Overview

While people across the world read Shakespeare’s plays every day, it is important to keep in mind that he wrote each play not to be read, but to be performed for a live audience. Students will use this worksheet to create a playbill for a live performance of King Lear by writing cohesive, concise summaries of each act. Pass out the worksheet after students have read the entire play so that their summaries reflect an understanding of the entire plot. If possible, share a sample of an authentic playbill as a model and discuss what a playbill (or program) is.

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