Source: Michael Cremonini

This is a good exercise to isolate one plot line in a complicated play. If you are able to do this for all of the plot lines, it becomes clear to the students when these plot lines intertwine and how all of the conflicts are resolved at the end of the play. This exercise is usually a multi-day project. For instance, one day can be used to prepare the scenes and the next day to perform them.

1. Choose one plot line from the play.

2. Divide the class into enough groups to work on each section (an act or a few scenes) of that plot line.

3. Give the class enough time to read through the section and to decide on characters, costumes, props

4. Have the students ready their section for performance. Each group should have enough people so that one can be the “director,” and the rest can be actors and “helpers.”

5. Create a theatre space in your classroom or find a large enough space for this performance—the auditorium, the gym, the cafeteria or, if appropriate, outside.

6. Perform the scenes, in order, for the class.