Introducing Robert Preston to students is a great way to teach them about the importance of theater history and the impact of this celebrated actor’s career. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Robert Preston has left an indelible mark on American theater, film, and television. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for educators to teach students about the life and accomplishments of this exceptional performer.
Early Life
Born on June 8, 1918, in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, Robert Preston Meservey was the son of Ruth L. (née Rea) and Frank Wesley Meservey. Encourage your students to explore Preston’s early life and its influence on his career. Teachers can create a timeline of events with milestones such as his education at Abraham Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, where he first discovered his love for acting.
Stage and Film Career
To give students a broad understanding of Robert Preston’s career, teachers should focus on his breakthrough roles in stage and film productions. Some highlights include major Broadway productions like “The Dark at the Top of the Stairs” (1952), “Janus” (1955), “Irma La Douce” (1960), “The Music Man” (1957), which won him a Tony Award for Best Actor – Musical, and “I Do! I Do!” (1966).
On the film front, discuss his notable roles in movies like “Reap the Wild Wind” (1942), “The Sundowners” (1950), “Victor Victoria” (1982), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and “Junior Bonner” (1972). Students can watch selected scenes from these films or stage productions to gain insight into Preston’s versatile acting style.
Broadening Perspectives
Along with examining Preston’s career highlights, encourage students to explore the broader cultural and historical context of his career. Topics like theater during World War II, the impact of post-war films, and the early days of television can help students understand the significance of Preston’s work.
Classroom Activities
To engage your students in a more hands-on approach, consider incorporating creative classroom activities that celebrate Robert Preston’s career. For example:
1. Career Retrospectives: Divide your students into small groups and assign each group to research and present on a specific era or project of Robert Preston’s career.
2. The Music Man: Show your students a recorded production of “The Music Man” and discuss how Preston’s portrayal of Harold Hill marked a turning point in his career.
3. Character Analysis: Have students choose a Robert Preston character from one of his films or plays, analyze the character, and discuss what sets it apart from other roles he played.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Robert Preston’s life and career is an engaging way to introduce them to theater history and spark their interest in the performing arts. By discussing his accomplishments within their broader context, educators can help students appreciate not only Preston’s contributions but also the importance of theater culture in shaping American society.
