Are you a teacher looking to bring your curriculum alive? Choosing the right play is the first step for any performing arts or classroom teacher, and also the most difficult step in the process.
Plays can be used in many settings and with little, or no, budget. Take for instance lower school ELA. Reader’s theater scripts can be used during ELA to practice fluent reading. In middle school humanities switch out your photocopied Greek Myth for a scene study. If you give kids a piece of fabric to drape over their clothes they are suddenly transformed into that character. If you bring an object from home and tell students it will be used a prop your wooden spoon is suddenly a sword. A cardboard box has more uses than you can imagine.
However, choosing the right play is about more than just finding one that fits thematically within the curriculum. Large class sizes, engaging content, and a range of characters are common challenges. I have read countless reader’s theater scripts that have barnyard animals as the main characters and that can get a little tiring.
Ready to get started? Here is some guiding criteria that will help you think about play selection.
Reader's theater scripts are readily available online. They cover a wide range of topics, genres, and grade levels. You can often find scripts for large and small cast sizes. When it comes to reader's theater I typically care more about the length of the play. Students can alternate or share parts since these are often used for practicing fluency.
If you happen to have a budget (lucky you!) and are putting on a play for an audience, many play licensing companies have a children's theater division. Often, for musicals, they will let you order a free perusal script which allows you to read through the play before making a commitment. You cannot make copies of the script and/or perform the play without acquiring the licensing rights. I used to work for a play publishing company. Don't do it. Trust me. Some of the big publishing houses are MTI, Samuel French, Dramatist Play Service, Play Scripts, and Heartland Plays.
So you've done a google search, you've read all the reader's theater scripts, you contacted the above publishing companies, and you're still scratching your head. What now? Write your own play! I've done this using children's literature as my source and inspiration. The George and Martha series is one of my favorites. They are short stories about two best friends. I can easily perform 5-6 "plays" in one class period alternating who plays George and Martha. My students (of all ages) go bananas for this.
I hope you these ideas helpful as you begin your search. Do you need more help choosing a play? Reach out to us now for assistance with finding a play or building your theater program.
Happy Play Hunting!
Ms.Rybnick
Eve Rybnick is a full-time teacher in Brooklyn. She works with Ana Appel Education Consulting on a part-time basis in the evenings and weekends. She is available to consult on topics such as theater education, specials programs, and building joy in the classroom.