Introduction

Everyone loves a horror story. Stephen King, the master of 20th century horror has over forty novels and numerous box office hits. From his first novel and movie hit Carrie in 1974 to his latest movie hit The Green Mile, Stephen King is often compared to the 18th century weaver of horror tales, Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's troubling life shaped his stories of hauntings and death.

The Task

The local theatre consortium has decided to hold a Poe Festival. They have narrowed the number of selections to four. You are part of a team that will research Poe's life and works to help the consortium decide which of the four they will include in the Festival.

You will create a program and a playbill that includes:

• graphics to illustrate the theme of the work
• a timeline of major events in Poe's life biography
• a short biography of events that affected his life and works
• a cast/character list
• a breakdown of your literary work's plot in acts and scenes

You will present your literary selection to the theatre consortium (Mr. Janes and your peers) using your choice of Powerpoint or live dramatization.

Second, your team needs to read and reseach the literary work. Visit your wing in the Poe Library to read your literary work and find links to help you research the work itself. Visit the Glossary Page to refresh you on terms and concepts found in the short story or narrative poem.

Premature Burial

Tell-Tale Heart

Annabel Lee

Manuscript found in a Bottle

Third, once you have completed the museum task, your team needs to decide how you want to present your literary selection to the theatre consortium. For ideas on different types of presentations and tips for great presentations visit the Visual and Dramatic Arts Presentation Workshop.

 

Presentation Workshop

Last, you need to bring together all your information by creating your program and playbill. A playbill is simply a poster that includes the title of your literary work, a visual illustrate the work, and a list of characters. The program should be a regular size sheet of paper folded once to create four (4) sides. On the cover put the title and an illustration. On the inside of the cover, put Poe's biography making sure to include all the details required. On the inside left place the literary work outline that is divided by acts and scenes so that the audience can follow your performance. Along the bottom of the inside pages, copy your timeline of events you found affected your literary selection. Finally place the character/cast on the back cover. Make sure to give your team credits on the bottom back cover.

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