecture, seating and atmosphere. What did they look like? How big was the stage? How big was the theatre? Capacity? Did these theatres use props? How did they change scenes (backdrops, scenery)? What did they do for lighting (no electricity)?

Shakespearean Plays:

Name some other famous playwrights around Shakespeare’s time. Who acted in Shakespeare’s plays? Name some successful

actors/ “players”, who were they? What was Shakespeare’s most successful play? Least successful? How much did it cost to attend a play? How long were the plays? Describe Shakespeare’s reputation as a playwright. Were any of Shakespeare’s plays controversial, which ones and why? What is a quarto? What is a folio?

Shakespeare’s England/ Government:

Who was Queen Elizabeth? Did she marry? What was “common law”? Did Queen Elizabeth attend plays? What was her attitude towards the theatre? Discuss the relation of the play you’re about to read with the government in Shakespeare’s time, if applicable.

Example: “Macbeth” and James I

Elizabethan Clothing/ Shakespearean Costumes:

How did clothing reflect class? What different kinds of fabrics or colours did they wear? Describe typical Elizabethan clothing. What would a noble wear to the theatre? What would a groundling wear to the theatre? How was their hair worn? Hats? Were costumes reflective of Elizabethan clothing? Which class’?

The Black Death (plague):

What was the bubonic plague? Why was it referred to as the Black Death? How did it affect Elizabethan England during the 1590s? How did the plague spread? What were the symptoms? How many people died? Was there a cure? What was the quarantine? How did the plague impact the theatre?