The challenges and joys of presenting high school and middle school musicals are myriad--and, due to the many variables involved, often unlike those of choral concerts, band concerts, or just about anything else that one may encounter as a teacher. With so many moving parts, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if one is new to the game. In…

Proposes a "scene festival" to get students interested in doing Shakespeare. Suggests that middle school students are best suited for such a project. Discusses the different types of festivals, how to get ready, how to choose a play and scenes, how to prepare and cast scenes, how to proceed with staging, and how to create promptbooks.…

Discusses the arduous task of casting and directing untrained middle and secondary school actors in terms of auditioning, getting started, planning for the first meeting, focusing on the obvious, rehearsing, learning the lines, becoming the character, running work-through rehearsals, and doing run-throughs and performances. Notes not to forget to…

Describes the processes of thinking, learning, appreciation, and improvement of higher level thinking skills developed through the exploration and adaptation of Shakespeare's works at the middle school level. Offers suggestions for specific techniques, including character creation, casting, music, and rehearsals. (JPB)

Describes a 10-week drama production project to create a scripted piece that suits adolescent actors. Notes that there is a scarcity of suitable scripts for middle school performers. Details the process used in the hope that others who face similar frustrations may learn from and adapt it for use in their own educational environments. (SC)

Middle school and junior high school language arts students can receive a basic background in the elements of theatrical production and an appreciation of the theatre arts by producing and performing one act plays. A six- or seven-week unit can progress from the basics of pantomime, reading and vocabulary, and characterization with make-up,…