Activities: Romeo and Juliet

The Missing Letter

Write the letter that Friar Lawrence wrote to Romeo and never got delivered. Then write a new ending to the play assuming that he had received it. Consider that this doesn’t necessarily mean that things will end happily.

You’re the Designer

Create costume designs that show the difference between the Montagues and the Capulets. Pay attention to the meaning or feelings behind the colors you pick. Consider what era you want to set the play in and what impact that will have on the play.

You’re the Director

Safely act out the fight scene between Romeo, Mercutio, and Tybalt. Stage it first showing that it was Tybalt’s fault, again to show it as Mercutio’s fault, and lastly to show it as an accident.

You’re the Writer

Rewrite Juliet’s “Farewell Compliment” speech in the balcony scene (2.2,80–106) in modern language. Try to include several idioms, allusions, and examples of figurative language.

You’re the Actor

Option A: Monologue

Pick a speech of at least ten lines. Repeat the speech using several different techniques. Try it dramatically, angrily, humorously, sarcastically. Try emphasizing different words to change the meaning of the words.

Option B: Dialogue

Pick a bit of dialogue of at least ten lines. Play the scene using several different techniques. Try it dramatically, angrily, humorously, and sarcastically. Try emphasizing different words and swapping roles to change the meaning of the words.

Queen Mabb

Read Mercutio’s Queen Mabb speech (1.4.53–95). Draw a picture of Queen Mabb and write a story of one of her adventures.

Animal Games

Tybalt is called the “Prince of Cats” by Mercutio. Consider what is catlike about him. Draw or list what animals you would assign to other characters in the play.

Family Feud

Write or improvise a scene between Prince Escalus, Montague, and Capulet (or their wives) in which they discuss their differences and the cause of the feud and attempt to find a solution.

Paris

Write or improvise a scene at the feast in which Paris attempts to woo Juliet. How does Juliet feel about him? Does she “look to like if looking liking move”?

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