One of the highlights of the school year is the school play. This is when every child, even the most introverted one, can blossom and have a moment in the limelight. However, while students and parents love the excitement, it can be difficult for the teacher who has to make the production happen. Your job will be much easier if you know how to choose the most suitable play scripts for kids.
When faced with a variety of possible plays, you first need to think about who will be watching the performance. Grown-ups and older children can appreciate a more sophisticated production. Children under about 10, however, prefer simpler shows. These shows also need to be relatively short or your young audience will get bored in no time.
It's equally important to consider what your cast will be able to handle. Young children simply won't be able to master the sophisticated monologues of Shakespeare, for instance. However, they often find simple songs and dance routines easy to remember.
One of the most important considerations is the budget you have available. Even professional drama companies have to forget about staging huge productions if they won't be able to afford all the actors, elaborate costumes and intricate sets required. Period pieces also tend to be more expensive simply because you'll have to make the costumes especially, instead of just buying clothes at a discount store.
Another consideration is the venue where the play will be performed. A small, intimate production with a cast of less than ten will simply 'disappear' on the stage of an auditorium seating a thousand people. Likewise, a musical with chorus lines won't work if it's staged in a classroom. Look at the venue and see how easily you'll be able to create a convincing set too. If you're planning on staging a fairy tale, for instance, it can be extra atmospheric if it's performed on an outdoor stage surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Many plays geared towards younger audiences contain a message that will be especially significant to these children. Therefore, you may want to decide on a serious issue that needs addressing in your school, such as ethnic diversity or bullying. You can then choose a script that has been developed around this theme.
Your young cast will not only learn from the message contained in the play. Simply being involved in the production will teach them a host of skills. It encourages them to use their bodies and voices and to improve their communication skills. Furthermore, they can learn important life lessons and may even discover a hidden talent.
It's not very difficult to find a script that is perfect for your needs. If you'd rather not write your own, you'll easily find plays in the library or online. Bear in mind that many require a performance license, so if your budget is tight, you may prefer to opt for a free script instead.
When faced with a variety of possible plays, you first need to think about who will be watching the performance. Grown-ups and older children can appreciate a more sophisticated production. Children under about 10, however, prefer simpler shows. These shows also need to be relatively short or your young audience will get bored in no time.
It's equally important to consider what your cast will be able to handle. Young children simply won't be able to master the sophisticated monologues of Shakespeare, for instance. However, they often find simple songs and dance routines easy to remember.
One of the most important considerations is the budget you have available. Even professional drama companies have to forget about staging huge productions if they won't be able to afford all the actors, elaborate costumes and intricate sets required. Period pieces also tend to be more expensive simply because you'll have to make the costumes especially, instead of just buying clothes at a discount store.
Another consideration is the venue where the play will be performed. A small, intimate production with a cast of less than ten will simply 'disappear' on the stage of an auditorium seating a thousand people. Likewise, a musical with chorus lines won't work if it's staged in a classroom. Look at the venue and see how easily you'll be able to create a convincing set too. If you're planning on staging a fairy tale, for instance, it can be extra atmospheric if it's performed on an outdoor stage surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Many plays geared towards younger audiences contain a message that will be especially significant to these children. Therefore, you may want to decide on a serious issue that needs addressing in your school, such as ethnic diversity or bullying. You can then choose a script that has been developed around this theme.
Your young cast will not only learn from the message contained in the play. Simply being involved in the production will teach them a host of skills. It encourages them to use their bodies and voices and to improve their communication skills. Furthermore, they can learn important life lessons and may even discover a hidden talent.
It's not very difficult to find a script that is perfect for your needs. If you'd rather not write your own, you'll easily find plays in the library or online. Bear in mind that many require a performance license, so if your budget is tight, you may prefer to opt for a free script instead.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire