8th Grade Drama Activities (by date, latest first)

Ignite your theatre productions and classroom with our comprehensive and dynamic resource: the "Ultimate Theatre Production Crew Interview Questions"! Designed by a theatre education expert, this versatile tool is your go-to for streamlining communication and planning when selecting your theatre production crew.

Features:

• Over 50 Curated Questions: Dive into a treasure trove of thoughtfully crafted questions tailored for every essential crew role, including Scenic Design, Costume, Lights, Sound, Props, Stage Management, Marketing, Front of House, and more!
• Assess Skills and Potential: Our questions are designed to assess students' interests, skills, and growth potential, ensuring you select the most passionate and capable crew for your production.
• Versatile Classroom Use: Perfect for mock interview activities, students can take on the roles of interviewer or interviewee, enhancing their understanding of technical theatre roles.
• Editable and Shareable: Easily customize and share this resource with your students and colleagues. Copy and adapt questions to fit your specific needs, whether for classroom projects or real-world productions.
• Practical and Engaging: Encourage students to explore different aspects of theatre production, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the behind-the-scenes magic.

Ideal For:

• Theatre educators seeking to enrich their curriculum with interactive and practical activities.
• Students eager to immerse themselves in the world of theatre production.
• Drama departments looking for an effective way to organize and assess production crews.

Bring your theatre program to life with our "Ultimate Theatre Production Crew Interview Questions" and watch as your students' creativity and confidence soar on and off the stage!

Purchase now and unlock a world of theatrical possibilities for your students!

How to Access

This product is delivered via a file download. You will receive links to access the Google Doc template. If you have trouble with the file please email me at classroomtocurtain@gmail.com.

To utilize the Google Doc, a free Google account is required.

If don't have a Google account, you can create a free one here: https://accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp

This product is for single classroom personal use only!

___________________________________________________________________________

If you need help with this product, please contact me!

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Classroom to Curtain © 2025

Introducing Our Versatile Cast List Template for Plays and Musicals!

Tap into the magic of theatre with our fully editable Google Doc Cast List Template, tailor-made for dynamic educators and creative theatre directors. Whether you're orchestrating the next big production or inspiring students to imagine their dream cast, this resource is your one-stop solution!

What’s Inside:

• Digital Cast List Template:

  • Perfect for directors and educators alike, this easy-to-use template makes announcing your final cast a breeze. Seamlessly integrate it with your production workflow or upload it to your learning management system. Watch your students’ creativity soar as they craft their own dream cast based on the shows they’ve watched or read.

• Editable Printable Worksheet:

  • Need a quick and engaging activity for substitute plans? Our printable worksheet version is here to save the day! Students can fill out their cast lists on paper, making it an ideal hands-on activity that blends fun with learning.

Why You’ll Love It:

• User-Friendly: Designed with educators in mind, our template is intuitive and easy to customize, ensuring you spend less time formatting and more time inspiring.
• Flexible & Fun: Adaptable for both digital and print use, catering to a range of classroom needs and theatre settings.
• Encourages Creativity: Empowers students to think critically about character roles and storytelling, fostering a deeper understanding of theatrical productions.

Perfect For:

• Theatre educators seeking a versatile tool for classroom engagement.
• Directors looking to streamline their casting announcements.
• Substitute teachers needing a ready-made, educational activity.
• Students eager to explore their creativity through theatre.

Ignite your students’ passion for theatre and streamline your production process with our dynamic Cast List Template. Get it now and let the curtain rise on a world of creative possibilities!

How to Access

This product is delivered via a file download. You will receive links to access the Google Doc template. If you have trouble with the file please email me at classroomtocurtain@gmail.com.

To utilize the Google Doc, a free Google account is required.

If don't have a Google account, you can create a free one here: https://accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp

This product is for single classroom personal use only!

___________________________________________________________________________

If you need help with this product, please contact me!

