Selasa, 15 April 2014

How To Choose Play Scripts For Kids

By Anita Ortega


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.

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.

There are many benefits to allowing and encouraging children to take part in a stage production. They get to express themselves artistically and creatively and they can develop their verbal as well as their physical skills. Moreover, they learn important life skills such as how to work well with others to achieve a shared goal.

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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