Columbus and Magellan Readers Theater Script | Historical Renaissance Series

This FREE readers’ theater script, Columbus and Magellan - Renaissance Explorers, spans 11 scenes from 1492 Granada to 1522 Seville, with a modern reflection in 2025. It follows Christopher Columbus as he sails west, landing in the Bahamas, and Ferdinand Magellan as he circumnavigates the globe, dying in the Philippines. Featuring 12 speaking roles—including explorers, royals like Isabella and Charles V, and Enrique de Malacca—it’s designed for grades 7-12. With flexible casting for small or large groups, it explores ambition, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their voyages.

What's included?

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS Grades 7~12, CCRA)
• Teacher Tips
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: Google Doc (8 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~12 Characters, 4300 words,
• Format: Google Doc (11 pages)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script.
• 5 Primary Source Questions
• Format: Google Slides (22 Slides)
• 10 Optional Domain Specific Questions
• 5 Science Related Questions
• 5 Social Studies: Renaissance Unit Related Questions
• Note: These questions are not on the Google Slides Worksheet but can be used for specific classroom needs

4) Primary Sources/Excerpts

• The Journal of Christopher Columbus (During His First Voyage, 1492-1493)
• Letter of Christopher Columbus to Ferdinand and Isabella (1493)
• The First Voyage Around the World by Magellan, by Antonio Pigafetta (1522)
• Primary Source Text, Google Doc Format (17 pages)