Acting classes are great. The kids get to play drama games, dress up as someone else, and perform. You don’t have to be an actor to lead a drama program either, at least not for kids. Of course, not all acting programs are created equal.
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.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Do you know of any good websites that have drama games? We do a drama program and the kids are getting tired of the same old games.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Most of the games I use I either remember from drama classes I have taken or from other books. I haven’t really looked around on the internet for games. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
December 26th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I really think that your doing a great job teaching these kids HOW to do skits and it will buileds their creativity and self esteem! Your really helping thsese kids for the future so just keep up what your doing.
HAVE FUN !
December 26th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Ithink that you should do this play
(DOC, DOC.. GOOSE ITS AN AMAZING AND FUN PLAY )
December 26th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Thanks for the comments Justics. Doing a full length play is not what I would do with my drama programs, but for anyone else who is looking for play scripts Doc, Doc..Goose can be found at PioneerDrama.com.
May 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Thanks for the great book. I have found it very helpful and I have shared it to my friends who are in the same field.
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:17 am
Hi Moose,
I am trying to purchase your book about starting an afterschool drama club but I am not having any luck. I am a 4-H program coordinator
When I click on the link – it just shows a blank screen and says “done” at the bottom of the page. Thanks.
Diane
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Thanks, Diane. I’ll look into it.