FIRST :  Before you begin, you will need an identity if you do not already have one.  Take the time to give yourself a name and some background.  Based on your research, make your character as realistic as possible concerning occupation, standard of living, family, life experiences, etc. 

 

If you are a famous person, like Shakespeare, start by researching the life of this person, so you can speak more comfortably from his/her perspective.  What was your family background?  Are you married?  Children?  What do you do for a living? 

 

Remember to cite any factual information that comes directly from your sources.

 

SECOND:  Now, work with your partner to find information on  the subtopics that underlie your main topic.  You may wish to divide up the subtopics between you and share the information you find.  Think about what you will need to know about the Elizabethan era to be able to form your role authentically.

 

Sub Topics

 

Life in Elizabethan Times: Occupations, games, clothing, education, marriage, family life, religion, etc.

 

Life in London: Marriage, amusements, gambling, crime and punishment, education, sports, clothing, etc.

 

Disease/Medicine in Shakespeare’s Day:  The Bubonic Plague, doctors, science, medicine, religion, Elizabethan beliefs, hygiene, housing, food, sanitation, etc.

 

Life in Elizabethan England:  Housing, education, occupations, wages, marriage, the renaissance, Elizabethan society, social classes.

 

The Theatre: The Globe theatre, theatre structures, Elizabethan theatre, costumes, sets, admission, groundlings, Elizabethan audiences, occupations, social classes, actors in the Elizabethan era.

 

Shakespeare’s Life: Family life, Shakespeare’s life, occupations, Shakespeare’s education, boyhood, career as a playwright and actor, Shakespeare’s children, Shakespeare’s death.

 

Shakespeare’s Plays:  Shakespeare’s career as a playwright and actor, Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, The King’s Men, the life of Queen Elizabeth I, The Queen’s support of the arts, Shakespeare’s plays, etc.

 

Go to the "Resources" page of this site to find great web links for the many topics and sub topics listed above.

 

NOTE: The sub-topics listed here are only a few suggestions.  You may look for any information that you feel would make your portrayal of your character in your journal more authentic. 

REMEMBER: That you must use at least 3 websites and 2 print sources for your information.  Also, remember to use the note sheets available to take notes and copy important citation information for each source you use.