Introduction

You are a media reporter for Entertainment News.  This job requires you to go out in search of up and coming playwrights during the Elizabethan Age (1558-1603) in the London area. This week's special is on William Shakespeare, who has gained a recognition for his plays and their performances over the last few years.  

The Task

• You and your partner's task is to research the life of William Shakespeare and produce a 6 minute "interview" with the immortal bard.  The interview must include his motivations, his plays, his theater and his life. In the interview, "Shakespeare" must dress as the Elizabethan Age persons dressed, and use the appropriate language in your interview.  You are to recreate this interview for today's news show with Shakespeare's language.    

Resources

Your resources within the classroom are Internet access, your book, and the links provided below.

The Process

1.   First you'll be assigned a partner.
2. Next, you and your partner will research the life and times of William Shakespeare plus the dress and language of the Elizabethan Age. Be sure to document each source as your gather information. (2 class periods)
3. In the third class period you will watch a tape of  entertainment interviews to see the style in which your teacher would like for you to produce the interview.  (Ex. E!, Entertainment Tonight, MTV NEWS, etc...)
4. Once you have decided who will play each part (Shakespeare and the interviewer), begin writing out your interview in question and answer format.     Interviewing Technique Videos, Audios, and Tips will be presented in class. (third or fourth class period)
5. Then, design your costume on paper.  You must make your own costumes as a team and design both the modern and Elizabethan Age costume based on what is appropriate for the interview. (Fifth and Sixth class period)   Costuming in the Elizabethan Age
6. Once you have your costume or before, practice with your partner on how the interview will take place.  Revise if necessary.
7. Your performance is three weeks from the original date assigned. You must turn in your costume designs, interview paper, documentation of resources, and your costume for grading.  Each class period will have a Participation grade assigned, and each component of your project will be assigned a Test grade.

Evaluation

Each class period's work is worth a Participation grade, and each component of the project is worth a Test grade.
The interview will be evaluated on content, appropriateness, and performance.
The costume designs will be graded on appropriateness to time period.
The costumes will be graded on the basis of appropriateness.
The documentation will be based upon credibility and research put forth.  (One site is not enough, you must have more than four.)

Conclusion

Now you have learned how to conduct an interview with a person while also learning about Shakespeare.  These skills will be used throughout your life as you continually interview people. The Shakespearean information will be used as you take classes throughout your high school and college career that involve studying the works of Shakespeare.
 

Food for thought:

How would you produce a a full news show on Entertainment television?

What have I learned about dress and. the interview process?

How will I present myself in the future if asked to make a presentation?

What did I learn about Sheakespeare's life that is interesting?
 

Additional Links:

Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Bartleby's Shakespearean Quotes

Shakespeare Illustrated

Shakespeare Research Center

Shakespearean Greetings

3-D Globe Theatre

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Shakespeare's Globe

Folger Shakespeare Library

Stratford-on-Avon