11 short performances for teaching and performing Shakespeare This booklet contains 11 pieces of Shakespeare’s writing: some are dialogues involving many characters, others are monologues and there is one sonnet. Some are exactly as written; others have been edited to take a longer scene and capture a core portion of it suitable to be performed without the context of the wider play. The pieces have been chosen to cover a range of topics, from romance to villainy. It should be noted that two of the examples in particular (Witty Banter and A Pound of Flesh) heavily touch upon issues of discrimination and equality and it would be recommended that this issues be discussed if you want to use these pieces with your students.

Here are four (edited) scenes surrounding modern social issues. They are good springboards for discussions on these issues, as well as exploring relationships where one character is in a position of power compared to the other(s). These scenes are: A - "Mad Men", where the experienced secretary (Joan) shows the new girl (Peggy) around her incredibly sexist 1940s office. B - "Look Back in Anger", where a boring Sunday morning leads to a domestic argument. C - "Juno", where teenager (Juno) has to speak to her parents about the fact that she's pregnant. D - "American History X", where the headteacher (Sweeney) throws a life line to a student who's out of control (Danny) There is also a written assessment task to draw together the pupil's understanding of the scenes.

A one-off Drama lesson calling for silly ideas and outrageous overacting.