Summer Repertory Theater and Summer Stock Good Venues for Kids

Summer repertory theater, or summer stock, is the perfect way to introduce children to drama and acting, as spectator or performer. Almost every city has some form of summer theater opportunity. Most have a local actors' guild, community theater, county playhouse or college production company.

During the summer, when schedules tend to be less demanding, it's easier to do theater. Take childrenm students, homeschool group or day care to see a local production. In my teaching, homeschooling and momming (that's a word) years we've enjoyed Rudyard Kipling's 'Just-So Stories', Fa Mulan, Narnia, George Washington Follies, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Les Miserables and more.

Live theater inspires and enthralls students and children like no movie or television show can. Our now-16, then-2-year-old daughter remembers clear as day when she got fairy dust from the Lost Boys of  the "Peter Pan" production we took our children to see. Once bitten by the theater bug, you're a slave to Thalia and Melpomene.

Or maybe audition for student summer repertory productions. So many life lessons are learned onstage and backstage that could never translate in a classroom setting. Obvious skills--reading, speaking, delivery, projection--and nebulous skills-- working cooperatively, giving your all, overcoming stage fright, supporting each other--all get a workout in theater.

If money is an issue, many local venues offer scholarships. If you have a special needs child, perhaps with autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD or emotional issues, I doubly encourage you to try theater. It's therapeutic and in my experience special needs kids make superb actors. 

Best Boys Read-Aloud Books for Readers Theater

As a teacher and homeschool parent, reading for research and pleasure is elemental. Each person in my family, male and female is a passionate bibliophile. I'm surprised when parents say that their kids, especially the boys, don't like to read. I suggest that this is less a distaste for reading, as that they haven't found books that engage them. To remedy that, I've created a list of favorite books and authors, in several genres, geared to boys ages 10-14. Most of these books have some mature content and that's one reason boys love them so much. They feel respected and not talked down to. I recommend using these as read alouds and teen readers theatre. Books, authors to ignite tween boys' reading passion

Homemade Theater, dramatic play area, puppet theater

As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area.  Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

How to Read Shakespeare and Middle English

Struggling with Shakespeare? Hating your English teacher for making you read Middle English? Failing to see the appeal of the Bard of Avon? Understandable, but don't despair. Instead of putting it off, making up excuses or slipping poison in teacher's tea, use these tips. They'll help you vanquish that tragedy and laugh in the face of comedy. Perfect for English lit, drama and theater classes, too. Directors, use these tips to help your lisping actors speak out their lines with the verve of Lear! How to Read Shakespeare and Middle English 

Drama and Theater in Schools: Living History Wax Museum

Celebrate National Reading Month at Your School with a Living History Wax Museum In honor of Dr. Seuss, March has been declared National Reading Month. The NEA has instituted Read Across America, offering fun, educational activities for schools. Why not celebrate National Reading Month with a Living History Wax Museum? Read More

Theater and Drama Tips: How to Audition with Stage Fright

Theater Audition Tips: Using Stage Fright, Adrenaline and Butterflies to Perform Better
Auditions make people nervous. Whether you are trying out for your first play or your 151st play, auditioning produces butterflies in the stomach. And that's good. Make stage fright part of your theater audition toolbox. Here's how ...
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DIY Stage Props

DIY Theater Stage Props for Plays
Comprehensive list of diy design ideas to create your theater and stage props. Easy, inexpensive and realistic. Give your play or production the look of a professional play with these props. Off-Broadway, here we come!
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