Romeo and Juliet Final Projects

Due November 3

For Individuals:

1.     Prepare a soliloquy from Romeo and Juliet to perform for the class of at least eighteen lines.  Paint a backdrop (butcher paper or shower curtain works well) and use an appropriate costume and prop for your character.  Don’t use a book or notecard to prompt you (although I will be present if you need a prompt). This one’s for the actors/actresses. I can help you with backdrop ideas if you’re not artistic.

2.    Pretend that you are a “masker” attending Capulet’s party. What kind of mask will you wear and why? Throughtout the ages masks have represented different classes and/or professions of people at such gatherings deemed “masquerades.” Your job is to research different types of masks and their meanings, and then create the mask that you will wear to Capulet’s party. Your mask should illustrate thought, creativity, and purpose. You will present your mask to the class explaining why you chose it, what it represents, and how it identifies your personality, profession, or class.

3.    Write a tour book for the city of Verona and surrounding areas.  This should be full of descriptions of places from Romeo and Juliet and their significance to the story. (Example: Capulet’s orchard).  Illustrate your book with your own artwork.  Discuss at least eight locations (about a page each).

4.    Make a timeline of Romeo and Juliet’s lives on posterboard.  You may include their whole life or just the days of the play.  Use symbols that you draw to represent significant events in their lives.  A symbol should represent more than just an object associated with the character; it should signify an important internal change that happens within the character.  In an attached piece (typed, 1+ pages, carefully developed and edited) explain the symbols you chose.  Use a total of at least fifteen symbols.

5.    Create the front page and a continuing page of the Verona newspaper. Write at least three informative articles about events in the play that would have happened all in this crazy week. Each article should be at least five paragraphs long continuing on to page A3 (or whatever). Also include advertisements, other news of the day, a weather forecast suited to the setting, and at least two photos or illustrations. Use your imagination! !!EXTRA! EXTRA! WOMAN STRUCK DOWN AT KITCHEN SINK!!! EXTRA! EXTRA!   Your newspaper pages can be typed in columns like a newspaper or published on two pieces of poster board.  If you can make your paper look old, all the better. Be sure to include the paper’s title, date, issue number, etc. (Look at a  newspaper for an example).

For groups:

          Comic Book (3- 5 group members)—Each group member should be responsible for illustrating at least one act of the play in comic book fashion.  Drawings should be in color with ink “conversation bubbles” on plain white paper (no notebook paper).  Bind your illustrations in order with each artist’s name on his or her pages.

GRADING CRITERIA (100 points)

A—Insightful, accurate information

          Neat, well-organized presentation

          Shows extra effort and creativity

B—Accurate information

          Well-presented

          Shows effort and creativity

C—Mostly accurate information, but doesn’t display depth of understanding

          Problems with presentation

          Not much effort or creativity evident

D—Inaccurate or little information

          Poor presentation

          Very little effort or creativity