Write and Perform a Play

Ask your child to plan the play. Is it going to be a funny play? Will it be a play about dragons and castles or will it be about going to school? Write down the ideas on a piece of paper.

Decide the list of characters and the cast. What role or roles will your child perform? Will any family members or friends perform in the play with your child?

Help your child write the play. Sound out letters and words as you go. Start with an outline of the story with a beginning, middle and ending to help organize the story.

Once the play is written, help your child make a stage for the big performance. Hang two sheets outside on a clothing line or inside above a doorway with push pins or strong tape to make a stage curtain. Ask your child for any other ideas for the stage. Should the stage have decorations?

Work with your child to choose dress-up clothes and props from your dress-up bin or your closet. And of course the star should have a dressing room! Cut out a star that your child draws on a sheet of paper and hang the star on the bedroom door.

Make programs for the show. Have your child fold a few pieces of paper in half to create booklets, then write the name of the play on the front. Encourage your child to draw a picture beneath the title of the play. On the inside of the program help your child write the names of each character and the names of the people playing them. If your child is playing all the characters simply repeat their name next to each character. Most importantly, have your young playwright write who authored the play.

It’s time for the grand performance! Invite family and friends to be your child’s audience.

After your child has taken final bows, ask about the experience of writing the play. What was the best part of making your own play? Would you want to write another play? What would you do differently next time? What did you learn about writing your own play?