Much Ado about Nothing Readers’ Theater

This is a close reading activity. You do not have to memorize your lines. You are, however, required to use the appropriate voice and actions to convey the ideas and emotions of the scene. Read closely and rehearse ahead of time, using intonation and gestures appropriate to your character and your character’s words. You may also wish to use simple props, costumes, and/or background music.

Performance Guidelines Use simple props, costumes, and background music as appropriate. Rehearse your parts ensuring clear and fluent reading with appropriate voice. You should use appropriate actions, gestures, tone, and facial expressions. Since Shakespeare doesn’t tell us how the characters should behave, or where they should move, how can we figure this out?

Performance Guidelines Choose a narrator to introduce the scene and to close the scene (plus to explain transitions as necessary). The narrator should open the scene by setting it up for us: What events prompted this scene? They should also close the scene: What is Shakespeare’s purpose in this scene/these events? How will this scene/event influence the outcome of the play?

Opening: Set the stage for the viewers Note: the person who plays the character with the fewest lines should also take on the responsibility to open and close the performance: Opening: Set the stage for the viewers Closure: Discuss the significance of this scene in the context of the play

See handout for the scenes/roles # of roles Act/Scene/Line Roles Summary of scene   Team 1: 5 roles 2.1.259-361 (p. 19 “Look, here she comes” to end of scene) Benedick, Don Pedro, Beatrice, Claudio, and Leonato B & B banter; Claudio is jealous; plan to play cupid Team 2: 4 roles 2.3.95-177 (p. 26 after Exit Balthasar to p.29 before Benedick’s soliloquy) Don Pedro, Claudio, Leonato, and Benedick Benedick is tricked into thinking Beatrice loves him Team 3: 3.1.1-122 (all of 3.1) Hero, Margaret, Ursula, and Beatrice Beatrice is tricked into thinking Benedick loves her Team 4: 3 roles 3.2.78-127 (p. 36 enter Don John to end of scene) Don John, Don Pedro, and Claudio Claudio is duped into suspecting Hero’s virtue Team 5: 3.5.1-62 (all of 3.5) Leonato, Dogberry, Verges, and Messenger Dogberry and Verges try to talk to Leonato Team 6: 6 roles 4.1.1-111 (p. 47 to 50 “That may be wished for…”) Leonato, Friar, Claudio, Hero, Benedick, and Don John Claudio rejects Hero at the church Team 7: 5.2.(all of 5.2) Margaret, Benedick, Beatrice and Ursula Benedick and Beatrice mock fight Team 8: 9 roles 5.4.35-133 (p. 73 “Good morrow” to end of scene) Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio, Antonio, Friar, Hero, Benedick, Beatrice, and Messenger The end of the play! See handout for the scenes/roles