Activity Overview
Like Hercules, Theseus is a hero of many adventures. Have students retell one (or more) of his heroic encounters in the style of a TV episode, or perhaps a skit that will actually be filmed in class. For this activity, students need to move beyond the words on the page and reimagine the myth as a television episode or video. Students need to consider setting, theme, characters, point of view, and more when devising a movie storyboard!
Some of Theseus' Adventures
Theseus encountered quite a few villains in his day:
- Periphetes the Club-Bearer
- Sinis the Pine-Bender
- Phaia (Crommyonian Sow)
- Sceiron
- Cercyon
- Procrustes
- Medea
- Minotaur
- Marathon Bull
- Amazons
- Centaurs and Lapiths
Filming Aspects to Consider
- Setting and props
- Character costumes
- Actions and emotions of characters
- Character dialogue
- Narrator/voiceover
- Camera point of view
- Camera shot distance
- Camera movement within a shot
- Background audio, sound effects, music
- Lighting and/or filters
- Camera Focus
Example Theseus Heroic Episode
| SHOT # | CAMERA | DIALOGUE | ACTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establish the shot | Narrator: When we last left Theseus, he had discovered his true identity and set off for Athens. | Theseus walks toward the camera from a distance. |
| 2 | Zoom in on Periphetes | Narrator: Periphetes the Club-Bearer. He is the son of Hephaestus and Anticleia. His favorite pastimes include whacking people on the head with a bronze club and robbing their corpses. | |
| 3 | Cut to full shot | Periphetes: Halt, Traveler! I am Periphetes. Don't worry, you won't need to remember my name for much longer. I shall beat you with my bronze club! | Periphetes jumps out from behind a tree. Theseus is startled. |
| 4 | Cut to mid shot | Theseus: Wait... is your club REALLY made out of bronze? I've heard the stories, but I just can't believe it. | Theseus shows disbelief and disinterest. |
| 4 | Mid shot | Periphetes: What?! How dare you! I am the mightiest! Take a look for yourself and see my great bronze club! Narrator: He's got him now! | Periphetes gives Theseus the club. |
| 5 | Cut to full shot; slow zoom in and focus on Periphetes | Narrator: Our mighty adventurer gave Periphetes exactly what he deserved: a knock on the noggin! Next time on the Adventures of Theseus: Sinis the Pine-Bender! | Periphetes lies on the ground. Theseus walks away |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Complete the title for each cell, using the appropriate filming aspects.
- Explain the scene in each description.
- Illustrate each cell using scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Like Hercules, Theseus is a hero of many adventures. Have students retell one (or more) of his heroic encounters in the style of a TV episode, or perhaps a skit that will actually be filmed in class. For this activity, students need to move beyond the words on the page and reimagine the myth as a television episode or video. Students need to consider setting, theme, characters, point of view, and more when devising a movie storyboard!
Some of Theseus' Adventures
Theseus encountered quite a few villains in his day:
- Periphetes the Club-Bearer
- Sinis the Pine-Bender
- Phaia (Crommyonian Sow)
- Sceiron
- Cercyon
- Procrustes
- Medea
- Minotaur
- Marathon Bull
- Amazons
- Centaurs and Lapiths
Filming Aspects to Consider
- Setting and props
- Character costumes
- Actions and emotions of characters
- Character dialogue
- Narrator/voiceover
- Camera point of view
- Camera shot distance
- Camera movement within a shot
- Background audio, sound effects, music
- Lighting and/or filters
- Camera Focus
Example Theseus Heroic Episode
| SHOT # | CAMERA | DIALOGUE | ACTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establish the shot | Narrator: When we last left Theseus, he had discovered his true identity and set off for Athens. | Theseus walks toward the camera from a distance. |
| 2 | Zoom in on Periphetes | Narrator: Periphetes the Club-Bearer. He is the son of Hephaestus and Anticleia. His favorite pastimes include whacking people on the head with a bronze club and robbing their corpses. | |
| 3 | Cut to full shot | Periphetes: Halt, Traveler! I am Periphetes. Don't worry, you won't need to remember my name for much longer. I shall beat you with my bronze club! | Periphetes jumps out from behind a tree. Theseus is startled. |
| 4 | Cut to mid shot | Theseus: Wait... is your club REALLY made out of bronze? I've heard the stories, but I just can't believe it. | Theseus shows disbelief and disinterest. |
| 4 | Mid shot | Periphetes: What?! How dare you! I am the mightiest! Take a look for yourself and see my great bronze club! Narrator: He's got him now! | Periphetes gives Theseus the club. |
| 5 | Cut to full shot; slow zoom in and focus on Periphetes | Narrator: Our mighty adventurer gave Periphetes exactly what he deserved: a knock on the noggin! Next time on the Adventures of Theseus: Sinis the Pine-Bender! | Periphetes lies on the ground. Theseus walks away |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Complete the title for each cell, using the appropriate filming aspects.
- Explain the scene in each description.
- Illustrate each cell using scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Adventures of Theseus, Episode 2
Organize students into effective film production teams
Assign clear roles to each student—such as director, scriptwriter, costume designer, camera operator, and actor—to ensure everyone participates and knows their responsibilities. This helps streamline the filming process and builds teamwork skills.
Guide students in planning their filming schedule
Create a simple timeline for pre-production, filming, and editing phases. Encourage students to set deadlines for script completion, rehearsals, and filming days to keep the project moving smoothly.
Provide tips for managing classroom filming logistics
Designate specific areas in your classroom or school for scenes, and organize props and costumes in a central spot. Schedule filming periods to minimize disruptions and maximize focus.
Encourage students to give and receive constructive feedback
After each filming session, have teams review their footage together and share positive comments and suggestions for improvement. This promotes reflection and helps students produce their best work.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Adventures of Theseus, Episode 2
How can I turn Theseus's adventures into a classroom skit or video?
To adapt Theseus's adventures into a skit or video, have students pick a heroic encounter and retell it as a TV episode or movie scene. Assign roles, create a storyboard, plan dialogue, and consider filming aspects like setting, costumes, camera angles, and sound. Encourage creativity and teamwork in bringing the myth to life.
What are the key filming aspects students should consider for a Greek mythology video project?
Students should focus on setting, props, costumes, character actions, dialogue, narrator voiceover, camera angles, movement, background audio, lighting, and camera focus. These elements help create an engaging and visually cohesive video adaptation of the myth.
Which villains did Theseus face in his adventures?
Theseus encountered several villains, including Periphetes the Club-Bearer, Sinis the Pine-Bender, Phaia (the Crommyonian Sow), Sceiron, Cercyon, Procrustes, Medea, the Minotaur, the Marathon Bull, the Amazons, and Centaurs. Each provided unique challenges for Theseus to overcome.
What is an example of a storyboard scene for Theseus's adventures?
A sample scene: Establishing shot of Theseus walking toward Athens, narrated for context. Next, zoom in on Periphetes challenging him, with dialogue and character actions. Include camera angles, focus, and narration to guide the action, just like in the provided episode outline.
How do I help students move beyond reading and creatively reimagine myths like Theseus?
Encourage students to analyze character motivations, settings, and themes, then reimagine the story as a modern adaptation. Let them plan a storyboard, act out scenes, or film their version, focusing on visual storytelling, dialogue, and group collaboration.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: Theseus
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