A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
One of my 2015 goals is to prepare for teaching a class in Shakespeare next year. Part of the application process for teaching at local educational co-ops is to describe the class and syllabus. Here is a first draft that expresses my vision and scope.
Students will be ushered into Shakespeare's most enchanting comedy through this multifaceted and interactive experience. They will be introduced to the plot and characters with a children's retelling, before delving into the Bard's own play through recorded audio drama, dramatic class readings, film adaptation, music, artwork, memorization, costume and set design, and performance of an adapted script.
Notes: It is understood that different families have different sensibilities, specifically in regards to the portrayal of magic, deception, etc. in literature. Please take time to review the play through a copy of the book, or online. If you have any concerns, please contact me at any time.
Homework: Students will be assigned a passage to memorize for recitation, as well as a part in a 45-minute performance. Time will be given in class for practice, but daily practice at home is necessary. Parents are asked to help children by supervising recitation practice, i.e. by checking child's recitation against a printed copy, reading cue lines, etc.
Supply Fee: A supply fee of [PRICE] will be charged for a student copy of the play and a student journal.
Other Supplies: Students are responsible to bring to class sharpened pencils with erasers, a black-ink pen, colored pencils, and post-it tabs. They will be sent to the supply table to purchase these if they do not bring them.
Additionally, there will be a short performance, and students are responsible for creating their own costumes following design concepts by classmates.
• detail from Oberon, Titania and Puck with fairies Dancing by William Blake •
January 16, 2015