Recycled Theatre Crafts, Props, Set Design

Recycled materials work great for theatre props, sets and even costumes. These items are expensive, but you can make them cheap or free. I've written, directed and produced three children's plays. I've taught school for years. I've organized Sunday School and VBS crafts. I've taught and led groups in public, charter, parochial and home-schooling settings. I've organized and led activities for scouting, religious groups, daycare, special interest clubs and more. I've never found any group that was rolling in funds. Economy and resourcefulness were always a must. With that in mind, here is a great idea for using that recycling bin, which will just pack a landfill anyway. You'll be amazed at your savings in suppliesRecycled Theatre Crafts, Props, Set Design Dioramas
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Greg Pritchard 'Britain's Got Talent' Male Soprano Counter

Britain's Got Talent is getting a reputation for landing some surprise vocal talent and Greg Pritchard is one such find. This article is a few years old. I wrote it when Pritchard first appeared. But I called it then that the male soprano would turn heads and he still is. BGT has a lot to answer for, with their talent treasure finds.  First shy Paul Potts sang impeccable opera. Then frumpy Susan Boyle did Les Mis as well as Elaine Paige. Now young eye-linered, leathered Greg Pritchard sings counter-tenor, aka male soprano. Interestingly, he chose the Paul Potts audition piece "Nessun Dorma," from the opera Turandot, for his audition.

BGT judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan gaped and looked confused as Pritchard began his song in flawless first soprano. I'm second soprano and can't hit notes like this kid can. The emcees muttered between themselves, wagering whether Greg could pull off the astral notes toward end. And by golly, Pritchard not only touched it, he nailed it--repeatedly--in perfect pitch.

The 24 year-old hotel waiter from Wales looks no more like an opera singer than chubby, crooked toothed, sloppily dressed Paul Potts did in his audition. Sporting dyed-black, wedge-spiked hair, lots of guyliner, a little chin tuft, cowboy boots and black leather, I was expecting The Ramones or maybe something from Rent. None expected opera and definitely not pristine Baroque soprano opera. Greg Pritchard 'Britain's Got Talent' Male Soprano Counter -Tenor

Purim Spiel--Act out the Megillah

Mazel Tov! In 2013, February 24-25 (14 Adar in the Hebrew calendar) celebrates Purim in the Jewish faith. Hebrews celebrate Queen Esther and Mordechai's courage defending their people exiled in Persia from King Ahasuerus and Haman. Here are resources for Jews and gentiles to explore Purim and embrace the holiday more deeply. Why not act out the Megillah story in your Jewish school? There are links in the article for ideas. Kids will love dressing in Bible costumes and retelling the story. Be sure to make some of the graggers (paper noisemakers) for booing Haman! Mazel Tov! Activities to Celebrate Queen Esther and Purim

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 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