Second Start: Play Oral Performance
Group Activity: Prepare, rehearse and perform for the class a brief (10 minute) scene from an
American classic play, such as:
 “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams
 “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry
 “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
Due Date: Begin performances on Tuesday, April 3
Process: Follow the following steps:
1. Break into several groups, one per play scene.
2. Choose a scene of about 6-8 pages, with 2-4 speaking roles.
3. Assign roles and responsibilities (i.e. actors, director, costume designer, props manager,
music and lighting, etc.) Not all group members have to perform, but each should have a
specific role and responsibility.
4. Discuss and prepare scene. Make choices about which lines to perform, how to prepare
setting, props, costumes, music, etc., how to perform characters.
5. Rehearse scene and memorize lines.
6. Write a journal about your rehearsal process and what choices you made as a group.
Group Performance Criteria
Engage Audience Interest: Clearly explain background and context of scene
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Memorize and Clearly speak lines: You can use note cards if necessary
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Use Visual Aids: Prepare relevant costumes, props, setting, etc.
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Build scene to dramatic climax: Focus on the characters’ relationships and conflicts.
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Provide a meaningful conclusion to scene: Show how the characters have changed or
refused to change.
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Average Score:
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GRADES:
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10