After the students play through an interactive game about 17th century theater, they will read additional information and respond in writing with at least four things that compare and contrast 17th century theaters to theaters of today.
Procedures:
Complete the interactive virtual game below that guides you through the Globe Theater.
When you finish, read the material below to learn more.
Below is an interactive virtual game set in Shakespeare's famous Globe theater. Enjoy, and be prepared to discuss. When you are finished, scroll down for more information about the Globe Theater. NOTE: You must have an updated version of Flash to play.
The Globe Theater was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a play company of which William Shakespeare was a member. Like many other theaters of the time, it was built with the common round shape with floor space (called "the pit" or "the yard") in front of the stage (where there was literally standing room only) for the "groundlings" whose admission ranged from free to a penny for entry, and two tiers (or what we might call balconies now) with seats for higher-paying audience members and members of royalty.
Theaters during Shakespeare's time saw their share of challenges and struggles: the Plague and other illnesses and diseases, financial stresses, religious protest, royal ordinances, criminal acts such as theft and larceny, brawls, vandalism, and fire. Unfortunately, the original Globe was destroyed by a fire on June 29th, 1613 and a second Globe was built in the same location within a year. But bad luck struck again when the theaters were all closed by an Ordinance issued in September of 1642.
In 1997, a modern reconstruction of the Globe Theater, named Shakespeare's Globe, was built about 750 feet from the location of the original theater. It is a very active theater with ongoing productions, including authentic recreations of Shakespeare's works as well as modern adaptations and productions by other playwrights. For further study of Shakespeare's life and the Globe Theater, the following book is recommended:
William Shakespeare and the Globe by Aliki is a well-detailed book that combines literature, history, biography, archaeology, and architecture to bring to life William Shakespeare and his life in Elizabethan England, as well as the theater world and the Globe Theater.
In a paragraph of at least 5-7 sentences, discuss at least four of the differences and similarities between 17th century theaters and theaters of today. ASSESSMENT: Exceeding Expectations The student has listed more than four differences and similarities between 17th century theaters and theaters of today and has written at least 7 sentences.
Meeting Expectations The student has listed four differences and similarities between 17th century theaters and theaters of today and has written at least 5 sentences.
Approaching Expectations The student has listed only a few differences and similarities between 17th century theaters and theaters of today and has written less than 5 sentences.
Far Below Expectations The student has listed very few differences and similarities between 17th century theaters and theaters of today and has written at least not written enough sentences.