Life+of+Shinran+Shonin+Skit


 * || =**Title: "Life of Shinran Shonin" Skit**=

Grade Level: High School, Young Adult, Adult
(maybe used with middle school; possibly even younger if the script is simplified)

Objective:

 * To get an introduction to Shinran Shonin
 * After the lesson, the student will be able to repeat 3 important events in Shinran's life.

Materials:

 * Sheets of the Shinran Shonin Skit. This may be cut into individual parts to simplify reading. [[file:shinran-shonin-play2.doc]]
 * (Optional) props & costumes ex: robe, walking stick (for Shinran), kimono, etc.

Preparation:

 * Preparation of the props & costumes.
 * Get an assistant to help w/ handling the scripts, etc.

Method:

 * 1) Gassho
 * 2) Ask the question "What do you know of Shinran's life?" Have a short discussion. (<5 min)
 * 3) Ask for volunteers or choose the actors. Have them go out to practice their lines after giving them their scripts and to get into costume. Give them at most 5 min to read their lines.
 * 4) Ask the rest of the class to serve as sound effects (you may choose a different sound for each person). Practice while the actors are out.
 * 5) Introduce the skit as dramatically as you can.
 * 6) Skit. Make sure to give "curtain calls" and applause for each actor.
 * 7) Discussion/Evaluation: Try to determine what was most memorable.
 * 8) Closing Gassho

Evaluation:

 * Make sure to ask each student what they remember during the Discussion.

Note:
Try to pick the more out-going students for the title roles. However, Shinran can be played by a more quiet type effectively.

Author:
Mas Nishimura, nish221@gmail.com, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2007 ||