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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.2167  Tuesday, 7 December 1999.

From:           Linda Graceffo <artdirect2@worldnet.att.net>
Date:           Monday, 06 Dec 1999 14:58:52 -0500
Subject:        Q: Teaching

I am a masters student attempting to develop an interesting method for
teaching Shakespeare. It's difficult for students on the secondary level
to appreciate Shakespeare when they're trying to interpret the meaning
of the language. Only beyond that difficulty can an appreciation of
Shakespeare emerge. Presenting Shakespeare with modern English obviously
makes it easier to grasp. Altering the setting to accommodate present
day society would also bring understanding within the grasp of a much
larger population.

Do you have any suggestions as to how Shakespeare might be taught to
high school students that will bring them closer to the inner
Shakespeare?  Can you recommend any web sites or educational software
which might be helpful?

Below are two which I thought might be useful
Opening Night,
Emphasis: Drama Story-telling; Creative Writing
Opening Night draws it's inspiration and visual appeal from the British
stage, with actors, settings, props, and sound effects designed for the
classic Sherlock-Holmes-type mystery. This title features
photo-realistic actors, including aristocrats, sleuths and chimney
sweeps who appear in castles and tea rooms, Stonehenge, the Tower Bridge
and other actual sites.

Opening Night offers intricate stage and editing options which simulate
the feel of a real theatre. The user can manipulate a huge number of
sets, sound effects, lighting types (floods or footlights), and props.
They can arrange furniture, barrels and plants, put books or food on
tables, and even have the actors sit down, stand up, curtsy and perform
other movements.  Changes in any of these elements are automatically
updated in the playbill and script.

This software arrives with a CD, which offers an inside look at the
workings of a real theater, providing a solid support for a class drama
unit.

Hollywood, price
Emphasis: Storytelling; Drama
Hollywood allows students to plan, write, and script their own animated
stories and movies.  Students can choose from an range of sets, add
characters and start typing. A well-designed, straightforward interface
offers step-by-step guidance throughout, with endless storehouse of
story starters, plot twists, and dialogue suggestions-all completely
customized to each character¹s personality and chosen setting. The
twenty colorful backgrounds (a funky cafe, the surface of the moon) 10
engaged characters, and playful music and sound effects, provide young
authors with plenty of material for their masterpieces. The program
includes options which help students to focus on subtle differences in
tone and word meaning.

Best regards
L. Graceffo

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