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R&J Teacher/Director Guide
Here is the table of contents, and some acting notes. They can be quite detailed, and are worth reading before you begin the unit or a production.
The R&J guide is a day-to-day approach where the Montagues and Capulets begin the day in spoken competitions. We then reconstitute into an ever-evolving cast, constantly refining the text through practice and suggestions. As we read/play aloud, we experience, and learn from the thoughts and emotions of these passionate characters. Since the Nurse and the Friar have been vacuumed so severely, the young people dominate the SOL version. Unabridged, the play is very dense. Vacuumed to 57%, the heart of the story reveals itself clearly, a tale of two astonishingly, creative lovers.
The guide is specifically constucted for grade 9s -18 classes over 6 weeks, but teachers can also work at the pace best suited to the ages and abilities of their students. It is filled with hundreds of specific acting suggestions for all the characters; competitions, little tests, a few crosswords etc. What it needs most is a teacher/director who listens well and is kind and encouraging at suggesting the thoughts that might inspire Will’s words. Since the teacher will likely judge of the oral competitions, and be most familiar with the SOL text, he/she should be a good listener and suggester. Sometimes a gifted and motivated class will take the lead with daily readings. You all have the same text. Teachers’ primary task is to cast creatively, schedule judiciously and insist on daily readings! The guide has blank lists for all that. The Out Loud is what is essential to this unit! Then, encourage everyone. Let no student remain silent! Everyone must make sound! Perhaps, finally, make a recording, or have an oral performance that others, like friends and parents, may enjoy. This gives the class a solid goal.
Best wishes,
Rodger