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Tips 8-15 of 15 Copyright 2006 - 2010 by NetNia Publishing - All Rights Reserved -- TIP #8 Lighting – Use lighting to set the moods, place emphasis on action, or change sets. For example, the stage should be well lit if the setting takes place outside in bright daylight. Or if it’s a stormy night, bring the lights down low. You can use a spotlight to direct the audience to a particular action. If you are not using curtains to change sets, simply dim your lights and make the necessary changes to change sets or start a new Act. TIP #9 Properties (props) – There should be easy access to properties or movable articles in a stage setting. Props are very important in a stage production. They can be very large and extravagant or very small and simple. In the play “ Me In the Mirror,” the mirrors that the actors will hold are the props. In the play “The Slick Kidnapper,” the chairs are the props. Props are not always necessary. Actors can act as though they are holding different objects or sitting on chairs and so on. If you have access to the props use them. It is important to have an assistant or stagehand assigned to the props. All props should be labeled with the name of the character and when it will be used during the play. TIP #10 Costumes – Use costumes to help the audience identify the characters. Costumes can be rented, borrowed, or you can get parents to make them. They can be simple such as a sign worn around the neck with the character’s name on it. This way, actors can switch parts just by changing signs. You can create costumes with clothes and items from around the house. For plays of historical nature, such as “Back To The Past,” you may want to visit bookstores and the library to find pictures that will help you create costumes of the past. Remember, actors do not have to look exactly like the character to play the part. As long as they can convince the audience that they are the character, it will not matter what they are wearing. TIP #11 Rehearsal Time - Give yourself and the children plenty of time for consistent rehearsal. The recommended rehearsal for the plays within this book is 2 hours a day, 2 to 3 times a week. You should be ready for full production in 3 to 4 weeks. Two hours of rehearsal will be the limit for most children before they become distracted and disruptive. TIP #12 Grouping – Split the children into smaller groups for one-on-one coaching During rehearsals, separate the children into small groups. The director can go from group to group to give the children individual attention. It also allows the children the opportunity to work together and help each other with their lines. Before ending rehearsal, have the children run through the complete play. This will help everyone work on any problem areas. TIP #13 Relax and Have Fun - Keep rehearsals upbeat, fun, and exciting with plenty of “sanity” breaks. The overall objective of a children’s play is for everyone to have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. The director must do all that is possible to make sure rehearsals are positive and upbeat. Children must feel good about the play as well as themselves. There should be plenty of kind words, smiles, hugs, and laughter during rehearsals. To help the children relax, take breaks to stretch and perform deep breathing exercises with the children. Not only do they calm down, they also stay focused on the play and their characters. TIP #14 Dress Rehearsal – Do a dress rehearsal before the performance. Dress rehearsal is when you bring all the pieces together for the show. Here you make sure everyone knows their lines, setting is correct, costumes fits, props are in place, stage blocking gives sufficient movements, stage has proper lighting, and the playbill created along with the tickets. TIP #15 Advertise - Use the programs and tickets at the end of each play to advertise your play. At the end of each play are programs and tickets that can be photocopied or enlarged to make a playbill. Playbills and programs list the name of the actors, the part they play, the director’s name, and everyone who helped with the play (costumes, props, scenery, and ushers). These tips will help stage a very successful production. Remember to take it one day at a time and always remember that you are working with children. When it looks like everything is going wrong, wait and have faith, you will be surprised. When you give your best, they will give theirs. Have a good show and good luck.
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