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. 

Top Non Sappy Valentine's Day Movies, Plays

If Valentine's Day in your area bodes anything like mine, you and yours will be trapped under several feet of snow. You might make it out of the driveway and out to a local restaurant or pub. But anything else? Not likely. So how about picking up a few flicks, a bottle of Shiraz, a six pack of microbrew or some herbal tea, and some snacks. You can cuddle on the couch or haul out your camping mattress. Turn on the TV and enjoy some new movies or some old favorites. Some of these films are plays, dramatic presentations or taken from theatre productions. In my original list, I forgot to add "Sabrina" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  Top Non Sappy Valentine's Day Movies

Homemade Castle Props for, Theatre Play

Snow is great for winter play, but near-zero wind chills aren't. During the holidays, there's usually enough to keep homebound kids occupied. But around February, creativity wears thin and winter blues set in. Here's a cheap, cabin fever reliever for kids and parents--homemade castle. These crafts work well for preschool dramatic play, children's theatre or improv plays. Perfect an easy Shakespeare play--Romeo and Juliet balcony scence. Cheap, Kids' Cabin Fever Reliever: Homemade Castle

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

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 

DIY Cardboard Knight Suit of Armor Halloween Costume, Theater, Play

Putting on play? Cardboard is a drama teacher, youth theater costumer's best friend. Here's an easy knight's costume. A knight is a popular costume both for Halloween and Catholic All Saints Eve parties, too. For Halloween, the knight may be a character from Dungeons and Dragons, World of Warcraft, Beowulf or King Arthur. At an All Saints party a knight may be St. George or St. Martin of Tours. He might also be the Roman Centurion who helped Jesus and His Mother. Here's a DIY guide to make a suit of armor out of cardboard from your recycle bin. Perfect for any adult or child dragon-slayer. DIY Cardboard Knight Suit of Armor Halloween, All Saints Eve Costume

1920's-1930's Costumes, Props, Setting for Edwardian Drama

Winter Wedding Themes
Written for a winter wedding theme, this piece contains useful advice for Edwardian theater, costumes from 1920-1930s or a murder mystery dinner theater. Costumes, lighting, props, decor.
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