Created by Todd Espeland
Friendly Shakespeare teaches a simple and effective method of script analysis for Shakespeare. It uses punctuation and keywords in the text to help students understand the characters' needs, make specific acting choices, and get them on their feet immediately.
This is not dry, sitting in a classroom discussion. It’s physicalizing the text, focusing on the character’s needs and tactics (something every drama student should know full well) and bringing Shakespeare to life.
At the end of the class you will be able to demystify Shakespeare's text and understand how to help your actors make clear, active and emotionally connected choices in Shakespeare's plays.
9 Modules
2 hours, 5 minutes
4 Credit Hours
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National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
TH:Pr4.1.8.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Advanced
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Advanced
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 6
TH:Pr6.1.6.a - Adapt a drama/theatre work and present it informally for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Innovation, Technology & the Future
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.912.S.2.4 - Sustain a character or follow technical cues in a production piece to show focus.
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.a - Consider various staging choices to enhance the story in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr4.a - Explore different pacing to better communicate the story in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Prof.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr4.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Acc.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Adv.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.a - Receive and incorporate feedback to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
6.TH:Pr6 - Adapt a piece of literature and present it for an audience.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Common Core
Reading: Literature
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.1 - Develop scripted or devised theatre for presentation.
Beginning High School Respond
B.RE.1.1 - Analyze the dramatic structure of written and presented theatrical works.
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.2.1 - Develop theatrical works for a specific audience, audition, or production.
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Present
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Culture
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.2.2 - Interpret monologues through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
P.A.1.2 - Distinguish the evolution of written texts to theatrical performances.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
B.2.G - create improvised scenes that include setting, character, and plot.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.C - create expressive movement and mime to define space and characters.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - create and demonstrate theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
12 - create specific vocal sound effects
6 - perform exercises to relax and improve the movement of the articulators
Speech Drama 20
17 - identify script indicators of a character’s vocal quality
20 - apply movement and gesture to clarify and enhance spoken interpretation
Speech Drama 30
Acting Drama 20
12 - analyze script for clues to create antecedent action
13 - create antecedent action for character
14 - identify and use operative words in a script
15 - analyze script for a character’s transitions
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
5 - demonstrate a character’s main objective within a scene
6 - demonstrate a character’s immediate or moment-to-moment objectives within a scene
Acting Drama 30
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Movement Drama 10
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
15 - use basic locomotor movements (eg. walking, running, crawling) to explore space
16 - create and repeat patterns of movement
18 - appreciate that physical expression can enhance language
22 - translate words, images and emotions into movement
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
27 - identify and create a believable emotional build
30 - analyze text for meaning and character development
33 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
gain awareness of how the integration of disciplines enriches dramatic communication
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of various conventions of theatre
develop the ability to analyze and assess the process and the art
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize that there is an historical and cultural aspect of drama/theatre
respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
Movement Level I - Beginning
10 - use varying speed of movement
11 - use directions and pathways
13 - control focus and energy in movement and gesture
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
8 - display increased freedom of movement
9 - travel through space in a variety of ways e.g., running, creeping and jumping
Movement Level II - Intermediate
23 - plan, repeat and combine movement patterns
24 - plan movement for audience visibility and spatial limitations
Movement Level III - Advanced
28 - coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students
Speech Level I - Beginning
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
Speech Level III - Advanced
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
18 - apply speech skills in a variety of speaking situations
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
12 - make logical choices within the boundaries of situation and character
2 - respond to directions without breaking concentration-side coaching
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
18 - use voice variety to enhance a character
19 - discover how feelings affect a character
21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
23 - demonstrate understanding of character motivation
24 - recognize that relationships exist between characters in given situations
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
Theatre Studies Level 1 - Beginning (performance analysis)
Senior Goal I Objectives
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate respect for others-their rights, ideas, abilities and differences
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
demonstrate the ability to recall and use sensory information
extend physical and vocal capabilities
extend the ability to concentrate
extend understanding of, acceptance of and empathy for others
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
demonstrate understanding of integration of disciplines to enrich a theatrical presentation
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
explore various approaches to analyzing a script for purposes of study and/or presentation
extend the ability to give form and expression to feelings, ideas and images
gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Interpret and communicate ideas using symbols and elements to express meaning through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Experience, document, choreograph, perform, and share creative works in a variety of ways
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Examine the influences of social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal context on drama
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop a repertoire of dramatic skills and techniques through presentation or performance
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Demonstrate awareness of self, others, and audience
Receive and apply constructive feedback to develop and refine ideas
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Context and Influences
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Elements and Conventions
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - The Creative Process
Our parent company Theatrefolk offers a fantastic selection of plays written specifically for high school and middle school students.
Whether for performances or class study, there's something for everyone: relevant & relatable themes, simple sets & costumes, flexible casting options and much more - a perfect addition to any drama program!