Shakespeare Birthday Celebration Video
In celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday this April, Alabama Public Television invites your students to participate in a special statewide project: a video montage featuring students from across Alabama reciting Puck’s closing monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
We are producing a short, high-energy video that will be shared across APT’s platforms and social media. The final product will feature approximately one student per line, edited together into a seamless, magical performance.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students of all grade levels to build confidence, experience Shakespeare aloud, and be part of a statewide celebration of creativity and literature.
Project Overview
We are asking that each participating school submit at least enough student recordings to cover the entire monologue, with each student performing a short section of 1–2 lines. From each submission, APT will select individual lines to include in the final video.
Play: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Puck’s Closing Monologue
Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2025
Notes:
- APT will select the best student recordings for the final cut.
- Not all submissions will appear in the final video, but all contributions are valued.
- The final video will premiere during Shakespeare Week, April 2025.
- For questions or support, please contact Cody Carlton at [email protected].
VIDEO RECORDING GUIDELINES
Format and Setup:
- Film in portrait mode (vertical) – ideal for social media reels.
- Use a smartphone, tablet, or HD camera (1080p resolution or better).
- Frame the student from the chest up (medium close-up).
- Make sure the setting is well-lit with minimal background noise and clutter.
- Keep the student centered in the frame.
Performance Tips:
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Encourage natural expression and energy.
- Practice pronunciation of Shakespearean language.
- Use facial expressions to convey meaning and tone.
- Rehearse a few times before recording.
Dress Code:
- Avoid clothing with logos, brand names, or text.
- Solid colors preferred.
- Optional: Students may dress in whimsical or Shakespeare-inspired fashion (no costumes required).
SUBMISSION PROCESS
1. Complete the Student Consent Form (required for each submission).
2. Upload each video individually through the submission portal on the site.
- Provide a shareable URL via services like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or unlisted YouTube links.
- Ensure files are downloadable, with permissions set for public access.
- Supported File Types:
- Documents: .docx, .pdf
- Videos: .mp4, .mov, .avi (minimum resolution: 720p)
- Audio: .mp3, .wav
- Additional Requirements: Ensure files adhere to size limits and verify link functionality before submission.
3. Include the following in your submission:
- Student’s first name only
- Grade level
- School name
- Teacher’s name and email address
Each student / video should be submitted separately.
Each teacher or school may submit as many students as they’d like, but a minimum of six students (or enough to cover the full monologue) is required.
PUCK’S MONOLOGUE – ASSIGNED SECTIONS
Teachers should assign students one of the following six sections to perform on video. Students should record their full assigned section.
Section 1: If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber’d here
While these visions did appear.
Section 2: And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
If you pardon, we will mend.
Section 3: And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Section 4: Else the Puck a liar call:
So, good night unto you all.
Section 5: Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
(Alternatively, combine Section 4 and Section 5 for a student who wants a slightly longer part.)
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