Monday, April 14, 2014

How To Choose Play Scripts For Kids

By Anita Ortega


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.

Even in professional theater, the budget is a major factor in determining which production to stage. If you don't have a lot of money to work with, it's probably not a good idea to opt for an elaborate period musical because the more cast members there are, the more costumes need to be made. Think about the practicalities of creating the set and how easy it will be to create costumes with cheap and readily available materials.

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.

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.




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