If anyone had grandparents old enough to live during the Depression, there's a good chance they heard "she's a real Sarah Bernhardt" at some point. This French trained actress had a flair for the dramatic as well as a questionable personal life. She captivated audiences and is one of the first American "movie stars." Study of Sarah Bernhardt is great way to introduce students to the stylized performance style of early 20th century performers, as well as note the success a woman could have in a title role for Shakespeare (Bernhardt played Hamlet).
Thanks to the tv show Glee, kids are familiar with the songs from Funny Girl (Leah Michelle's character is obsessed with Barbara Streisand). The musical is of course based on the life of Yiddish Theatre actress and Ziegfield Girl Fanny Brice. Brice was a comedienne, singer, actress, and all around entertainer. Studying her career provides an excellent segue into Yiddish Theatre in New York, a look at the great Florenz Ziegfield, and the early attempt to break down concepts of beauty on stage. Like Bernhardt, Brice also had a rocky personal life.
Clips from the movie Funny Girl starring Barbara Streisand could be used after hooking students in with a Glee clip : Dont' Rain on My ParadeBiographical Books abound:
I think it's good for you to showcase strong female role models for our kids especially since we are an all girls school. I think our students appreciate exposure to figures whose lives aren't "perfect." it helps to show them that many successful individuals in all walks of life have had to overcome adversity.
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