Macbeth Mania: Pitch, Play, and Premiere!

12th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Macbeth Mania: Pitch, Play, and Premiere!

Mac Guy

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 12th-grade students in a comprehensive exploration of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" through a modern lens, fostering critical thinking and creativity. By creating pitch packets and sizzle reels, students will interpret the play's themes, characters, and settings, making connections to contemporary societal issues. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of the text while developing their skills in digital storytelling, collaboration, and presentation. Through hands-on activities and real-world applications, students will gain insights into the timeless nature of Shakespeare's work and its relevance today.

Learning goals

Students will develop a nuanced understanding of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" through critical reading and character analysis, focusing on thematic elements such as ambition, power, and gender stereotypes. They will enhance their creative and technical skills by utilizing digital storytelling tools to produce a modern adaptation, culminating in a pitch deck and sizzle reel. The project will also foster collaboration, as students work in groups to create and present their interpretations, while engaging in peer and expert critiques to refine their work. Through these activities, students will explore the relevance of "Macbeth" in contemporary society and learn to communicate their ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7: Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem, evaluating how each version interprets the source text.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

Products

Throughout this project, students will create a comprehensive pitch deck and a dynamic sizzle reel for their modern adaptation of Macbeth. Each student will also produce an individual character analysis that explores their character's transformation and connection to the essential questions. By the end of the project, students will have a polished digital presentation, including visual storytelling elements, that they will showcase at the 'Shakespearean Red Carpet Event' or 'Digital Premiere Party'. These products will reflect their creative interpretations and technical skills in adapting a classic play for a contemporary audience.

