You can put on a drama class that consists of theater and improv games only and it will be successful, or you can offer a drama class that ends in a performance for family and friends. I prefer a class that builds to an end of session performance. However, I don’t think a traditional play is the way to go.

Like most communities our schools put on annual school plays, complete with choreography, props and lighting. The kids get very excited about the school play. I think this year the 3rd-5th graders are doing Peter Pan. How many lead roles are in Peter Pan? I think there is 5 or 6 lead roles. That means everyone else is an extra or has a limited supporting role.

I want my drama kids to all have leading roles. Young Actor’s Studio meets weekly. The kids learn about acting through games and improv activities. They learn proper stage terms and how they should stand and perform for stage. The students also practice their parts for the end of session performance which is made up of 8-10 skits.

By having the kids do a series of skits each of them gets the opportunity to be a star. They also don’t have to learn a bunch of lines. It’s a great way to introduce them to acting.

If you want to learn how to start an after school drama program like this I have written an ebook appropriately titled How to Start an After School Drama Program That Kids and Parents Will Love.