Heracles (Hercules) Reader's Theater Script | Demigods | Greek Mythology

Heracles – The Greatest Greek Hero Readers’ Theater Script unfolds a legendary saga across 12 thrilling scenes. Born of divine trickery, Heracles battles serpents as a babe, endures epic labors under a vengeful goddess, and rises to godhood, his journey weaving strength, atonement, and legacy through mythic Greece.

With 21 roles—mighty Heracles, vengeful Hera, cunning Zeus, and trembling Eurystheus—this dialogue-rich script surges with heroic drama for high school performers. Flexible casting suits any class: combine narrators for smaller groups or distribute roles across scenes, ensuring every student grapples with divine trials or claims eternal fame in this demigod epic.

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What's included?

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS Grades 9~12, CCRA)
• Teacher Tips
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: Google Doc & PDF (6 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~21 Characters, 3300 words,
• Format: Google Doc & PDF (10 pages)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script.
• 3 Reflection Questions
• Format: Google Slides & PPT (20 Slides)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about 50 minutes
• Depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.

Script Summary:

Scene 1: Zeus disguises himself as a mortal to sire Heracles with Alcmene, sparking Hera’s jealousy and vow of vengeance.

Scene 2: Infant Heracles strangles serpents sent by Hera, proving his divine strength early.

Scene 3: Hera curses Heracles with madness, leading him to slay his wife Megara and their sons.

Scene 4: The Oracle assigns Heracles twelve labors under Eurystheus to atone for his crimes.

Scene 5: Heracles defeats the Nemean Lion, using his hands to overcome its invincible hide.

Scene 6: Heracles and Iolaus slay the Hydra, combining strength and fire to stop its regrowth.

Scene 7: Heracles captures the Erymanthian Boar alive, taunting Eurystheus with his success.

Scene 8: Heracles tricks Atlas into retrieving golden apples, outsmarting the Titan.

Scene 9: Heracles captures Cerberus from the Underworld, defying Hades and death itself.

Scene 10: Heracles frees Prometheus from Zeus’s punishment, showing mercy beyond his labors.

Scene 11: Deianira’s poisoned tunic burns Heracles, ending his mortal life in agony.

Scene 12: Zeus lifts Heracles to Olympus, granting him godhood and a divine bride, Hebe.

Will this work for my classroom?

Download this similar yet FREE Hades Reader's Theater Script :)