Launch

To kick off the Macbeth project, organize an immersive "Macbeth Experience Day" where students engage in interactive workshops that introduce them to the themes and context of the play. Begin with a live reading of key scenes by local theater actors to set the tone, followed by breakout sessions where students explore digital storytelling tools, costume design, and film production techniques. Incorporate a virtual reality station where students can experience a modern adaptation of a Macbeth scene, sparking inspiration for their own projects. Conclude with a group discussion on the essential questions, encouraging students to begin brainstorming their unique adaptations.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Shakespearean Red Carpet Event' where they will dress as their characters and present their adaptations. They will engage in interviews conducted by student journalists, capturing the excitement and creativity of their interpretations. Additionally, a 'Digital Premiere Party' will be organized, where students' sizzle reels are uploaded to a private online platform for sharing with a wider audience. This virtual event will include discussions and feedback sessions, allowing students to interact with viewers and gain insights into the impact of their modern adaptations of Macbeth.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Macbeth Experience Introduction - Begin with a live reading of key scenes from Macbeth by local theater actors to set the tone and introduce students to the play's themes and context (20 min) Digital Storytelling Tools Exploration - Engage students in breakout sessions to explore digital storytelling tools such as video editing software and animation platforms (25 min)	Essential Questions Discussion - Host a group discussion on the essential questions provided, encouraging students to brainstorm their unique adaptations and interpretations of Macbeth (20 min) Character Assignment and Analysis Kick-off - Assign characters to students and start character analysis by identifying key traits and transformations using textual evidence (25 min)	Scene Analysis Workshop - Facilitate a workshop focused on analyzing key scenes in Macbeth, emphasizing themes, motifs, and character dynamics (25 min) Creative Adaptation Brainstorming - Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their modern adaptation, focusing on setting, tone, and character development (20 min)	Pitch Deck Structure Planning - Guide students in planning the structure of their pitch decks using Canva, focusing on title slide, logline, and casting (25 min) Group Formation and Initial Concept Development - Form groups and begin developing initial concepts for their modern adaptation of Macbeth (20 min)	Film Production Techniques Workshop - Host a practical workshop on basic film production techniques, including camera work, lighting, and sound design (25 min) Essential Question Focus - Have each group choose an essential question to guide their adaptation and discuss how to integrate it into their pitch (20 min)
Deliverables
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Pitch Deck Development - Students work in groups to finalize the title slide and logline for their pitch decks, ensuring alignment with their chosen essential question (25 min) Casting and Character Sketches - Groups create detailed sketches or gather images for their chosen characters, focusing on transformation throughout the play (20 min)	Digital Storytelling Techniques - Host a mini-workshop on advanced video editing and animation techniques to enhance students' sizzle reels (25 min) Scene Recreation Planning - Groups plan out key scenes for their adaptation, selecting quotations and visuals that connect to their essential question (20 min)	Film Production Techniques Application - Facilitate hands-on practice using cameras and lighting equipment to capture scenes for sizzle reels (25 min) Collaborative Feedback Session - Conduct peer review sessions where groups present their pitch decks and receive constructive feedback from classmates (20 min)	Character Analysis Drafting - Students independently draft their character analyses, focusing on character transformation and connection to essential questions (25 min) Storyboard Creation - Groups begin creating storyboards for their sizzle reels, detailing the sequence of shots and visual elements (20 min)	Professional Critique Workshop - Invite film and theater experts to provide feedback on students' adaptations, focusing on storytelling techniques and audience engagement (25 min) Revision and Refinement - Students revise their pitch decks and sizzle reel storyboards based on feedback received from peers and experts (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Draft version of the Pitch Deck's Title Slide and Logline submitted via Canva. 2. Individual annotations on key scenes of Macbeth, highlighting character insights and thematic connections.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to digital tools such as Canva and video editing software for all students. 2. Prepare materials for the film production workshop, including cameras, lighting equipment, and sound recording devices. 3. Organize space for group discussions and workshops, ensuring an environment conducive to collaboration. 4. Coordinate with local theater or film experts to provide insights during workshops or critique sessions. 5. Gather examples of successful pitch decks and sizzle reels to showcase as models for students.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Sizzle Reel Planning - Collaborate in groups to storyboard the sizzle reel, deciding on key scenes, lines, and visual elements that connect to the chosen essential question (20 min) Character Analysis Development - Work individually to deepen character analysis, focusing on transformation and connection to the essential questions with textual evidence (25 min)	Digital Storytelling Tools Practice - Engage in hands-on sessions using video editing software to begin creating rough cuts for the sizzle reel, focusing on capturing atmosphere and tone (25 min) Peer Review Session - Present initial sizzle reel cuts to peers for constructive feedback on storytelling techniques and visual composition (20 min)	Pitch Deck Refinement - Continue developing the pitch deck, incorporating peer and instructor feedback to enhance visual storytelling and alignment with essential questions (25 min) Sound Design Workshop - Participate in a workshop on sound design to explore how audio elements can enhance the storytelling of the sizzle reel (20 min)	Film Production Techniques Application - Apply film production techniques learned in previous weeks to reshoot or enhance scenes based on feedback received (25 min) Group Check-in - Conduct group check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and strategize final steps for completing the pitch deck and sizzle reel (20 min)	Collaborative Editing Session - Work in groups to finalize the sizzle reel, focusing on dynamic editing, transitions, and effects to create a compelling narrative (25 min) Final Touches on Pitch Deck - Use remaining time to polish the pitch deck, ensuring all slides are cohesive and effectively communicate the modern adaptation vision (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and refined pitch decks submitted via a Canva 'View-only link'. 2. Draft version of the sizzle reel with key scenes edited and music added.
Preparation	1. Reserve digital cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment for student use during filming. 2. Set up editing software access in the computer lab and arrange tutorial sessions on basic video editing techniques. 3. Provide a selection of costumes and props that students can use to enhance their scenes. 4. Coordinate with a guest expert (e.g., local filmmaker or theater professional) for the critique session. 5. Ensure all students have access to Canva and any other necessary digital tools for pitch deck completion.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Sizzle Reel Edits - Collaborate in groups to finalize and polish the sizzle reel, ensuring all scenes are cohesive and effectively convey the adaptation's vision (25 min) Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering the pitch deck and sizzle reel presentation, focusing on clarity, engagement, and alignment with essential questions (20 min)	Incorporate Feedback - Use insights from the peer review to make final adjustments to both the sizzle reel and pitch deck, enhancing content and delivery (20 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Engage in a peer review session where groups present their final sizzle reel and pitch deck to classmates for constructive feedback on storytelling and presentation skills (25 min)	Expert Critique and Final Adjustments - Host a session with film and theater experts for professional feedback on the sizzle reel and pitch deck, focusing on technical and creative aspects (25 min) Refine for Final Presentation - Implement expert suggestions to refine the final presentation of the sizzle reel and pitch deck, ensuring all elements align with the project's goals (20 min)	Dress Rehearsal for Exhibition - Conduct a full dress rehearsal for the 'Shakespearean Red Carpet Event' or 'Digital Premiere Party', practicing character portrayals and presentation flow (30 min) Prepare Exhibition Materials - Finalize all digital and physical materials needed for the exhibition, including character costumes and presentation setup (15 min)	Exhibition Day: Shakespearean Red Carpet Event - Host the live event where students present their adaptations, dressed as their characters, and engage in interviews to showcase their work (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Final Pitch Decks: Completed and refined pitch decks submitted via Canva 'View-only link'. 2. Character Analysis: Individual character analysis documents shared via GoogleDoc. 3. Final Sizzle Reel: Edited and polished sizzle reels ready for presentation at the event. 4. Exhibition Presentation: Students ready to present their adaptations at the Shakespearean Red Carpet Event.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to video editing software and necessary digital tools for final sizzle reel edits. 2. Organize peer review session materials, including critique guidelines and feedback forms. 3. Prepare costumes, props, and any additional materials needed for the dress rehearsal and final filming. 4. Set up the venue for the Shakespearean Red Carpet Event, including audio-visual equipment for playing sizzle reels. 5. Coordinate with student journalists and ensure all logistical aspects of the event are planned, including interview schedules and media coverage.

Remixed from Macbeth Mania: Pitch, Play, and Premiere!