Connect with me for more ways to elevate your theatre program classroom to curtain:

Instagram

Pinterest

Subscribe to Mailing List

Website

Classroom to Curtain © 2025

Organize your next play or musical production with our Character Description Breakdown Template! This dynamic resource is a must-have for directors, educators, and students alike, serving as a versatile tool to elevate your theatre productions and class resources.

For Directors: Streamline your audition process with ease and precision. Our template allows you to craft detailed character profiles with fields for character description, gender identity, age range, vocal range, and even special casting notes and considerations. Whether you're preparing for auditions, crafting announcements, or finalizing casting decisions, this tool will become your go-to guide for bringing characters to life with clarity and creativity.

For Educators and Students: Dive deeper into character analysis and understanding with this engaging assignment tool. Perfect for directing classes or theatre studies, students can use the template to present their insights on characters from plays or musicals they have read or watched. This resource encourages critical thinking and allows students to showcase their comprehension of character motivations, relationships, and development from a director’s perspective.

Features:

• Comprehensive Sections: Cover everything from character traits and background to vocal range, age range, and more.
• User-Friendly Layout: Designed for ease of use, allowing you to focus on creativity and analysis without getting bogged down by complex formatting.
• Adaptable & Versatile: Suitable for any play or musical, this template is fully customizable to match the production or producing company’s fonts and styles, making it a timeless addition to your theatrical toolkit.
• Printable & Digital Formats: Access the template in a way that suits your needs, whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a digital workflow.

Elevate your theatre experience with our Play & Musical Character Description Breakdown Template—where every character’s story becomes a masterpiece waiting to unfold!

How to Access

This product is delivered via a file download. You will receive links to access the Google Doc template. If you have trouble with the file please email me at classroomtocurtain@gmail.com.

To utilize the Google Doc, a free Google account is required.

If don't have a Google account, you can create a free one here: https://accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp

This product is for single classroom personal use only!

___________________________________________________________________________

If you need help with this product, please contact me!

Connect with me for more ways to elevate your theatre program classroom to curtain:

Instagram

Pinterest

Subscribe to Mailing List

Website

Classroom to Curtain © 2025

Get ready for an exciting Romeo and Juliet escape room! Students work in small teams to help Romeo and Juliet meet before Juliet’s wedding to Paris. They must solve a series of puzzles, each one based on the play.

First, students decode a secret letter using numbers and letters. Then, they match characters with their correct descriptions. They unscramble famous lines from the play and choose the right potion to help Juliet fake her death. In another challenge, students sort characters into the Montague and Capulet families. Each puzzle brings them closer to the final clue.

The activities are fast, fun, and full of teamwork. Students need to read carefully, think critically, and work together under pressure. Each puzzle ties directly to the characters, themes, and events from Romeo and Juliet, helping students review the story in a creative way.

The escape room is in PowerPoint format. It can be used digitaly or printed out. No internet connection is required. All answers are provided.

A thorough lesson plan on the well-known drama "An Inspector Calls" by J.D. Priestley. The play's action takes place in an industrial city in England, where a young girl kills herself and a well-known British family is routinely investigated in relation to the death. All of the family members are either directly or indirectly implicated in the girl's downfall. As a result, an inspector calls to investigate the family. Before the evening is done, the close-knit and amiable family is revealed to be cowardly, selfish, or self-centered, its good humor turning to sour, and its pleasant fellowship to despised.

Every step of the 90-minute lesson is included in the lesson plan. It includes the 'An Inspector Calls || 7 Minute Summary' YouTube video from the Easy as GCSE channel. A student worksheet that may be printed has a lot of activities and answers at the end.

Enjoy teaching classic literature to your students!

Love in its many forms is the most important theme in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream. *The romantic encounters and subsequent confusions are the greatest cause of conflict in the play.

