Preview Act 1 by reading the Prereading on 687, looking at the cast of characters and stage notes on page 688, and examining the photograph on page 695. Write down what you think the play will be about and what you expect to happen in the first act.
1. Listen as your teacher reads the opening stage directions. Remember that stage directions describe how something should be performed on stage. Try to picture what the stage looks like as you listen. When your teacher stops reading, sketch or diagram the stage. In your own words, quickly describe what you saw and heard in your head.
2. Begin to read Act 1 on your own. Keep making pictures in your head as you read. Think about what the characters look like, their movements, and their tones of voice. Stop occasionally to make sketches or quick summaries of what you see in your mind.
With a group of your classmates, choose roles and read Act 1 aloud. When it is your turn to read, try to use appropriate emotions and gestures. Use stage directions to help you know how to say something or what movements to make.
With a partner, discuss what you visualized. Then talk about your opinions of the characters.