Core Writers Responsibilities 2014
Day One and Two
 Determine whether the class play will be a history, tragedy or comedy.
 Brainstorm ideas for chosen genre.
 MAKE A DECISION – TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!
 Write a short summary of the plot of the play including a beginning, middle, and
end. Think about the exposition, rising action, conflicts, climax, falling action, and
resolution. Include a complete list of characters.
 Think about what you know about Shakespeare’s themes and audiences. You do not
need to set this play in Shakespeare’s day, but you do need to follow Shakespeare’s
form.
 Determine setting, exact characters, etc.
Day Three and Four
 Divide up summary into five acts. Ask yourselves: what should happen in each
section of the play?
 Under each act’s description, bullet the events that will occur and the characters
involved.
 Once your plot is considered, go back to your cast list and write a short description
of each character.
 Include how the character speaks, class, and relationship to other characters in
description.
 Review plot and character descriptions for discrepancies.
 Brainstorm a few creative titles (to be voted on by classmates later).
 Determine format for typing script.
 Prepare to present ideas to class.
 If time: determine which literary devices you would LIKE used in the actual writing
of the script.

At the end of class each day, you MUST turn in your group’s folder of progress. I will
read, review and make comments on your ideas. As your classmates earn points for
the film and discussion, you will earn points through your folder.

This is your homework too; do what you can at night to make the most of every
minute in class!

At some point, this information should be neatly handwritten or typed (preferred)
and turned in (via e-mail, preferably) to me. I will make copies for your classmates.
Once the class has finished the film and in-class essay, you will present your
masterpiece to them. Each of you will then take an act and meet with a few
classmates to put your act into script format (using Shakespeare’s language,
appropriate tone, theme, devices etc.). The class will then compile a script and move
on to producing this play!