1. Explore the importance of garrison productions. What kinds of plays did they put on?

2. Examine examples of native drama and describe the elements used. How did they differ from the European tradition?

3. Write about the impact of foreign touring companies. What effect did they have on the development of Canadian theatre? Profile a foreign star such as Edmund Kean, Sir Henry Irving, or Edwin Booth. (examples only)

4. Profile early Canadian touring companies and stars such as The Marks Brothers (1879-1922), McKee Rankin (1841-1914), Julia Arthur (1869-1924) and/or Margaret Anglin (1876-1927). Describe their lives and the types of plays they performed.

5. Describe the role of two of the following: Director, Producer, Actor, Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, Stage Manager, Lighting Technician, Fight Director, Sound Designer, Flyman.

6. Examine the different types of theatres. What is the difference between the traditional proscenium arch and theatre-in-the-round? Produce a detailed sketch of one type or the other.

7. Profile a Canadian playwright, for example, Robertson Davies, David French, Carol Bolt, James Reaney, Joanna Glass, John Herbert, George Walker, Mavor Moore, George Ryga, John Murrell, David Fennario, Michel Tremblay, to name a few.

8. Explain the difference between comedy, tragedy, drama, satire and spectacle.

9. Profile Canadian performers who became famous internationally such as Marie Dressler, Raymond Massey, Mary Pickford, Lorne Greene and even, William Shatner.

10. Watch two popular plays (they can be rented and seen on TV). What do they have in common? What makes them popular? Is it the plot, the actors, the playwright or the type of play that it is? Based on your ideas, create a list of what makes a good play and your reasons why.

11. What are the abilities needed to become a great actor? Think of your own favourite actor. Is he or she Canadian? Does the nationality of the actor matter to you? Why or why not? Why do you enjoy watching him or her? Do you think a good actor will be equally as good in live theatre, movies and TV? Why or why not? Are there different talents involved in the different mediums?

12. Take a scene from a Shakespearean play. Translate it into modern English. Does it still have the same effect? Why do you think Shakespeare is so popular? Are his works much different from modern works in plot and meaning? Explain your reasoning.