Module 8: Drama – Romeo and Juliet

As you already know, soliloquy is an important component of William Shakespeare's dramas, especially Romeo and Juliet. For this assessment, you will perform a soliloquy of your choosing. After all, Romeo and Juliet is a piece of literature that is meant to be performed. Make sure to read through each part carefully before you get started. Before you begin, access the Soliloquy Performance Rubric to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit.

Think back to your reading of Romeo and Juliet; which of the soliloquies stands out most in your mind? In order to complete this assignment, you should use the follow steps:

1. Select a soliloquy from the list provided in the table below.
2. Read through the scene several times to become familiar with it and to clarify meaning. Begin to memorize it.
3. Create your performance notes for the soliloquy. Practice reciting it, make notes on where you want to include dramatic pauses and which emotions you want to convey.
4. Begin the rehearsal process by getting comfortable saying the lines and understanding the emotion in your scene. Try to speak naturally, clearly, and with emphasis. Remember, it is your character saying the lines, not you. The audience should understand the meaning and significance of the scene based solely upon your performance.
5. You may want to record your rehearsals of the scene, and make notes on which parts need more work.
6. Perform your soliloquy using the submission method indicated by your instructor.
   

You may choose one of the following soliloquies or monologues:

Location in Romeo and Juliet	Speaker	Setting/Context
Act I Prologue	Chorus	Prologue
Act I, Scene 1	Prince	Breaking up the fight
Act I, Scene 4	Mercutio	Queen Mab
Act II, Scene 2	Romeo	Balcony; speaking of Juliet
Act II, Scene 2	Juliet	Balcony; speaking of Romeo
Act III, Scene 2	Juliet	Romeo banished, Tybalt slain
Act III, Scene 3	Friar	Chastising Romeo
Act III, Scene 5	Capulet	Angry with Juliet
Act IV, Scene 3	Juliet	Before taking the poison
Act V, Scene 3	Romeo	Before drinking poison
Act V, Scene 3	Friar	To the crowd

Do You Have Stage Fright?

When faced with making an oral presentation, many students experience stage fright, or anxiety about performing in front of an audience. These students are not alone - many famous actors and actresses deal with stage fright. View the video Dealing with Stage Fright from eMediaVASM to learn more about techniques to deal with stage fright. As you view the video, make note of the ways in which these students make it easier to perform in front of an audience. Do you think you can use some of these techniques for this assignment?

Submitting Your Performance

If you are completing this course fully online, you may be wondering how you can present your soliloquy in a virtual environment. Your instructor will choose the method through which you will deliver your soliloquy. Some of the options to present online include:

• Using a computer, camera, or mobile device to record yourself giving the presentation;
• Using an online web conferencing tool to deliver the presentation; or
• A combination of live presentation and recorded pieces.

Reflection

You already know that dramas, like Romeo and Juliet, are meant to be performed and watched rather than read. Take a few moments to think about your performance of the soliloquy that you chose. How did performing the piece change your understanding of the soliloquy? Did it impact your understanding of the character that you were performing? In a digital document, compose four to five sentences responding to these questions.

Once you have recorded your soliloquy performance and completed your reflection, please complete it and submit it to the Module 8 Assessment dropbox, or schedule your web conferencing performance with your instructor and submit your reflection to the Module 8 Assessment dropbox.

 

Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.