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In this lesson, students will explore the techniques Shakespeare uses to build tension in Romeo and Juliet. Through focused exercises on staring matches, sharp dialogue, and dynamic physical expression, they will discover how small actions and words can escalate conflict and create suspense. By analysing key scenes and experimenting with performance, students will gain a deeper understanding of how tension is crafted in drama and how to apply these skills to their own acting. A modern setting helps students build tension by making the conflicts and emotions more relatable. Familiar scenarios—like rivalries in school or social media—allow them to connect personally with the stakes. Using modern dialogue and body language, they can explore how small actions like eye contact or pauses create tension naturally. This contemporary context brings Shakespeare’s techniques to life, showing how subtle dynamics can escalate conflict both on stage and in real life. Lesson Delivery for Specialists and Non-Specialists: This lesson is designed for easy delivery by both drama specialists and non-specialists, with all resources provided, including scene scripts, instructions for activities, and music to set the mood. Specialists can deepen the experience by guiding students through advanced techniques in dialogue delivery and physical expression, while non-specialists can follow the clear, step-by-step plan to facilitate engaging activities like staring matches and tension-building exercises. Music is integrated to set the tone, helping all students immerse themselves in key scenes. Both specialists and non-specialists can effectively teach the core skills of creating dramatic tension through these accessible, pre-prepared materials.

In this engaging and entertaining lesson, pupils are introduced to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and given a taster of some approaches to getting the text ‘on its feet’. The lesson includes a range of practical, fun exercises that will help all pupils to engage with the text practically without worrying about having to understand the challenging language. Areas of historical context are introduced through the text. The lesson has been designed to be taught by specialists and non-specialists alike and has clear instructions to make it accessible to all. This lesson is based upon the Royal Shakespeare Company’s practical introduction activities for Shakespeare. This lesson would be particularly suitable to English teachers wanting to make the study of the language more practical, or for Drama teachers aiming to begin work on a practical realisation of Romeo and Juliet. This resource includes activities prompting pupils to consider how the play might look if it was set in a contemporary time.

is versatile lesson empowers students to write their own scripts based on a chosen theme, incorporating sound effects and their own voice recordings to create immersive audio experiences. It’s designed to be conducted in any space—even when the usual drama classroom isn’t available—making it perfect for adaptable learning environments. All necessary resources are provided, including clear instructional materials, engaging examples, and script templates that guide students in developing their ideas. As they craft their scripts, students will explore how to enhance their narratives with thoughtfully selected sound effects, using everyday objects and technology to record their own voices, adding a personal touch to their projects. The structured yet flexible format allows both specialists and non-specialists to confidently lead the lesson, ensuring that any teacher can facilitate creativity and exploration. Students will engage in independent activities, utilizing their surroundings to collect sounds and record their voices, seamlessly integrating these elements into their scripts. This emphasis on working independently means they can adapt their creative processes to various environments, whether it’s a hallway, library, or outdoor area. With a focus on fun and creativity, this lesson fosters collaboration and imagination while being accessible to all teachers. Perfect for any educator looking to inspire students in crafting dynamic and evocative audio experiences through scriptwriting, sound design, and voice recording, regardless of their experience with drama or sound production!

In this engaging lesson, students will dive into the world of Foley sound effects, discovering how everyday objects can create the rich audio landscape of radio plays. With a focus on creativity and resourcefulness, this lesson provides teachers with comprehensive ideas and instructional videos that demonstrate how to produce various sound effects using items readily available in their classroom or school. Students will learn the art of sound design by experimenting with techniques to mimic sounds such as footsteps, doors creaking, and even rain falling, bringing their scripts to life through their own unique soundscapes. Whether using their original scripts or one provided, they’ll gain practical experience in how sound enhances storytelling and engages listeners. The lesson includes clear instructions and visuals, making it easy for both specialists and non-specialists to guide students through the process. By the end of the session, students will have created a dynamic audio experience that showcases their newfound skills, fostering collaboration and imagination in a fun and educational environment. Perfect for teachers looking to inspire creativity and sound literacy in their classrooms!