The play gives us variations on the theme of love – idyllic young love in the case of Hermia and Lysander; passionate and possessive love between Titania and Oberon; love lost and found again as with Helena and Demetrius; love as conquest as in the case of Theseus and Hippolyta. Shakespeare makes a point of infusing A Midsummer Night’s Dream with more than just a two-dimensional notion of romantic love – he shows us the darker side where we see love’s inconstancy, its violence, its possessiveness, and its illusory nature.

This lesson plan is designed specifically for Shakespeare's classic comedy. It lasts approximately 90 minutes (depending on the class size) and has activities for all types of learners. The photocopiable student sheet with the activities is included, as well as a separate sheet with the answers.

Twelfth Night incorporates many classic elements of comedic theater. At the core of its structure lies a network of complex romantic liaisons (Orsino loves Olivia, Olivia is smitten with Cesario and later Sebastian, Viola has feelings for Orsino, while Sir Andrew and Malvolio are attracted to Olivia); disguise (the plot centers around Viola disguising herself as a male servant to survive after being shipwrecked in Illyria); mistaken identities (Viola and Sebastian are twins so alike that nobody can tell them apart); trickery and mischief; a rich offering of song and dance; the satire of hypocrisy, excess, and arrogance; a fleeting period of chaos and confusion; concluding with a resolution where all misunderstandings are resolved and three marriages take place.

This ebook features an extensive lesson plan focused on 'Twelfth Night' and includes multiple activities intended to last at least 90 minutes. A unique printable worksheet for learners is included, along with the answer guide.

Romeo and Juliet is a play created by Shakespeare. It is a tragic romantic story where the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet, are supposed to be fierce opponents but ultimately fall in love. Due to the ongoing conflict between their families, they cannot be with each other, resulting in their decision to end their lives as they cannot bear the agony of being apart. Romeo and Juliet is a heartbreaking drama written by Shakespeare.

Unquestionably, the primary and most important theme of the play is love. The drama focuses on romantic love, especially the passionate longing that ignites immediately when Romeo and Juliet encounter each other for the first time. In Romeo and Juliet, love is a passionate, thrilling, prevailing force that transcends all other values, loyalties, and emotions.

This lesson plan focused on Shakespeare's famous tragedy is designed to last approximately 6 hours (of course, depending on your class size). Many tasks are organized in five worksheets. Their replies are also incorporated at the conclusion.

The tragedy of political aspirations

A courageous Scottish general called Macbeth is given a prediction by three witches that he will someday be King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged into action by his wife, Macbeth kills King Duncan and quickly transforms into a tyrannical leader. Core themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth encompass: the conflict of good and evil, the perils of ambition, the impact of supernatural elements, the disparity between appearance and truth, as well as loyalty and remorse. A prominent theme in Macbeth is ambition, evident in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They are lured by the notion that Macbeth will ascend to the throne – Macbeth is uncertain about his choices, but his wife is relentless in pursuing her desires – she considers her husband a coward and seems willing to go to any lengths.

Ambition drives one to wickedness - it empowers Macbeth, increasing his resolve, yet ultimately leads to his wife's madness.

Ambition ultimately destroys Macbeth as well, as he turns into a tyrant and consequently alienates his friends.

This lesson plan, which lasts nearly 6 hours (depending on your class size, of course), provides a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's renowned play. It comprises spoken and written tasks, arranged into four worksheets. The responses are also incorporated.

The tragedy of political aspirations

A courageous Scottish general called Macbeth is given a prediction by three witches that he will someday be King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged into action by his wife, Macbeth kills King Duncan and quickly transforms into a tyrannical leader. Core themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth encompass: the conflict of good and evil, the perils of ambition, the impact of supernatural elements, the disparity between appearance and truth, as well as loyalty and remorse. A prominent theme in Macbeth is ambition, evident in both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They are lured by the notion that Macbeth will ascend to the throne – Macbeth is uncertain about his choices, but his wife is relentless in pursuing her desires – she considers her husband a coward and seems willing to go to any lengths.

Ambition drives one to wickedness - it empowers Macbeth, increasing his resolve, yet ultimately leads to his wife's madness.

