Teachers/Directors,
Perhaps don’t just glance at this guide, read it, especially some acting notes, before teaching. They can be quite detailed.
The R&J guide is a day-to-day approach where the Montagues and Capulets in the class begin the day in spoken language competitions. We then reconstitute into an ever evolving cast, constantly refining the text through practice and suggestions. As we read/play aloud, we experience the thoughts and emotions of these iconic characters. Since the Nurse and the Friar have been vacuumed so severely, the young people are the heart of the SOL version. Unabridged, it can become long and tiresome. Vacuumed to 57%, it just works!
I constructed this guide specifically for grade 9s -18 classes over 6 weeks. Teachers can also work at the pace best suited to their students. It is filled with hundreds of specific daily acting suggestions for all the characters; competitions, little tests, a few crosswords etc. What it needs most is a teacher/director who listens well and is kind and encouraging at suggesting the thoughts that might inspire Will’s words. Since the teacher will likely judge of the oral competitions, and be most familiar with the SOL text, he/she should be a good listener and suggester. Sometimes a gifted and motivated class will take the lead with daily readings. You all have the same text. Teachers’ primary task is to cast creatively, schedule judiciously and insist on daily readings! I have blank lists for all that. The Out Loud is what is essential to this unit! Then, encourage everyone. Let no student remain silent! Everyone must make sound! Being an Elizabethan play, burps and farts count! Perhaps, finally, make a recording others, like friends and parents, may enjoy.
If you get stuck, use my recording. It’s clear. And, as I remember creating it, this guide is an action-packed six weeks. If you stick close to it - the daily readings, the tests and puzzles and various oral activities and competitions - there will be no wasted time. The organization and class-preparation you put into the 6 weeks, especially the daily out loud readings, will greatly determine the success and pleasure your students experience. You have an Olympics to produce! You have scenes to read aloud EVERY DAY. You’ll have ideas of your own.
Your prep work will be important. Always divide up a synopsis, giving a few students the chance to hear their own voices. I’d also prepare by casting in scene-groups, putting different students together. I’d also practice, myself. It takes courage for everyone to play aloud. I’d prepare a few party-pieces for your class. You mustn’t be shy; you are encouraging out loud! Go ahead and try some of Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech, for instance. I know it to be a fine challenge. It is also a good speech to divide up among several students. And don’t just ask for cold readings; give your students warning to prepare. Always be fair!
And don’t let supposed purists complain about the SOL text not being the unabridged real thing. It has far more text than the DiCaprio film. Besides, the unabridged R & J is tedious! The SOL version works.
And please remember that Shakespeare is meant to be played, not endlessly commented upon! Shakespeare never hired any critics, just actors.
Have fun,
Rodger