Post-Show Classroom Activity

Invite students to explore the unique perspectives within The Piano Lesson by creating original journal entries for a character of their choice. 

As always, please note that some steps of the activity may be condensed, eliminated, or extended based on the needs of your classroom. 

Character Cosplay

Activity Preparation

• Supplies:
  • Writing materials, either print or digital
• Set-Up:
  • Students will need space to discuss in small groups, and space to write individually.
  • Consider pre-determining student groups, as desired.

This activity will take approximately 60 minutes.

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Learning Sequence

1. Have students gather into small groups of three to five people. Ask them to briefly discuss which characters in The Piano Lesson stood out to them and why. Then, have one spokesperson per group summarize and share their ideas with the whole group. (~10 minutes)
2. Prepare students to write individually. Based on the previous discussion, have each student choose one character they wish to focus on. Then, have them pick a pivotal moment for that character within The Piano Lesson. This moment could be within the play itself, a moment that is alluded to which happens offstage, or something that occurs prior to the action of the play. Prompt students to write from the perspective of that character and in the style of a personal journal or diary. Encourage “writing in draft,” curiosity, and boldness, and consider displaying a timer. Encourage students to write for the entire time. (~20 minutes)
3. Ask for a few volunteers to share part or all of their journal entries with the group. After each share, prompt students to respond with reactions or ask follow-up questions. Also, allow time for the author to share their experience with writing the journal entry. (~20 minutes)
4. Guide students to reflect on this experience as a group with the following questions: (~10 minutes)
   • How did this activity expand your understanding of these characters? 
   • As a playwright or an actor: how does having a clear idea of what happens outside the action of the play inform and impact your work?

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• This activity aligns with the following standards:
  • Illinois Arts Learning Standards 
    • Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
    • Anchor Standard 8: Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work.
    • Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
  • Common Core State Standards 
    • CCSS.ELA.W3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
    • CCSS.ELA.W4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Posted on November 5, 2025 in Learning Guides, Productions