Ambition ultimately destroys Macbeth as well, as he turns into a tyrant and consequently alienates his friends.

This lesson plan, which lasts nearly 6 hours (depending on your class size, of course), provides a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's renowned play. It comprises spoken and written tasks, arranged into four worksheets. The responses are also incorporated.

Let's face it, Shakespeare can be a bit ...boring.

But not with this Shakespearean Insults activity pack and game bundle!

Get your students laughing while they learn Shakespeare vocabulary and interact with Shakespeare's plays in a whole new way.

Perfect for students in grades 6-12!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM OR HOMESCHOOL:

• It Makes Learning Fun: Forget dry lectures! This Shakespearean insult bundle is full of games like the hilarious insult generator, creative activities, and more to keep students engaged and excited about learning.
• Less Intimidation: Shakespeare can be intimidating, but these activities make it approachable and fun. Students will be surprised at how much they enjoy exploring the Bard's language.
• Saves Your Sanity (and Time): No more spending hours planning lessons. This pack comes with 69 pages of ready-to-use activities. Plus, laminate the game cards and you're set for years to come – talk about a time-saver!
• Keeps Everyone Engaged: Got visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners? This pack has something for everyone! With Shakespeare quizzes and games, art projects, and more, every student will find a way to connect with Shakespeare’s plays.
• Builds a Powerful Vocabulary: The Shakespeare insult generator and comprehensive glossaries make learning new words a blast.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Shakespearean Insult verbal duel dramatic play game.

Roast (Insult) building game

Matching Quiz

Shakespeare trivia

3 Glossaries

What would Shakespeare Say activity

Music activity

Art activity- create a comic

Battle of wits game- verbal smackdown

Synopsis and insults from 12 plays: King Lear

Romeo and Juliet

The Taming of the Shrew

Hamlet

Macbeth

The Taming of the Shrew

Midsummer Nights Dream

Julius Caesar

The Tempest

Othello

Merchant of Venice

Twelfth Night

Much Ado About Nothing

This pack is a game-changer for anyone who wants to make Shakespeare come alive in their classroom.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

This is a digital download. You will not receive anything in the mail.

Please use a computer to download and not your phone.

This file is for personal use only and may not be reproduced or sold commercially.

I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

Thank you! :)

-Jennifer

Copyright  © 2024 ArnoldWellnessDesign

Ready to spice up your lessons on Shakespeare’s plays?

Imagine your students passionately delivering lines like, “Thou art a boil, a plague sore, an embossed carbuncle!” Yep, we’re talking about Shakespearean insults, and this printable game is the ultimate way to engage middle and high schoolers while teaching the Bard’s wit and wordplay!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT FOR YOUR CLASSROOM OR HOMESCHOOL:

Interactive Learning: Your students will dive headfirst into Shakespearean language through fun, competitive “duels.”

Drama Meets Creativity: They’ll use accents, gestures, and all the flair to bring the insults to life.

No Prep Required: Just print, set up, and let the hilarity unfold!

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

A list of 50 Shakespearean insults to fuel the duels.

Game instructions for individual battles, team play, and improv scenarios (perfect for all group sizes!).

Creative variations like freestyle duels, skit-making, and improv challenges.

NO Prep- just print and play! Easy setup for classrooms, drama clubs, or homeschool groups.

HOW IT WORKS:

Pair Up or Team Up: Students get their insults ready.

The Duel Begins: With dramatic flair, they throw Shakespearean shade at their opponent.

Audience Votes: The most creative and theatrical delivery wins!

Crown a Champion: Continue the duels until the Shakespearean Insult Champion reigns supreme.

PERFECT FOR:

Literature and drama classes studying Shakespeare plays

Icebreakers or fun review days

Homeschool co-ops looking for creative language activities

LOOKING FOR MORE SHAKESPEARE ACTIVITIES?

Check out the Shakespeare Insults Activity Pack.

