For many people, the highlight of the school calendar is the annual school play. This is the one time that every child can have a chance to shine, even if it's in a minor role like that of a tree or a rock. Staging the production can be a stressful experience if you're the teacher entrusted with the job but if you know how to choose the most suitable play scripts for kids, half the battle is won already.
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.
You also need to consider the skills and developmental level of your actors. If they are very young, they'll do best with a script that consists of short sections of dialogue. These are easier to learn and to remember than long monologues full of big words.
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.
It's also a good idea to think about what you want the children and the audience to learn from the production. For instance, if bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed in your school district, the play offers you a great opportunity to do so in a fun way. Choose a script that conveys a positive message that the children and their parents can relate to.
Even though school plays are hard work, they're very valuable in helping children to prepare for life ahead. They teach essential skills such as how to work with others. They're even great for helping children develop their physical and verbal skills.
There are many different places where you can look for suitable scripts, from the local library to online. You may even want to try your hand at writing a new script, either on your own or in collaboration with your cast. If you decide to stage an already existing story, be sure to check the legal aspects such as performance rights before you make your final decision. Luckily there are many free plays available for you to choose from.
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.
You also need to consider the skills and developmental level of your actors. If they are very young, they'll do best with a script that consists of short sections of dialogue. These are easier to learn and to remember than long monologues full of big words.
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.
It's also a good idea to think about what you want the children and the audience to learn from the production. For instance, if bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed in your school district, the play offers you a great opportunity to do so in a fun way. Choose a script that conveys a positive message that the children and their parents can relate to.
Even though school plays are hard work, they're very valuable in helping children to prepare for life ahead. They teach essential skills such as how to work with others. They're even great for helping children develop their physical and verbal skills.
There are many different places where you can look for suitable scripts, from the local library to online. You may even want to try your hand at writing a new script, either on your own or in collaboration with your cast. If you decide to stage an already existing story, be sure to check the legal aspects such as performance rights before you make your final decision. Luckily there are many free plays available for you to choose from.
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