Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash

Students are surprised when the one and only William Shakespeare arrives in their classroom! Not only does he introduce them to some of his most famous characters, but he also invites them to celebrate his birthday. William Shakespeare was likely born on April 23, 1564. He lived in Stratford-upon-Avon in England before moving to London. He is widely known as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest playwright. During his lifetime, he wrote around 37 plays and over 150 poems. He died on April 23, 1616. (Note that his birthdate and death date are likely the same, April 23rd!)

CHARACTERS:

Narrator
William Shakespeare
Romeo
Juliet
Hamlet
Puck
Macbeth
Child 1
Child 2
Child 3

*The Narrator might play the role of the teacher. It’s also possible to add more children and even more Shakespeare characters if you like.

Scene 1: A Classroom Setting

(The setting is a classroom. Students are sitting at desks while the teacher is writing on the board: “William Shakespeare’s Birthday!”)

Narrator:
It’s a special day in school today. The students are learning all about one of the most famous writers in history-William Shakespeare! Little do they know today’s lesson is going to be more magical than usual.

Child 1:
Shakespeare? Isn’t he that old guy who wrote plays?

Child 2:
Yeah, we learned about him last year. He wrote “Romeo and Juliet,” right?

Child 3:
I think so, but why is his writing so famous? And why are we celebrating his birthday?

Narrator:
Just as the children started asking questions, something amazing happened…

(A swirl of light and smoke appears onstage, and William Shakespeare steps forward, wearing a ruffled collar and holding a quill.)

Scene 2: Shakespeare Appears

Shakespeare:
Good morrow, dear students! I am William Shakespeare, playwright and poet, here to answer thy questions and celebrate my birthday!

Child 1:
Whoa! Are you… really Shakespeare?

Shakespeare:
Indeed, I am! I lived over 400 years ago in merry old England. I wrote plays and poems that people still perform to this day.

Child 2:
But why are your plays still famous if you wrote them 400 years ago?

Shakespeare:
Ah, ’tis because I wrote about things that never grow old-love, friendship, jealousy, and even a bit of magic! In fact, let me introduce thee to some of my most beloved characters!

Scene 3: Shakespeare’s Characters Arrive

(Suddenly, Romeo and Juliet enter, dressed in Renaissance clothing.)

Juliet:
Hello, good friends! I am Juliet, and this is Romeo.

Romeo:
We come from the story of “Romeo and Juliet,” one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. It is a tale of love and heartbreak.

Child 3:
I’ve heard of you! You fell in love, but your families didn’t like each other, right?

Juliet:
Alas, ’tis true. Our love was strong, but our families were enemies.

Romeo:
Though our story is sad, it reminds people that love can conquer even the darkest times.