Casting Director

Name: Casting Director

Age: Middle school through high school

Focus: Character analysis

Materials: books currently being read, papers, pen

Time: 15-20 minutes depending on quality/length of discussion

Type of Activity: During reading/Post reading (either would do)

Description: The instructor will ask the class to take out their note books and list the cast of characters from the novel, play, short story, etc. they are currently reading, or have just read. The instructor will ask the students to think of a few describing words to jot next to each character's name, and put their pens down when finished. After everyone has finished jotting a few descriptors down, the instructor will then ask the students to imagine they were holding the screenplay version of the text and will be charged with casting any living actor in each of the roles. The students should fill in a rough draft of their selections next to their character list quietly, and wait for the discussion to begin. After everyone has had a chance to write down their cast list, the instructor should open the casting up to discussion. "Who would you cast for the lead? Why? What about that character makes you think that actor is the right fit? Where in the text (scenes, dialogue, description) are you finding this information?" The students and instructor may have a light hearted discussion about their choices and debating who would be best suited to play each role, and how different performers would change the characters.

Rational: In a culture obsessed with celebrities, I feel that this activity offers another way into a text that students may have trouble engaging with- particularly with texts that are extremely character driven, or the characters make complex choices. There is also a good opportunity for heated debate to occur without much at risk. If a student has a strong reaction to one actor playing a certain character in the book, then they are also developing a strong opinion about that character. Listening to others share their ideas and justifications about casting choices may change, or enhance their reading of the text for the duration of the unit. Most importantly, this activity is designed to be fun. It allows the students to grapple with a text in a new way without worrying about the usual formalities of classroom discussions.

*At the time of this post, I had come up with this idea without the aid of other sources*