Stage A Theater Production With Elementary School Students
Staging a theater production with elementary school students is an innovative way to help them learn and have fun at the same time. It breaks the monotony of traditional ways in which children are taught and ensures their participation. Follow these steps to stage a theater production with elementary school students.
Instructions
1. Look at all the aspects of conducting a play, such as directing, helping backstage, selecting script, casting, deciding the costumes, etc. Make a list of all things that you'd need to arrange. Make sure that you don't miss out on anything.
2. Select the script for the play. Preferably, look for a script that concerns day-today life or portrays a prominent personality. This will help the students relate to the play. They'll also enjoy it.
3. Interact with the students. Tell them how a play can help them improve communication and comprehension skills.
4. Narrate the script to them. Let students take the initiative of picking up a role for themselves. Assign any remaining roles yourself.
5. Help the students in rehearsing their respective lines. Give them useful tips like practicing in front of mirror and check if expressions match the dialogues.
6. Remember the proper backstage management can ensure smooth sailing of the play. This will include management of props, entry of characters and troubleshooting.
7. Gather all the props required and arrange them properly by placing them in the order of use.
8. Check all the props regularly so that you'll spot any damaged props and repair them while you still have time.
9. Arrange for assistants to help you in organizing the play. You can ask some high school students to handle the props and maintain proper decorum backstage. Ask your family or friends to help you sell tickets. You may also ask the parents of children to help monitor the rehearsals.
10. Set the stage according to the script requirements to give a realistic look to the show. Make sure you make the best use of all resources. Avoid waste.
11. Seek sponsorship for the event. You can contact people who are interested in school's activities for this.
12. Set up ticket selling counters for the stage show. Look for prominent spots in the school or the locality. This will also get the stage show some publicity.
13. Advertise the stage show. Put up notices with details like the subject of the play, day and time of staging and cost of tickets in the school. Try distributing pamphlets in your locality or city. This will help you get active response from people interested in the play and can encourage the children.
