How to Help Kids Put on a Play

Cowboys, Policemen, Princesses and Superheroes are all characters kids choose to be on any given day. Putting on a play can be a fun activity that lets them act out their favorite characters as well as use their artistic ability to create the stage. Best of all, they will be able to use their favorite line "look at me" as the audience sits down to enjoy the production.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Vinyl shower curtain
• Scissors
• Glue
• Construction paper
• Markers
• Paint
• Makeup
• Glitter
• Tape

1. Help your kids decide on a play they would like to act out. Use the Internet or library to find scripts for older reading kids. For younger kids, you can act out a favorite story or fairy tale. Of course, you could always help them write their own script.
2. Decide how many characters are needed. Recruit neighbors and friends to be in your play or let your kids play more than one character. Make sure you teach them to change the way they look, move and speak so the audience can tell the difference.
3. Scavenge for costume and prop supplies. Find clothes from your closet or attic, or go to a garage sale. Help everyone make a mask or put on makeup to represent their character.
4. Get creative. Make tickets, invitations, movie posters and props for your kids' play. You can even decorate a vinyl shower curtain and hang in front of the stage. Set up chairs for the audience.
5. Choose your music. Pick something that goes with the theme of the play. Ask someone to play the piano or have the kids make up songs and help them make homemade instruments.
6. Rehearse the play. The more the play is practiced, the better it will be. Try starting early in the summer and practicing once a week. Set out a snack for after rehearsal and make it light-hearted and fun. Then perform the play at the end of summer vacation.
7. Invite the audience to sit down. Tell the actors to "break a leg" and enjoy the play.

Tips & Warnings

• Theater games can help kids get warmed up before practicing.
• Use blue painter's tape when attaching scenery to the wall.
• Supervise kids well when creating scenery and costumes. Be sure scissors and other dangerous supplies are handled carefully.

Who Can Help:

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