Bewitched was a hit American television sitcom that aired from 1964 to 1972, captivating audiences with the magical misadventures of witch Samantha Stephens and her mortal husband Darrin. The show’s cast features many talented actors and actresses, making it an interesting subject for students studying acting or the history of television. This article will discuss some innovative teaching approaches in introducing students to Bewitched and its cast.
1. Conducting a background study:
Before delving into the details of the Bewitched cast, provide students with a brief history of the sitcom and its influence on popular culture. Discuss the significance of its portrayal of married life and supernatural abilities as well as how it symbolizes a unique period within American television.
2. Biographies and character studies:
Introduce students to the main cast members such as Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens), Dick York (Darrin Stephens), Agnes Moorehead (Endora), and others. Provide biographical information about the actors, discussing their backgrounds, career trajectories, and contributions to Bewitched. Encourage students to explore each character’s traits, relationships, development, and unique quirks throughout the series.
3. Watching and discussing episodes:
Select key episodes that showcase the various talents of each cast member. Organize screening sessions followed by classroom discussions which analyze each actor’s performance, focusing on their gestures, expressions, timing, and delivery of lines. Encourage students to analyze how different storylines influence character development and interactions between cast members.
4. Re-enacting scenes:
Assign students roles from Bewitched to re-enact famous scenes from the show in a classroom setting. This activity allows them to immerse themselves in each character while practicing their acting skills in a fun, collaborative environment.
5. Comparing different Darrins:
A notable incident in Bewitched is the change of actors playing Darrin Stephens, with Dick York being replaced by Dick Sargent in 1969. Compare and contrast the two actors’ portrayals of this character, discussing the possible reasons behind the casting change and examining subtle nuances in both performances.
6. Guest stars and recurring characters:
Introduce students to guest stars and recurring characters that appeared on Bewitched, such as Paul Lynde (Uncle Arthur) and Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda). Explore their roles within the show’s narrative and discuss their impact on reinforcing or challenging established storylines.
7. Bewitched legacy:
Finally, help students understand the show’s enduring popularity by exploring its impact on future TV series, spinoffs, movies, and even a pilot called Tabitha. Show them examples of similar shows that may have been inspired by Bewitched’s magical premise, like Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Charmed.
