A+Midsummer's+Night+Dream


 * Assignment**: You will need to perform either a soliloquy or a short scene (with two main characters) from //A Midsummer Night's Dream// and then write a paper in which you focus on how performing the scene changed or developed your understanding of the text. To do this assignment effectively you will need to closely read the text and carefully analyze it in terms of characterization, tone or argue for its inclusion in the play. That said, this paper does not have to be a formal literary analysis. In fact, I encourage you to find your personal voice in writing this paper and describing the process of understanding and discovery of the significance of the text.


 * Performance**: For the performance, you should have the scene memorized. You should also work out movements and interactions for the performance, such as blocking, props, costumes. My main concern is for you to demonstrate a facility with the text. In other words, you should be able to convey that you understand what you are saying, with varying degrees of nuance. This sounds obvious, but it is often a task in itself. You should be able to understand where key pauses are and why they are there. You should be able to understand where key pauses are and why they are there. You should be able to demonstrate the development of the character: what he is thinking, feeling, what his motivations are, what they fear. I am not looking for the next Oscar winning performance, although that would be delightful should that happen. For many of you, this performance will be a new experience and will force you to step out of your comfort zone. However, I firmly believe it is an important experience for understanding the play, and Shakespeare's work. I encourage you to embrace the challenge and jump right into the assignment.

Download a copy of the rubric here:


 * Paper**: See details in assignment paragraph. The paper should be no less than 3 pages, double-spaced on your section of the play. It should follow basic MLA format with parenthetical citations from the text. It is fine to use just act and scene.