In this 6-8 lesson, students will collaborate in teams to draw and pantomime the meaning of Shakespeare's words and phrases. Students will be introduced to etymology, the study of words, and write a story using “The Bard’s” words, lines, and phrases.
Students will:
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Teachers should be familiar with Shakespeare’s work. Watch 1-2-3 Pantomime with Jamie Hipp or Mime and Pantomime with Keith Berger and Sharon Diskin to review the basics of pantomime.
Students should be familiar with Shakespeare’s plays.
Modify handouts, text, and utilize assistive technologies as needed. Allow extra time for task completion.
Screenager - a teenager who knows a lot about the internet
Meatspace - a physical reality as opposed to virtual reality
Mondegreen - a mishearing or a misinterpretation of a phrase in a song or poem that gives it a new meaning. For example, “Scuse me while I kiss this guy” instead of “Scuse me while I kiss the sky.”
Cardioprotective - serving to protect the heart
Physiatry - physical medicine and rehabilitation
“To Be or_________”
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore__________”
“Friends, Romans, countrymen,_______”
Now ask the class how many of them have seen or read Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, or Julius Caesar. These quotes, arguably some of the most famous quotes in the English language, are so embedded in our language and culture that many people who have never even seen or read Shakespeare’s plays know them. For fun, suggest that students try this exercise with their friends and family.
“Too much of a good thing” - Rosalind, As You Like It
“Good riddance” - Patroclus, Troilus and Cressida
“In my mind’s eye” - Hamlet, Hamlet
“Every inch a king” King Lear, King Lear
“Not budge an inch” Christopher Sly, Taming of the Shrew
“Wild-goose chase” Mercutio, Romeo and Juliet
“Sweets to the sweet” Queen, Hamlet
Original Writer
Mary Beth Bauernschub
Adaptation
Ann Reilly
Editor
JoDee Scissors
Updated
November 15, 2021
How do mimes tell a whole story without using a single word? Discover the secrets of mime and pantomime with The Chameleons, a California-based mime troupe! This mesmerizing duo will walk you through the action-packed “tug-of-war" and an interactive narrative titled “The Heavy Suitcase.” Wow your friends and family afterwards with illusions of spaces and objects!
Did you know that actors can tell a whole story without ever using their voices? Thanks to the art of pantomime, you can use your body, facial expression, and imagination to become a dynamic actor and storyteller! Join theater teaching artist Jamie Hipp to learn the basics of great pantomime—no voice or objects required!
Lesson plans, activities, and other resources that focus on telling stories through theater, music, dance, writing, and visual arts.
From the opening lines of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows what lies in store for the tragedy’s title teens: that these two “star-crossed lovers” are doomed to die
Shakespeare made the pursuit of love just as difficult as leading men to war, or solving your father's murder
A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland.
Host Fiona Lindsay and cast members of Royal Shakespeare Company's production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It explore story and language, and how changes to intent can alter a scene.
From robust performance/demonstrations by the Royale Shakespeare Company, to a deep-dive into a sonnet, to a fully-produced performance of Mac-- er, "The Scottish Play," these resources will give you a better understanding of the works of The Bard.
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
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