4/13/2014

What To Consider When Choosing Play Scripts For Kids

By Anita Ortega


The school play is often one of the most important events of the academic year. Students look forward to being able to show off their talents while parents look forward to watching their offspring on stage. However, the teacher who is tasked with putting the production together has a tough job. The show has to be something that the kids and the audience will equally enjoy and remember, so choosing the best play scripts for kids is an incredibly important task.

The first factor you need to think of is your audience. While everyone on stage may be having the most wonderful time, the production won't be a success if the audience members haven't been entertained. If the children are going to perform mainly for their peers, it's best to choose a script that matches the age and interests of that group. Small children won't understand the sophistication of Shakespeare while tweens may feel that they're too grown-up for simple fairy tales.

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.

Your budget will be one of the main deciding factors when choosing which production to stage. When you need to keep things economical, it's often better to opt for a smaller production that's set in contemporary times. It tends to be cheaper and easier to simply buy costumes from the discount store or to let the cast wear clothes they already have than to try and create something from scratch.

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.

You may also want to consider the message you want the production to convey. If bullying is a problem in your school, the play may be a great opportunity to educate the kids about the consequences of not treating others with compassion and respect. Diversity is a great theme to use too.

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.

To find a suitable play script is quite easy. You can write one yourself or use an existing one. If your budget won't cover the costs of a performance license, simply check online for free scripts that will suit your needs.




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