Stage It provides a simple-to-follow roadmap for teachers to help students dive into the dramatic, romantic, and playful world of Shakespeare. Originating from the highly successful NYC-based arts education program, Stages of Learning, this resource enables your drama, arts, or ELA class to learn the basics of Shakespeare's language, themes, characters, introductory staging, and directing. Designed for busy teachers, Stage It enables you to choose your own adventure depending on time, grade level collaboration, and student interest. This professional teacher’s guide has simple to use instructions and worksheets, such as acting tools for instruction about the plot synopsis, cast of characters, and paraphrasing; and directing tools for tips about the play and the theater making process. Accompanying the book online are abridged versions of four of Shakespeare’s well-known plays: Hamlet, Henry V, Julius Caesar, and Othello as well as paraphrasing worksheets, a culminating performance program template, and more. Stage It meets or exceeds many standards-based frameworks including New York State Learning Standards in the Arts, benchmarks of the New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts K-12: Theater, the U.S. Common Core / State Standards, and National Arts Standards. Teachers of students aged 9 -12, as well as educators in after-school or community programs, can foster a deep connection to the material through a gradual process that engages everyone in the classroom. This approach not only brings Shakespeare's timeless stories to life, but also cultivates essential skills like public speaking, teamwork, and self-expression for students of all identities.
1. Introduction 2.Why Acting and Why These Stage It Plays for Students Aged 9- 12½ 3. Shakespeare Basics 4. Scope and Sequence 5. Acting Lesson Plans 6. The Rehearsal Process 7. The Culminating Performance 8. Inquiry and Reflection 9. Support Materials
Biography
Floyd Rumohr is the founder of Stages of Learning, a nonprofit organization upon which Stage It is based. He is a former master teaching artist for dozens of schools, has directed several plays off-Broadway, was an Adjunct Professor of Education at the Long Island University Graduate School of Education, and has consulted on the NYC Department of Education's Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts Theater Grades PreK-12. As Associate Education Director for Theatre for A New Audience, he focused on bringing world-class Shakespeare programs to urban youth.
"Push back the desks and get your students fully engaged in learning in a way that they will never forget! Stage It is a brilliant and thoroughly researched guide that brings the magic of Shakespearean theater into the classroom. Having worked with Floyd Rumohr for years, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact his methods had on students, igniting their love for language, literature, and self-discovery through drama. This step-by-step book provides well-crafted, consecutive lessons with skill-building activities, assessments, and resources that ease students ages 9-12 into the world of acting and Shakespeare. Rumohr's approach empowers students, building their focus, engagement, teamwork, and emotional intelligence."
Maureen Dillon, Retired Teacher, Croton-Harmon Schools, USA.
"Stage It stands as a meticulously crafted roadmap for our frontline educators, illuminating the transformative power of arts education. In an ever-changing world where the virtues of empathy, connection and resilience are paramount, this guidebook will lead the next generation to a brighter, more empathetic future."
Jennifer Wintzer, Program Manager, Koch Center for Family Enterprise, USA.
"Stage It is perhaps the most teacher and student friendly guide in print today. This is the most practical and engaging approach to teaching younger students Shakespeare—or any literary content— that I have seen in over two decades as a drama educator. Through this process students will build community with their peers, learn to collaborate and compromise, deepen their knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare, gain confidence in their own innate creativity, grow reflection, assessment, and refinement skills, and learn to stand in front of an audience with pride and claim their space in the world. I ask you, who wouldn’t want this for their students, let alone every child?"
Jennifer Shirley, Former Stages of Learning Master Teaching Artist, Drama Curriculum Specialist,The Juilliard School, USA.
"Stage It is a transformative resource that empowers educators to make Shakespearean literature engaging and accessible to students of all ages. I highly recommend this book to any educator seeking innovative methods to enrich their teaching and inspire their students. Stage It not only dispels the misconception that Shakespeare is inaccessible to younger students but also provides invaluable techniques that significantly enhance language acquisition and comprehension. Its strategies integrate language and movement, fostering deep connections for students, and employs techniques that develop a deeper understanding of Shakespearean language while empowering confidence in students to express the power of their own voices."
André Del Valle, Head of School, Mary McDowell Friends School, USA.
"Stage It is an essential tool for educators to have in their classroom. It provides a detailed map of how to “stage” a play from beginning to end and demystifies the notion that Shakespeare’s plays have to be done in a certain classical style. Teachers are empowered to tackle a play with their students in a step-by-step method, learning together and reflecting on the process. I have been using this framework in classrooms all over NYC and with my current population of English Language Learners. It transforms classrooms into real rehearsal spaces with safe boundaries, reflection and creativity."
Albert R. I. Elias, Founder and Director, Creative Stages NYC, llc, USA.
