Summary of the process.

Choosing Material.

● Make sure you choose something that SS can relate to, remember culture, how
modern is it?
● Language content. How easy/hard is it? Will it need adapting? Do you have
time for that?
● Something that you also find interesting, if you don’t like it the kids certainly
won’t.
● Don’t limit yourself to printed plays, there are also poems and stories to adapt.
Working on themes, and improvising.

Preparation

● Work around themes connected to the project.

● Make sure they understand the story and can tell it in their own words.
● Read through – (if they are of reading age) SS read through the piece – check
pronunciation – forget giving any acting notes at this stage.
● Develop Characters – This can be done without having to assign the role. What
kind of person are they? Age? Characteristics? Status? Physically? Vocal?
● Develop Relationships – Family? Who do they get on with? Not get on with?
● Split the script into units. Number them.

Formalise work
● Casting. Assign roles – always a tricky time, as more than one person sometimes
wants the same role! These characters can be shared. It’s a good idea to ask SS
what they DON’T want to play. Never force anybody to act something they
really don’t want to do.
● Hand out scripts – make SS put their own name on them. They can highlight their
own part, but this does encourage them just to think about their own part and not
think of the whole group- the whole piece. Get SS to learn their parts and what
comes before and after. Give them plenty of time to do this. At least two weeks
before the show.
● If there is time, read through the play with designated roles reading parts. Check
pronunciation and meaning again.
● Think about costume and props – what you will need – character suggestions for
costume. Can they make the props? Costume?
Practice

● Get SS up and ‘doing’ it. Work with the units. One unit at a time.
● Remind SS of the work they have done on Characters and Relationships.
● Work within the space – look at exits.
● Concentrate on voice and articulation.
● Run the whole piece

Dress Rehearsal

● Get SS to use the props and costume and run the whole piece. Try not to interrupt
the flow. Take notes and after give notes. Always keep notes positive, try to
avoid words like don’t. Always give lots of encouragement.

● Explain importance of silence when not ‘acting’.

● Think who will be coming to see the show. Tell SS. Teachers? Parents? Other
SS? Prepare them.

Day of Show.

● Try and keep them calm! Stress the importance of enjoying themselves. It should
be a fun exercise!

Evaluation. Good marks should be given for;

● Showed interest
● Contributed ideas
● Worked well in the group
● Showed they had prepared well – learnt lines, spoke clearly etc.
● Used body and voice well.

Post show

It’s always a good idea to give SS a chance to voice how they enjoyed it, or not, nervous?
What they learnt etc. Obviously this depends on age and language skills.