Both resources are also included in the Shakespeare Insults Activity and Game bundle so you can save on both!

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

This is a digital download. You will not receive anything in the mail.

Please use a computer to download and not your phone.

This file is for personal use only and may not be reproduced or sold commercially.

I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

Thank you! :)

-Jennifer

Copyright © 2024 ArnoldWellnessDesign

Let's face it, Shakespeare can be a bit...boring- but not with this Shakespearean Insults activity pack! Get your students laughing while they learn Shakespeare's vocabulary and interact with Shakespeare's plays in a new way.

Perfect for students in grades 6-12!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM OR HOMESCHOOL:

• It Makes Learning Fun: Forget dry lectures! This Shakespeare activity pack is full of games and fun learning like the hilarious insult generator, and a Cards Against Humanity-inspired Battle of Wits- and more to keep students engaged and excited about learning.
• Less Intimidation: Shakespeare can be intimidating, but these literature game activities make it approachable and fun. Students will be surprised at how much they enjoy exploring the Bard's language.
• Saves Your Sanity (and Time): No more spending hours planning lessons. This pack comes with 69 pages of ready-to-use activities. Plus, laminate the game cards and you're set for years to come – talk about a time-saver!
• Keeps Everyone Engaged: Got visual learners, auditory learners, kinesthetic learners? This pack has something for everyone! With Shakespeare quizzes and games, art projects, and more, every student will find a way to connect with Shakespeare’s plays.
• Builds a Powerful Vocabulary: The Shakespeare insult generator, English Language Arts Games, and comprehensive glossaries make learning new words a blast.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Roast (Insult) building game
• Matching Quiz
• Shakespeare trivia
• 3 Glossaries
• What would Shakespeare Say activity
• Music activity
• Art activity- create a comic
• Battle of wits game- verbal smackdown

Synopsis and insults from 12 plays:

• King Lear
• Romeo and Juliet
• The Taming of the Shrew
• Hamlet
• Macbeth
• The Taming of the Shrew
• Midsummer Nights Dream
• Julius Caesar
• The Tempest
• Othello
• Merchant of Venice
• Twelfth Night
• Much Ado About Nothing

This pack is a game-changer for anyone who wants to make Shakespeare come alive in their classroom.

If you like this activity pack you may also like this Shakespearean Insult game which is great for dramatic play.

You can also find both resources in the Shakespeare Insults Activity and Game bundle,

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

This is a digital download. You will not receive anything in the mail.

Please use a computer to download and not your phone.

This file is for personal use only and may not be reproduced or sold commercially.

I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

Thank you! :)

-Jennifer

Copyright  © 2024 ArnoldWellnessDesign

I am not throwing away my shot! Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character is an innovative resource designed for upper middle school and lower high school English Language Arts teachers. This engaging packet leverages the powerful narrative of the musical 'Hamilton' to delve into the intricate dynamics between two of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This literary analysis is an easy way to practice plot, conflict, and character development while enjoying some of the best songs from the Hamilton Musical soundtrack.

Key Highlights:

• Detailed Lyric Analysis: Students will read and annotate the lyrics of key songs, exploring the deep narrative and character development. Song lyrics include Aaron Burr, Sir, My Shot, Wait for It, The Election of 1800, Your Obedient Servant, and The World Was Wide Enough.
• Figurative Language Identification: Enhance literary comprehension by identifying figurative language, fostering a greater appreciation of the songs' poetic elements.
• Critical Character and Conflict Exploration: Thought-provoking questions on conflict, plot, and character are included, promoting analytical skills through a 'Claim, Evidence, Reasoning' framework.
• Cross-Curricular Engagement: Seamlessly integrating music and history with English literature, this resource offers a multi-dimensional learning experience.
• Interactive Google Slides Presentation: A comprehensive presentation with embedded songs enhances classroom engagement and interaction.
• Comprehensive Answer Key: Facilitates teaching and ensures effective learning outcomes.

