Drama Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Drama Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

What plays have you seen before?

What do you like best about plays? What don’t you like?

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:35: How does Japanese kabuki theater differ from other forms of drama you know of?

Timecode 1:44: How did drama in ancient Greece differ from drama today?

Timecode 2:11: How did Thespis change the format of dramas?

Timecode 2:43: What is a tragic flaw? Describe a tragic flaw from a play you’ve seen or read.

Timecode 3:04: Why is it important to get the audience to care about the characters and their problems?

After the Movie

Do you prefer tragedies or comedies? Why?

Have you ever had a catharsis from seeing a play? Explain.

Why do you think Shakespeare’s plays are still popular today?

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.