For Monday, February 10

Macbeth Director's Notebook
Due Date:  Thursday, February 13

This will be our complete focus from now until February 13.

Although, we will watch scene performances on Monday for the following students:
Garrett and Emily Clark
John and Emily Tyminski

Copy of Directions for Director's Notebook Here:

Macbeth-Motif

 

Mrs. Fox

 

AP Literature and Composition

 

7 January 2014

 

Macbeth Director’s Notebook

~Literary Device Focus:  Motif~

DUE DATE:  BOP February 3 or 4, 2014

 

You will design a Director’s Notebook in which you will record insights about the delivery of lines, costuming, characterization, staging, music, set, and prop choices.  Your “notes” will include the ways in which your scene highlights Shakespeare’s use of your chosen motif.  Your “notes” will also show how Shakespeare’s use of this motif adds to the play’s meaning.

 

Required Contents of Notebook:

1.         Script:  Obtain a copy of your scene, and print it on 8 1/2 X 11 copy paper.   Make sure to have enough space to include director’s notes.  Paste and copy from the web.  Annotations should include:

·         Vocal pauses, stresses, and inflections

·         Tone of voice

·         Gestures and facial expressions (those that are explicit in the script as well as those that are not)

·         Notes or diagrams of actions and movements

·         Definitions of words or phrases that you do not understand; explain phrases that might help your actors understand their lines

(Format:  annotations on the script)

2.         Costumes:  Design two costumes.  Your scene may have more than two actors.  Choose the most significant roles for this portion of your project.  Remember that cost is no object.  You can label your illustration designating fabrics, colors, materials, and purpose.  

(Format:  two labeled drawings; two separate pages; you might include color swatches, fabric swatches, beads, material samples-anything that will help me understand your design concept.)

 

3.         Analysis:  (500-750 words or two pages)  Write an analysis for the main character of your scene.  I think that Macbeth or Lady Macbeth should be your choice because this Shakespearean tragedy centers on these two; they affect and are affected by the motifs we have selected.

 

Use literary analysis format for body paragraphs.  Answer the question:  How does the motif of _______________________ highlight ________________________’s characterization?  Example:  Macbeth’s desire for power becomes apparent when ________________________________________.  You only need to use your scene; however, referring to other parts of the play that confirm your argument is encouraged.

Required:  embedded quotations and interpretations.  (minimum of six concrete examples)

 

(Format:  500-750 words or two pages, typed, 12 pt Times New Roman, MLA format for quotes; Works Cited page)

 

4.         Staging:  Sketch the plan for your set.  Include light set and cues for your scene.  Label your set to illustrate purpose.   Your set should “set” the mood/tone and highlight any symbolism found in the text. 

(Format:   A labeled sketch on 8 ½ X 11 sheet of copy paper)

5.         Props:  Make a list of props needed for each character.  If you are using a prop that relates to the symbolism or use of motif within the text, make sure to point that out.

(Format:   Typed listing by character-label items as to purpose/meaning)

 

6.         Music and Sound Effects:  Select appropriate music to play as an introduction to your performance—maybe as the curtain rises.  The music may continue through the scene.  Remember action, character, and mood should guide your selection.  Give reasons for the selections.

 

Outline the music choices using partial lines as music cues.  I usually will use a music note on my script to indicate a music cue.  You may include these cues on your annotated script.

 

7.         Casting:  A list of student actors matched with roles in your scene.

(Format:  List on its own page)

 

8.         Cover:  Label:  Directors Notebook: Macbeth Act ____, Scene ______

                                     Director:  ___________________________

 

PRODUCER’S ADVICE:  Show your understanding of Shakespeare’s techniques and your knowledge of literary analysis throughout your notebook.  Labeling your choices with purpose communicates this understanding and adds depth to your performance.

 

Remember that an “A” means superior in all parts.