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 Get Gruesome for Halloween: Zombie Movie Make Up Techniques

 Halloween is becoming increasingly a zombie fest. Thinking of going zombie? Here's a DIY zombified make-up guide. This is straight from theater make-up central, your one-stop guide to ghoul-ing like the pros. I'm going to teach you some of the old ways of creating effects with theater make-up. These homemade tips are significantly cheaper than the pricey professional makeup techniques. How to Get Gruesome for Halloween: Zombie Movie Make Up Techniques 

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

Non Toxic Theater Makeup, Face Paint Recipes

Makeup is essential for theater productions. Facial expression and body language is as much a part of dialog as spoken language. Harsh theatre lighting washes out players' features and makes it difficult for the audience to follow what's being communicated. Actors with eczema, skin problems or allergies can't use some theater makeup. Stage makeup isn't always good for children either. Here are easy, diy recipes to make your own face paint that is safe and non-toxic. These recipes should not cause skin irritation. Be sure to test any cosmetic product on a small patch of skin where it won't show. Read on Safe, Non Toxic Face Paint Recipes for Halloween 

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

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

George Gershwin 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Summertime'

George and Ira Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Summertime Coming to Grand Rapids Opera
George and Ira Gershwin gave us some of the best jazz songs and musical jazz operas. Gershwin's sizzling hot orgy and Bess, with its haunting song Summertime is coming to Grand Rapids Opera at Devos Hall, April 30 and May 1.
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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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