This document outlines the tasks for a 9th grade webquest on historical letters. Students will choose a historical figure, research them through their letters, and prepare a 1-page character analysis and 1-minute audition script portraying that figure. They will analyze letters to understand the figure's personality and how to portray them authentically. Students will also learn how to write scripts, prepare for auditions, and judge performance auditions.

1. A Webquest on Historical Letters for the 9th Grade
By Susan@abney.com
TASK:
You are an actor/actress who is auditioning for the role of a lifetime! You
are to portray a famous historical figure and must study the character through the
letters that he/she wrote.
Through researching on the following websites, analyze what type of person the
author was through the written letters. How will you portray the historical
figure?
Write a 1 page character analysis and a 1 minute audition script for how you think
the character would best be portrayed. The auditions will be presented-
performed in front of class.
By doing the web quest, you will learn about a historical figure, what he or she
was like, how he/she dressed and other important facts that you will use in your
audition. You will also learn how to perform in front of your classmates, how to
judge an audition and how to write a script. Enjoy!
Choose from the following, or choose your own:
Anne Frank
Dolly Madison
Eleanor Roosevelt
Martha Washington
Abe Lincoln
Lyndon B. Johnson
George Washington

2. 1. Start looking for your historical figure. Check out these sites to decide who
you will portray.
http://www.annefrank.org/
http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=4
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Eleanor_Roosevelt
http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/martha.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/abrahamlincoln
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/lyndonbjohnson
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewashington
Then:
2. Email Mrs. Abney and tell her who you chose and why. Something more
than, because she is cool. What do you find interesting about this person?
Send me 10 interesting facts about the person IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Sla0107@westminstercollege.edu
Then:
3. Copy a picture from the above websites and attach the picture of your
historical figure to this document here:
4. Go to the following websites and find at least 3 letters written by this
person. Then, copy and paste your letters in a Word document and
highlight what you believe are the most telling details in the letters about
your historical person
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/
http://www.loveletters.com/loveletters/historic/
http://www.firstladies.org/bibliography/manuscripts.aspx?bioid=37
http://www2.vcdh.virginia.edu/madison/

3. 1._________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________
5. Time to fill out a graphic organizer about your historical figure.
Go to this site,
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS314
&q=character+analysis+graphic+organizer&aq=2&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=chara
cter+analysis
And then print out the document, and fill out your graphic organizer.
With your organizer, start thinking about your script. How does this person
speak? With an accent? What did she wear?
6. Next, look on this website and watch this movie find out how to write a
short script for your audition. Name 4 tips on how to write a script.
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Write-a-Script-14073221
1.________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
7. Write your short script, 1 minute. Make sure you check out this other site
to help you figure out what you want to portray.
http://www.screenwriting.info/
8. Now that your script is written and saved in Word, look at these sites to
help you prepare your audition.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4509994_prepare-play-audition.html

4. http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/how-to-prepare-for-acting-
auditions
9. What are 5 things you need to remember when you audition? Watch the
attached video from YouTube. Add those 5 suggestions to your script in
your Word document.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvS51qz56A0
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________
5.__________________________________________________________
10.You will be “judging” your peers for the audition. Please look at the
following site and find 3 suggestions that you should remember while
looking for your actor.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5724437_judge-talent-show.html
1._______________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________
11. Print out your script, and send it to 2 of your classmates for peer review.
See peer review sheet.
12. Start studying your script! You can dress like your character; remember to
change your speech patterns if necessary! You may also use note cards to
glance at your script if needed.