DRA 222 - Performing Shakespeare

1. Classify the genres of plays from Shakespeare’s canon.
   1. Comprehend the scope of Shakespeare’s plays.
   2. Identify characteristics of the three primary genres.
   3. Make sense of Shakespeare’s problem plays.
2. Examine Shakespeare’s plays within the context of their intended audiences.
   1. Outline how Shakespeare’s contemporary society affected his writing.
   2. Infer how the playwright’s life likely affected his work.
   3. Correlate Shakespeare’s plays to works and events that inspired them.
3. Distinguish verse from prose.
   1. Break down iambic pentameter.
   2. Differentiate dramatic intent between verse and prose. 
4. Diagram the functionality of Shakespeare’s use of punctuation.
   1. Chart the effective differences of all punctuation notation.
   2. Develop an ability to score Shakespeare’s text with attention to effective use of punctuation on stage.
5. Generate an ability to consistently determine the meaning of Shakespeare’s language.
   1. Characterize the intended use of common unfamiliar phrases and/or words.
   2. Establish a system for quickly researching references rooted in contemporary Elizabethan culture.
6. Integrate understanding of likely original performance practices of actors in Shakespeare’s plays.
   1. Break down the staging intent embedded within Shakespeare’s texts.
   2. Characterize the benefits of original practice methodology for actors of the English Renaissance.
   3. Perform Shakespeare unrehearsed.
7. Perform two scenes from plays by William Shakespeare.
   1. Incorporate the use of the language into effective actions on stage.
   2. Produce contemporary truthful behavior within Shakespeare’s imaginary circumstances.
8. Critique the effectiveness of use of Shakespeare’s heightened language.
   1. Evaluate the playwright’s intent with regard to word choice.
   2. Discuss approaches toward how an actor can most effectively use the language to achieve an on-stage objective.
9. Justify why Shakespeare remains one of Western Theatre’s most consistently produced playwrights.
   1. Comprehend the extent to which plays by Shakespeare are produced.
   2. Infer which specific aspects of his plays make them consistently commercially viable.
   3. Assess the opportunities that will likely be available to work on Shakespeare in the professional market.