Presenting a Shakespearian Scene
Assignment
Your assignment is to work on your own, with a partner or a group to interpret, rehearse and perform a scene
from The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to the performance, each person will be required to write a
one-page reflection on the experience. Your performance and reflection will be one summative assessment
grade on the 6th six weeks.
Steps
Planning
1. Decide whether you want to work alone, with a partner or in a group no more than four people.
2. Choose a scene that you want to perform from the suggestions or a scene of your choice that fits the
line number requirements.
Suggested Scenes:
Solo – (40 – 50 line requirement)
"Mercutio's Queen Mab Speech" -- Act I scene iv lines 53 - 95 (Mercutio)
"Juliet Drinks the Potion" -- Act IV scene iii lines 14 - 58 (Juliet)
"Romeo's Suicide" -- Act V scene iii lines 74 - 120 (Romeo)
Duets – (75 – 110 line requirement)
"Balcony Scene" -- Act II scene ii lines 33 - 145 (Romeo and Juliet)
"News of Tybalt's Death" -- Act III scene ii lines 32 - 143 (Juliet and Nurse)
"Romeo's Banishment" -- Act III scene iii lines 1 - 78 (Romeo and Friar)
Groups – (120 – 140 line requirement)
"Witty Banter" -- Act II scene iv lines 1 - 135 (Mercutio, Benvolio, Romeo, and Nurse)
"A plague o' both your houses" -- Act III scene i lines 1 - 129 (Mecutio, Benvolio, Tybalt and Romeo)
"Don't make me marry Paris!" -- Act III scene v lines 68 - 204 (Lady Capulet, Capulet, Juliet)
3.
4.
Refer to the list of essential features of an effective dramatic performance you created as a class.
Think about or discuss how you or your group will integrate those features into your performance.
Remember, the goal is to interpret the scene but use the Shakespearian dialogue. The success
depends on how well you create and execute a polished and interesting performance.
Rehearsing
5. As you rehearse, keep a list of props, costume pieces and background music that will enhance the
performance. Gather them and use them when you practice.
6. Rehearse your scene several times. Work on memorizing your lines inside and outside rehearsals.
7. Record your last rehearsal before your performance to help you improve the quality of the
performance. Pay attention to your positions on stage, the pacing of your speeches, and the volume at
which you speak. If recording is not possible, have another person or group watch and provide
feedback on how you might improve your performance.
Performing
8. Perform your scene on the agreed upon day. One person will need to introduce the scene.
Reflection
9. With your performance, each person will write a one-page reflection on the entire process including
the scene analysis, rehearsals, and performance itself. Include your commentary on the challenges
you faced, how you worked to overcome them, and your evaluation of the final performance.
Scoring
Criteria
Performance
The group’s / individual’s interpretation of the scene is insightful and
creative, and the intended effect is clearly communicated to the audience.
Participants demonstrate a polished performance by:
 skillfully using various theatrical elements (i.e. props, costumes,
music, acting choices, etc.)
 flawlessly memorizing and delivering dialogue
 appropriately maintaining character throughout the scene’s entirety
60 pts.
(Group)
Reflection
40 pts.
(Individual)
The writer’s reflection demonstrates a thorough and detailed analysis of the
entire process including analyzing, rehearsing, and performing the scene. It
includes insightful commentary on challenges faced, how they were
overcome, and an evaluation of the final performance. Paper is typed
adhering to MLA format: 12 pt. Times New Roman font, double-spaced,
heading and title.
Getting Organized:
Scene: Act ______, scene ________, lines _________- __________: Title: _______________________________________________________
Character(s):
___________________________________________________ played by ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ played by ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ played by ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ played by ___________________________________________________
Props:
Costumes:
Music:
Ideas: