In addition to performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Pembroke Players Japan Tour will involve interactive workshops with the aim of providing them with a deeper understanding of the English language, and the cultural and historical implications of the Shakespeare play.

These workshops will be led by teams of two or three actors and members of the tour staff, all of whom will receive training in working with Japanese students prior to their arrival in Japan. All teaching materials will be provided in the education pack, a digital version of which will be available well in advance of the tour.

Teaching Materials

The education pack will contain the following:

• A synopsis of the play with character profiles in both English and Japanese that can be used outside of the workshops to provide additional preparation before the performance.
• A specially adapted passage from the script to be acted out in the workshop.
• A booklet for use during the presentation containing excerpts from a manga graphic novel, and photos from cinematic and theatrical productions of the play, highlighting the many possible ways of interpreting Shakespeare.
• Worksheet 1: multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions about the introduction to Shakespeare and synopsis presented during the workshop.
• Worksheet 2: short written questions checking comprehension of the passage of the play that the students will act out in class, as well as other questions encouraging them to reflect on the experience.

Provisional Workshop Plan

Total duration: 60 minutes

• Self introductions by the actors and staff. Goals: to establish a rapport with the students and give them a chance to practice listening comprehension.
• Theatrical warm-up (e.g. "Zip Zap Boing"). Goals: to gain the students' interest and encourage their participation while introducing them to an important aspect of contemporary English theatrical culture.
• Presentation. A brief introduction to Shakespeare and a synopsis of the play up to a selected passage that the students will perform, during which time the first worksheet is to be completed. Goals: to provide cultural background for the workshop and performance, a context for the students' acting, and further practice in listening comprehension.
• Acting. Groups will be encouraged to act out the passage again to improve their understanding of performance. Goals: to improve listening comprehension and speaking - especially inflection and intonation, and improve comprehension of the play through simplified Shakespearian language.
• Consolidation and reflection. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the experience through discussion and written questions from the second worksheet. Goals: to practice speaking and writing and improve critical thinking skills.
• Finally, an announcement regarding the time and location of the performance.

We are able to tailor each workshop to the requirements of the institution, and can offer workshops of different durations, depending on what is required.