Romeo and Juliet
A tragic theatrical experience
Welcome to the exciting world of theatre!
Congratulations! You have been chosen to be a cast member of the highly talented and world renowned
Shakespearean Theatre Troupe! This year the troupe will be performing one of Shakespeare’s most famous
tragedies, Romeo and Juliet! As a member of this troupe you have been given a rare opportunity to bring the
magic of this play to life through your acting talents and passion for Shakespeare!
Actor Criteria:
As a member of the Shakespearean Theatre Troupe, you are required to participate in 2 performances. You will
have the option of signing up to play various roles which you feel you could best contribute your talents to. To
ensure you uphold the tradition of excellence that the Shakespearean Theatre troupe is known for around the
world, you will be responsible for practicing and analyzing your roles before the day of your performance!
Performance Preparation: Preparation is Key!
Complete a character study: In order to truly understand your character, you must analyze their role in
your scene before your performance! A character study is required for each performance.
Your character study must include:

Script annotations: Annotations made on your script that focus your characters mood,
expression, suggested stage directions and your personal actor notes.

One translation of a significant passage from your character into modern day English and an
explanation of the passage’s significance to your character, scene, or other characters.

A description of the relationship your character has with others.

Annotations identifying where Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter, couplets, lit. devices in
your script

A written overall statement describing your character and their role in the scene.
On Performance Day:
As an actor, you are responsible for:



Performing your role with passion, expression, using stage directions and, interacting with
other characters in your scene
Answering audience members questions at the end of the performance
Turning in your character study worksheet after your performance
Extra Credit Opportunities:
2 pnt: for character props (something used by the character to enhance scene)
3 pnt for costume (something worn by the character)
5 pnts for memorization (your character must say 4 lines or more in succession for this to apply. Script needs
to be removed from sight, down at side to count)
Speaking Part Description:
Major Role: A major speaking role would include a part like Romeo, Juliet, the Friar etc. If a character’s
name is in the major speaking role category, this means they have a large speaking role and are one of the main
characters in the scene. Everyone will be required to play AT LEAST ONE major speaking role.
Minor Speaking Role: The minor speaking role category is reserved for characters who have a much
smaller speaking part in the scene. However, though they might not speak as much as a major role character,
their interaction with other actors, reactions and delivery of lines are just as important to the scene as those of
a major speaking role character.
Speaking Requirements:





You are required to participate in two scenes throughout the Romeo and Juliet unit
Everyone will be required to sign up for ONE Major Speaking Role
There are NOT enough Minor Speaking Roles for everyone to have this as their second choice.
Due to the lack of minor characters, some students will need to play two Major Speaking Roles
Students will be able to sign up for their roles in class on 4/28
Acts to choose from:
Act, Scene
Act 1 Scene 1
Act 1 Scene 5
Act 2 Scene 2
Act 2 Scene 4
Major Speaking Role






Gregory
Sampson
Abraham
Montague
Benvolio
Romeo
Minor Speaking Role




Tybalt
Lady Capulet
Capulet
Lady Montague





Capulet
Romeo
Tybalt
Juliet




First Servant (Servant)
Second Servant
Second Capulet
Nurse
Benvolio


Romeo
Juliet

Nurse



Mercutio
Romeo
Nurse


Peter
Benvolio
Date being performed
(Dates can change)
5/1
5/6
5/8
5/12
Act 2 Scene 6



Friar Laurence
Romeo
Juliet
Act 3 Scene 3












Friar
Romeo
Nurse
Capulet
Juliet
Lady Capulet
Romeo
Nurse
Paris
Friar Laurence
Juliet
Romeo





Friar Laurence
Friar John
Romeo
Juliet
The Prince
Act 3 Scene 5
Act 4 Scene 1
Act 5 Scene 1
Act 5 Scene 2
Act 5 Scene 3
5/13
5/19
5/20
5/21


Balthasar
Apothecary
5/26
5/27





Capulet
Montague
Prince
Balthasar
First Watchman
5/28
Major speaking roles that I am considering:
Roles
Act, Scene
Minor speaking roles that I am considering:
Roles
Act, Scene
Romeo and Juliet Character Study
Directions: Please complete this character study for each role you have been assigned before the day of your
presentation. You will then turn this in at the end of your scheduled performance.
1). On your script, you will need to make notes/annotations to yourself as the actor about the mood, emotions,
actions and character behavior. For major character roles there should be AT LEAST 4 annotations made.
For minor characters, there should be AT LEAST 2annotations made. Scripts will be turned into Miss
Eichwald after the performance.
(10 points)
2). In your script or on a separate piece of paper, you will need to translate one significant passage that your
character reads into “Modern Day English”. For major characters, this passage should at least be 5 lines or
more. For minor characters this passage should be at least 3 lines or more. After or next to the
translation, you will need to write the significance of that passage to the scene. Why is the character saying
this? What message are they trying to communicate?
(10 points)
3) Identify Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter, couplets, monologue, soliloquy or imagery in the scene.
(5 points)
4). On the back of your script, you will need to write a 3 sentence explanation describing the type of
relationships that your character had with the others in the scene. Why is their role important to the others in
the scene? Is your character a servant to the others, a motherly figure, a lover, a parent? Etc.
(5 points)
5). On the back of your script, you will need to write an overall statement for your character.
Example: “Overall, in Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo is a character
who________________________________________because____________________________
________________________________________________.
(5 points)
____________/35 pnts