lundi 14 avril 2014

What To Consider When Choosing 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.

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.

The venue should also have an impact on your decision. The smaller the space you have in which to stage your production, the smaller the production should be. A huge theater auditorium works best for large productions like musicals. An open-air venue can be perfect for a fairy tale or a story set in the outdoors, since you can then use the natural surroundings as part of the set. However, it will be more difficult to transform a park setting into a desolate alien planet or the streets of New York and plays with a futuristic or city theme are best performed indoors.

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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