Adapted from the Folger Recipe Cookbook

Goals: To define individual interpretations for staging the script and its characters.

Number of Students: Individuals

Equipment and Supplies: Script, paper, pencil.

Class Time Needed: Preparation time: thirty minutes. Discussion time: fifteen to thirty minutes.

Step-by-Step Description: Have the students create an imaginary cast list, with each role in the play being performed by a well-known actor or public figure. Share and discuss the cast lists.

Points for Oberservation/Discussion:

Interpretation of character type and function

• Type-casting

• Casting against type

• Cross-gender casting

• Gender- or race-neutral casting

• Generational relationships and differences between characters (for instance, how old are Baptista's daughters?)

Variations:

• Give the ideal age for each character.

• Specify the quality of the actor or public figure that seems appropriate to the role

Source/Reference: Prof. Audrey Stanley, University of California at Santa Cruz, 1995-96 NEH Institute "Shakespeare Examined through Performance"