Extension Opportunities:

• Creative Writing Prompts: Encourage students to write from the perspectives of Hamilton or Burr, deepening their understanding of these historical figures.
• Debate Sessions: Host debates on the decisions and actions of Hamilton and Burr, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills.
• Research Projects: Students can undertake research projects on the historical accuracy of the musical, comparing it with actual historical events.

'Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character' is more than just a teaching resource; it's a gateway to exploring history, literature, and music in an immersive and captivating way. Prepare to bring the excitement of 'Hamilton' into your classroom and watch as your students develop a richer understanding of literary analysis, historical context, and character study.

Get students involved in your class reading or begin writing their own skits! This product allows students to participate in your classes more through SKITS & READER'S THEATRE! Skit Action Cards, Skit Action Sheets, 4 Projects, and Suggested Uses. This product can be used for 6th - 12th grade students. Check it out!

This Product Includes:

1. 2 STYLES of WORKSHEET ACTIVITIES

2. 4 Projects

3. 44 SKIT ACTION CARDS

4. Black & White Versions

5. BLANK SKIT ACTION CARDS for Teacher Creativity

6. 4+ Pages of Clarification and Explanation of Uses of this Item

will help to make your classroom GREAT!

Get students involved in your class reading or begin writing their own skits! This product allows students to participate in your classes more through SKITS & READER'S THEATRE! This product can be used for 6th - 12th grade students. Check it out!

This Product Includes:

1. 2 STYLES of WORKSHEET ACTIVITIES

2. 4+ Pages of Clarification and Explanation if Uses of this Item

will help to make your classroom GREAT!

As a video production teacher, one of the most important parts of my class is to make sure that my students can write a script. Whether it’s the script for the daily news show or the script for a short film, the process is still the same...it’s basic writing. I take a week at the beginning of the semester to talk about script writing in general. Here are those plans.

Day 1 ~ Introduce the idea of movie scripts. Read some movie scripts. Links included to three movies.

Day 2 ~ Brainstorm your script. Work out details on Location.

Day 3 ~ Character Development

Day 4 ~ Introduce Synopsis

Day 5 ~ Write Synopsis and Share movie ideas

Other Video Production Lessons

How We Reimagined Our School News Program

History of Broadcast and Film

A Camera and It's Parts (DSLR Edition)

Introduce plays from William Shakespeare by studying the great adaptions from Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb with their Tales From Shakespeare. These are engaging worksheets geared to having your students interact more with the story line and vocabulary used in each play

Tales From Shakespeare are great adaptions of William Shakespeare's play that allow student to be introduced to the story line in a way they can understand while not being too simplistic. Worksheets, crossword, word search, chapter notes are bundled together based on the story. Answer sheets are provided where necessary.

Not reading the whole book..... check out my store for individual posting of each play.

Including: The Tempest

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Introduce plays from William Shakespeare by studying the great adaptions from Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb with their Tales From Shakespeare. These are engaging worksheets geared to having your students interact more with the story line and vocabulary used in The Tempest.

Tales From Shakespeare are great adaptions of William Shakespeare's play that allow student to be introduced to the story line in a way they can understand while not being too simplistic. Worksheets, crossword, word search, chapter notes are bundled together based on the story. Answer sheets are provided where necessary.

Check for more Tales From Shakespeare worksheets being posted for each play!!!

Including: Midsummer Night's Dream

Tales From Shakespeare Bundle

Introduce plays from William Shakespeare by studying the great adaptions from Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb with their Tales From Shakespeare. These are engaging worksheets geared to having your students interact more with the story line and vocabulary used in Midsummer Night's Dream.

Tales From Shakespeare are great adaptions of William Shakespeare's play that allow student to be introduced to the story line in a way they can understand while not being too simplistic. Worksheets, crossword, word search, chapter notes are bundled together based on the story. Answer sheets are provided where necessary.

Check for more Tales From Shakespeare worksheets being posted for each play!!!

Including: The Tempest

Tales From Shakespeare Bundle